Current work explores the interaction between steel and jewellers’ enamel. These have been specifically designed to be applied to silver or copper, but some with experimentation can be used directly onto a specific type of steel substrate. The Images show recent work and inspirations. The results reflect much time developing the firing times for the enamels I wanted to use. This has involved basically rewriting the enameling rules for silver, copper and gold. Steel is a heat sink, it needs careful enamel firing times and slow cooling. Heat shocking will cause the enamel to flake off, and surface preparation is crucial to any success!
The yellow necklace was my first success after several experiments with firing temps, soak times, all completely different than for silver, copper or gold. This piece was inspired by peeling yellow paint on rusty grids surrounding a tank a a local quarry. I wanted to also combine a cheap material with a high value string of fair mined black diamonds to show the worth of steel isn’t simply its low cost.
To the right the necklace shows deliberate iron break through, a property of steel which I’ve ‘explored further with controlled rusting then sealed with a clear acrylic. This necklace was inspired by rusting machine parts found at the base of a discarded quarry site. Steel is the most sustainable material on the planet which is reflected by the addition of sustainable textiles including hand dyed recycled sari silk. Bottom left pendant shows more iron breakthrough and controlled rusting. Finally the earrings were inspired by a rusty tank with remains of blue paint that once covered it.

Natural processes of decay and regrowth, industrial processes such as quarrying and their effect on the landscape,
Environmental processes of renewal and regeneration of plants and wildlife in  disused industrial sites
Ancient processes used in making jewellery such as glass trade bead production, gold smelting and granulation. 
Impacts of environmental stressors on mental health and the ability to recover. 

I run regular workshops allowing you to to earn about and practise some of the techniques that I use.
Recent workshops have provided an introduction to enameling on copper, including scraffito, and stencils to introduce pattern. More advanced workshops include enameling on silver, using cloisonne  or painting enamels to create designs. Please contact me if you would like your own bespoke workshop!