How to use Silkscreens for Enameling

How to use Silkscreens for Enameling

by | May 21, 2023 | For Makers

Use Silkscreens to Add Interest to your Enamels

Details matter. You can create intricate details in just a few short steps by using silkscreens to layer color with enamel. Follow these quick steps.

“ It’s attention to detail that makes the difference between average and stunning.“

~Francis Atterbury

How to use silkscreens with enamels a silkscreen and an enameled square

Prepare Your Blank

Create a blank by sifting and firing two layers of enamel onto a piece of prepared copper. I often create many blanks at a time and use them when the design mood strikes. That way when I’m designing, I’m ready to go.

How to Use the Silkscreen with Enamels

  • Place enamel on a piece of paper on a flat surface
  • Place 4 coins (or supports as high as the enamel) where the 4 corners of the frame will sit
  • Place the screen on those 4 supports
  • Sprinkle some enamel towards the top of the screen
  • Gently press down on the two top corners with one hand while at the same time 
  • Take a plastic card (like a credit card) and scrape the enamel towards the other end of the screen (only do this once) 
  • Gently lift the screen off the enamel
  • Fire the enamel 
  • Gently dust off the excess enamel from the screen
enameling and silkscreens how to use silkscreens with an image of silkscreens

A Video Demonstration

Start Designing Now

I’ve designed each individual screen. There are so many possibilities with each screen. Here are a few you can choose from. Click on the image to buy yours to start creating.

Mandala Enamel Pendant using Silkscreens for design
The All-Seeing Lotus Hamsa Enamel Trinket Dish on an altar
Raven's Secrets Unveiled Enamel Trinket Dish
A final note, a space in which to create these pieces that honors quality, peacefulness and attention to detail is a must. You can get my quick reference guide on creating a sacred space when you sign up for my email. Join me in bringing forth beauty into this world.
How to Commission A Piece of Jewelry

How to Commission A Piece of Jewelry

by | May 15, 2023 | Marianne's Musings

Do You Dream of Commissioning Jewelry?

Have you ever considered commissioning a piece of jewelry to be made specifically for you? Have you wanted to commission a piece but had no idea where to start? Here are some tips and tricks on assuring you have a wonderful experience and get the piece you want.

“Jewelry has the power to be the one little thing that makes you feel unique“

~Elizabeth Taylor

Woman thrilled and celebrating her win of the moment

Follow These Simple Steps When Commissioning a Jeweler

  • Get clear on what it is you want. Collect images of pieces that appeal to you.
  • Find a jeweler who works in the style you like. Don’t just hire a jeweler because the said they make jewelry. Hire them because they create pieces that speak to your aesthetic.
  • Be explicit in your vision.

Setting Appropriate Expectations

  • Confirm that the materials that will be used are what you want. Don’t expect the jeweler to work with materials they’ve never used before.
  • Make sure both parties are clear on the size of the finished piece. If you’re commissioning a ring, make sure you know your size. 
  • Get clear on the price for the finished piece.
A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered

Establish Clear Communication

  • Get clear on the timeline. How long will it take once the contract is signed. Make sure both parties agree to the timeline.
  • The jeweler will probably ask for a non-refundable 1/2 down to start and then 1/2 down upon completion. 
  • Some jewelers will share photos while the piece is being made, some won’t. Know what your jeweler will do.
create a sacred space to welcome creativity.

Can Revisions Be Made

  • In some cases, minor adjustments can be made along the way. First, know if your jeweler will make those revisions before they start the project and secondly, determine how many revisions can be made. Some people don’t allow any while some may allow one or two.

Have A Successful Experience

Consequently, Be sure to follow these steps so the process can be enjoyable for both you and the jeweler. And, then ask for a commissioned piece. There is nothing like having a piece of jewelry make just for you! I know! I’ve had many pieces made for me and I’ve made many for other people! 

If you’re interested in commissioning me to make you a piece, please reach out. Here are some commissions from happy customers.

A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered
Flow chart showing the steps in finding and hiring a jeweler for a custom piece of jewelry.

Have A Successful Experience

Consequently, Be sure to follow these steps so the process can be enjoyable for both you and the jeweler. And, then ask for a commissioned piece. There is nothing like having a piece of jewelry make just for you! I know! I’ve had many pieces made for me and I’ve made many for other people! 

If you’re interested in commissioning me to make you a piece, please reach out. Here are some commissions from happy customers.

A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered
Enamel pendant of lotus, moons, and a sun set in sterling silver with hoops and a 14k gold moon bail
Enamel Woman in Frame with silver over her eyes
Silver Ganesh with Enameled Purple Lotus and Aqua backdrop
Knowing how to care for that special piece of jewelry is a must. Sign up for my email to get your free Enamel Care Guide. Write to me to commission your piece of jewelry.

Ideas for Celebrating the Small Wins

Ideas for Celebrating the Small Wins

by | May 12, 2023 | Marianne's Musings

Do You Celebrate Your Small Wins?

Do you acknowledge your own accomplishments? Have you noticed that you persevered through something that was difficult and came out okay? Remember that you’re worth celebrating?

“Celebrate your life, you are your own light.“

~ Lailah Gifty Akita

Woman thrilled and celebrating her win of the moment

Celebrating the Early Milestones

Every little milestone that a baby reaches, there is often a little celebration. Parents cheer at first step, a first word, a first smile, a first year….

However, once those firsts are achieved, we begin to take things for granted and quit noticing the small accomplishments. We start depending on holidays to tell us when to celebrate.

Losing the Celebratory Feeling

I’m not really sure how it happened, but as our kids were growing up, we started celebrating anything and everything. We celebrated the end of a school year, finishing a hard test (the grade not being a factor), a store saying yes to carry my jewelry, and finishing hard training runs. These are just a few celebrations that I remember off the top of my head. Are you getting the picture?

A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered

Decide to Honor the Small Wins

At first, it was my idea to celebrate the accomplishment, but eventually the idea was integrated into everyone’s thinking. So, when something noteworthy would happen, the person would say, “I just did such and such” let’s celebrate! Then they would tell us all how they wanted to celebrate and we would!

create a sacred space to welcome creativity.

Sharing the Tradition with Others

The other day my son’s girlfriend just finished her final and my son told her they needed to celebrate. She loved the concept but didn’t buy into it right away, but my son insisted that they do something special to acknowledge her hard work. They did and her achievement became even more special.

Toot that Horn Loudly

Evidently, it really is up to us to toot our own horns. If we don’t notice that we do well at something, who will? This mindset starts a search for the little things that can become big things. It brings gratitude into your heart.

What do you do to celebrate? Well that’s up to you? What do you love? What do you enjoy? What do you consider a treat? Nature? Coffee (in the sunshine at a boho shop – can you tell that’s one of mine?) A cool piece of jewelry? A trinket for your home? A plant for your garden commemorating the achievement? Can you see, it doesn’t have to be grandiose – just a yay! you did it!

Since I just planted this seed, how are you going to celebrate your next small win? You may even want to treat yourself with one of these pieces. Click on the image to claim one as yours

A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered
Enamel pendant of lotus, moons, and a sun set in sterling silver with hoops and a 14k gold moon bail
Locket with enamel flowers
Sacred Geometry Spiral Goddess Enamel Earrings
Having a space in which to center yourself before, during and after any task can be so useful. You can get my quick reference guide on creating a sacred space when you sign up for my email. Join me in celebrating all of our wins.
Quality Matters My Mom Said So

Quality Matters My Mom Said So

by | May 8, 2023 | Marianne's Musings

Can You Really Tell if it is a Quality Piece?

Details matter. You know how you can just tell when something is well made? Or, you can tell when there has been alot of attention put into all of the details?

“If a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.“

~Chinese Proverb

A disorganized space filled with clutter adding to the chaos and stress of your life

Let Me Tell You A Story

My mother used to sew all of our clothes when I was young. It was primarily to save money, but it also was a passion of hers. I appreciated her efforts, but it wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized the gift she gave to us.

Not only did she make beautiful things, but she also took the time to make them as perfect as she possibly could. Over and over I would hear her say that the inside matters as much as the outside. We literally could have worn our clothing inside out because of her attention to detail..

Her Wisdom Echoes as I Create

That philosophy has resonated with me since that time. I think it’s a perfect metaphor for how to be as a person, how to live a life, and how to do whatever it is we love to do. For me, I really love to bring it into the pieces that I create.

Details matter. Details show a level of care for the process of creation. Details honor the craft.

A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered

Like Attracts Like

As I continue to navigate my creative journey, I have come across people who also have my mother’s philosophy. Maybe it’s because her words are ingrained in my cells that I vacillate towards these people. Now, their words have also joined my mother’s to echo in my mind as I give attention to whatever is in front of me.

My dear enameling teacher said, “If you’re not going to do it well, why bother.” My amazing silversmithing teacher says, “Take the time to do it right because it matters.” I carry these words in my heart and let them cloak the process as I create each piece.

create a sacred space to welcome creativity.

Giving Myself a Break

If I find I’m tired, or am struggling, I’ve learned to put the work away for another day. If I want to skip a step because (again I’m tired), I stop and put it away. The wisdom of these women have reinforced the idea that creating a piece with every step being the most important has led me to care even more about the beauty I bring into the world.

Everything Matters

The backs of my work matter to me as much as the front (like my mom said). The details are added with love. I feel like it is a gift from me to the person wearing a piece – from my heart to theirs.

I hope that the wisdom of these women can resonate with you like it did with me.

Here are a few pieces (front and back) for you to see. Click on the image to claim one as yours

A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered
The All-Seeing Lotus Hamsa Enamel Trinket Dish on an altar
Raven's Secrets Unveiled Enamel Trinket Dish
A final note, caring for these pieces that honors quality, peacefulness and attention to detail is a must. You can get my quick reference guide on how to care for your enamel jewelry when you sign up for my email. Join me in bringing forth beauty into this world.

Reducing the Clutter Increasing the Calm

Reducing the Clutter Increasing the Calm

by | Apr 26, 2023 | Marianne's Musings

Is it Possible to Reduce Clutter to Increase Calm?

Aaaarrrrgggghhhhhhh! I’m stressed, I’m overwhelmed! I can’t seem to relax! I want to be organized. Do any of those things sound familiar to you?

“In the never-ending battle between order and chaos, clutter sides with chaos every time. Anything that you possess that does not add to your life or your happiness eventually becomes a burden.“

~John Robbins

A disorganized space filled with clutter adding to the chaos and stress of your life

Our Environments Play A Role In Stress

Years ago, I went through a huge purge of things in my home. My friend and I were reading Denise Linn’s “Sacred Space: Clearing and Enhancing the Energy of Your Home” where she focused on how the things that surround us can affect our state of mind and well being. At the time, I didn’t think I had much clutter. But, yeah, I was wrong, lol.  As we started decluttering our homes, I realized, I was just really organized. I still had a lot of clutter. I discovered I kept things out of obligation, yet they did not bring me joy. I kept things because I thought I would eventually get to a particular project, but deep down, I knew I never would. I kept things because I thought my kids would want them when they grew older. I kept things because I didn’t think I was good enough to use them yet (read more about that in my blog post about wearing the good jewelry here).

Every day my friend and I would each commit to tackle just one room in our respective homes (to avoid overwhelm). I donated office clothes to women’s shelters. I donated books to adult reading places. I donated toys to shelters. We got creative on how we were donating our things which made the process much more enjoyable. And of course, sadly, some things went to the landfill.

Fast forward to a Lighter Space

After several weeks of diligent work, we were done. Our homes only contained things that were functional or that fed our spirits. Everything that was left in my home brought me pleasure in some fashion.

Fun story… A friend came over one day and walked in and said, “I don’t know what you have done here because everything looks the same, but your home feels lighter to me!” It did! It wasn’t weighed down with obligations and stuff that carried those obligations. It really was lighter!

A woman relaxing in her calm space after she has decluttered

Keeping It That Way

Ever since that time, I’ve committed to only bringing things into my home that make me happy or calm (or they’re a functional necessity). I also created a policy that for every thing I bring in, I must also release something out into the world. I literally can go from room to room and smile as something that I love will catch my eye and bring me a level of pleasure I didn’t realize I could find. I also have a sense of calm because I’m not always thinking I need to get to that thing that I said I would do a zillion years ago knowing full well I won’t get to it.

Hand Painted Enameled symbolic trinket dishes to help organize a cluttered space

Trinket Dishes

Part of my commitment to myself is to continue to hold space for artfully created pieces. I love the idea of functional art. I also am so in love with tiny things that hold other tiny things. It’s why I am compelled to create trinket dishes. I have several and they are placed throughout my home. Some are only for aesthetics and some are functionally aesthetic. But, what I know for sure is that they add to the uplifted, light energy that my home still carries.

I’ve recently created a few highly symbolic, energy infused enamel trinket dishes to my site. Every one is hand shaped and painted with enamels. The vibrant, permanent colors are layered and fired in my kiln meaning they won’t fade over time. You can find what is currently available here. Which one wants to come live in your sacred space with you? Click on the image to shop.

The All-Seeing Lotus Hamsa Enamel Trinket Dish on an altar
Ideas for using trinket dishes in your home
Raven's Secrets Unveiled Enamel Trinket Dish
Having a space in which you can get quiet to make these connections is a must. Do you want to know how to create one for yourself? Sign up to get my free guide on how to create your own sacred space.
How I Got to Enjoy Meditation

How I Got to Enjoy Meditation

by | Apr 17, 2023 | Marianne's Musings

Let’s Talk About that Dirty Word Meditation

Join me for a journey to learn how I got to enjoy mediation. I will start this conversation off by saying that meditation felt like a dirty word to me. I absolutely hated when any person said that meditating was good for me. I couldn’t do it for the life of me.

“Allow everything to be as it is.“

~Adyshanti

Channeling the energy through walking or movement

Channeling the Energy

To start with, let me tell you, I have the energy of a hummingbird. I flit around from here to there continually. I feel so bad for my husband when we are on any kind of road trip because I’m continually wiggling in my seat. Even my medium of choice, enameling, lets me continually move because I’m getting out of my seat every two minutes to put things in and out of the kiln.

So, when I tried seated meditations, I failed miserably. The only way I could force myself to sit was when a friend and I challenged one another to meditate for 21 days. Because it became a contest and I was bound and determined to win. I laugh because it was a contest of wills rather than a settling into oneself.

Fast forward to self-acceptance

Years ago this same friend and I attended a workshop by Adyshanti. He often said, “Allow everything to be as it is.” At the time, I didn’t quite understand what he meant. Now, I finally do. Part of allowing things to be as they are is allowing my hummingbird energy to be. I quit trying to fight it. I embraced that is how I am. Instead of trying to be a silent, watchful owl I owned my quick buzzing demeanor.

I began to notice that I DO meditate, but not in the way that I thought it was supposed to look. Quite often my meditations happen while walking. Sometimes I find it happening while mindlessly drawing patterns. I often find myself running my fingers over a talisman I’m wearing not realizing that thoughts are just flowing through me.

Finding Self-acceptance by acknowledging who you are

Allowing Everything (Including Me) to be as it is

What I learned is that there is some part of my body that needs to move. The thoughts can flow through while the energy of the body gets an outlet. It happened by accident, but all of those preconceived notions fell away through acceptance.

Now I understand what Adyshanti means when he says “allow everything to be as it is” because part of my is-ness is movement.

Spinning Mandala Talisman Pendants

Mandala Talismans

And, all of this has lead to a new series of mandala inspired, fidget-worthy pendants. They’re reversible because they spin. They’re tactile because they have both texture and smoothness (from the enamel). And, if I don’t say so myself, they’re pretty (lol). Follow the links to purchase. Namaste

Wear the Good Jewelry

by | Apr 13, 2023 | Marianne's Musings

Are we supposed to save the good stuff?

When I was young, I noticed that my mom would buy things for herself but not use them. She would save them so she could have something nice for some future point in time. At the time, I thought it was odd because when I got new things, I wore them as soon as I got home!

“The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.“

~Louis E. Boone

Wearing the good jewelry while hiking in the snow

Bad Patterns Carried Forward

Fast forward to adulthood where I discovered I needed to pursue a creative passion. I started watercoloring. I got my supplies and bought me some “good” paper. For those of you who are curious, the Arches brand is known for being “good” and what great watercolorists use (or so I was told).

I didn’t think I was skilled enough to use the “good” paper. I worked at my skill and created on anything but the good paper. Fast forward some more where I decided to pursue my ultimate passion of enameling. I set my brushes aside and pursued this passion with a fervor. Meanwhile, the “good” paper sat untouched in it’s cellophane package. I kept it for many more years thinking that one day, I’d be inspired and skilled enough to paint the masterpiece that the good paper deserved.

Don't Wait another day, get it out of the vault
Where it wherever you are

And I Waited Too Long

Well, guess what, I just recently donated the good paper to a local high school art department. I never even opened the paper. I never even dare try. It was at that moment that I realized that keeping things in such a sacred position meant that I would never be good enough to utilize them. It was a ridiculous way of thinking.

Everything is Sacred and Nothing is Sacred

I now treat all of the materials I use as sacred yet I also treat my muse as sacred and if she wants to use the “good” materials, we use them. If we ruin a creation (which we have), we chalk it up to a learning experience. But I no longer hold anything so sacred that my life will pass me by while it is still in the cellophane wrapper.

Finally Free

Finally, I feel the same way about wearing the “good” jewelry. In all honesty, I rarely (if ever) go to events that warrant wearing “good” jewelry. But, at the same time, I love good jewelry. )For me, good jewelry is artful and well made with quality materials.)

I wear the “good” jewelry to Pilates, grocery shopping, hiking, snowshoeing, and just laying around reading a book. I wear it with shorts and tank tops as well as dresses and slacks. I wear it to coffee shops and fancy eating establishments. I don’t wait. I don’t save it for that perfect moment. Follow the below links to purchase

Are You Free?

Have you ever done something like this? I’d love to hear about it. I also encourage you to wear the good jewelry!!! Life is too short to let it sit in a drawer.

Bastet Enamel Pendant Brooch

Ancient Inspired

Sacred Geometry Spiral Goddess Enamel Earrings

Goddess Inspired

Enamel Cloisonne Ganesh with Ruby Pendant

Hindu Inspired

Creating a Sacred Space to Welcome Creativity

Creating a Sacred Space to Welcome Creativity

by | Apr 9, 2023 | Marianne's Musings

Inviting Her Into Your Home

Imagine being Creativity and wanting to visit someone who will be the vessel through which you bring ideas to life. What kind of space feels inviting to you? What kind of reception would you like? I treat my Creative Muse as an honored guest when I welcome her into my space. This is how I create a sacred space to welcome creativity.

“I can hear my muse whispering tenderly in my ear. There is a story that wants to be told, and I’m merely its chosen vessel.“

~Dipa Sanatani

Setting Up the Space

I start by lighting a candle and adding the appropriate essential oil into the diffuser. Some days I use soothing, calming oils; some days I use high energy oils. It all depends on how my muse is presenting herself. Then I clear off my work surfaces from any distracting debris; we both want plenty of room for her ideas to flow. I bring out various metal shapes along with my enamel color tiles. We both love letting the colors speak. Finally, I bring forth my tools. I store many of them in vessels created by other artists. Their creative energy comes through those pieces making the space even more inviting.

And then I get quiet…

Sometimes the quiet lasts for a long time as the muse looks at colors and shapes. Most of the time, though, the quiet is merely seconds before my muse is offering ideas. Sometimes I’m moving so quickly assuring I make note of all of the things she wants me to bring forth.

I Become Her Vessel

From that point, we work together. I often feel that this body is the vessel for her to pour her energies into. My hands become her hands and my eyes locate the components to allow her vision to come to life.

Remember Gratitude

Of course, after a session together, I thank her for visiting me and send her off with little tokens of love. I remind her she is always welcome. Below you can see some of our collaborations. Follow the links to purchase

Nature Inspired

Goddess Inspired

Metaphysical

Pin It on Pinterest