





Notes: Nurture Series
I'm experimenting with a technique Keith Lewis demonstrated at the Enamelist Conference 2022. These pieces use 22K gold leaf over a base coat of opaque cobalt blue. I use needle tools to scratch through the leaf to produce a drawing with delicate lines, and different tools create a variety of marks. A small glass brush will remove the excess gold leaf in the negative space. This technique is predictable and has good results. The only issue can be small air pockets trapped under the leaf. I scratch through most areas to prevent this. Once the leaf is glued to the enamel, you can spend several days working on the drawing. No need to rush the fusing.


This piece was created using porcelain, fine silver, cloisonné wire, and Thompson enamels. I etched a lovely skeleton under the enamel but had some issues with the fire polish.
Note: fine silver etches faster than sterling or copper. (10 min
Note: it is better to fire polish something from the back side. Place the piece up against a fire brick at an angle and heat with a fluffy torch. The front will be cleaner and more luminous.
The sea green color in the negative space is definitely one of my favorites, and mixing the opaque white with the translucent colors was very effective in the pelvic region.
Also, having a blast with my new Cricut. Thank you Harlan Butt for your fabulous workshop at Arrowmont, and the Enamelist Society Conference was truly amazing. Also, thank you to Keith Lewis and his incredible gold leaf technique.
Cant' wait until Little Rock.