Post by Rachel Gazzard, Crimson 2

Alexandra using the Hydraulic Press

As the end of first semester is upon us, we've all been very busy getting ready to hand in finished projects and samples. We've been filling in our days with hydraulic pressing, welding, drill pressing, polishing, annealing, soldering and hammering to achieve the best results we can. It has been both a physically and conceptually exhausting two terms with incredible results that we are all very proud of. We now have raising and glass making to add to our always increasing technical knowledge and we're looking forward to adding photography to our repertoire next semester.

Claire annealing

(l-r) Vanessa on the linisher, and Mia drilling

Concept Realisation II - Cutlery

Post by Fairina Cheng, Indigo 2

Lisa Zhao

We spent most of term 1 slaving away over our cutlery projects – and it’s good to see all our hard work pay off.
On Friday, we spent the afternoon setting the works up in the exhibition space. It’s a wonder how different pieces look on a workbench (surrounded by scraps of emery paper and broken saw blades) compared to when they’re displayed on gleaming white plinths.

It was also the first time we had seen all our pieces as a collective, and as usual, there were a lot of comments, compliments and questions as we admired each other’s projects.

Our brief involved creating a set of cutlery (a knife, fork and spoon) using the techniques of hydraulic pressing and/or welding. It was a challenging assignment, but the exhibition definitely showcases a rewarding result!

clockwise from left, Sophie Lycakis, Alexandra Palacio-Barrera, Keiko Kimura

Glass Specialisation

Post by Vanessa Calingo, Indigo 2


While Crimson 2 is busy with their Raising, we have a relaxing Glass on Tuesdays. The specialisation class is taught by Jane Morrisey, who graduated with an Associate Diploma of Art (Glass) from the Australian National University. Jane is a wonderful teacher. She has been teaching us various glass techniques, and the safety procedures required when working with this amazing medium.

Glass Cutting Experiments (Before Fusing)















Glass is a versatile material. It has a lot of uses – from bottles to windows to lightings. It comes in a range of forms, colours, and sizes – rods or sheets, transparent or opaque. Our first project was to make brooches to show its versatility.

Fusing and Open Casting Samples

We learnt about the techniques of Fusing and Open Casting. We did tests on various types of glass to see which ones are compatible. It is better to use compatible glasses to prevent problems such as cracking. We made frit from float or bottle glass by using a hammer or mortar and pestle. We sculpted clay to make a refractory mould using a mixture of plaster, silica, and talc. We also used Bullseye Glass, which could be bought from the Tool Station or at the Australian Stained Glass Supplies in Leichhardt. To cut glass sheets, score a line using the oiled glass cutter then use the pliers to break it. To cut stringers and rods, use the cutting pliers. A dab of glue is applied for specific arrangements. We could also have metal inclusions in our work. For the finishing, we learnt the techniques of Polishing, Sandblasting, Drilling, and Engraving.



Pate de Verre Experiments (Before Firing)















Colour is all around us. It can influence our emotions, change our actions, and cause reactions. For the second project, we made a series of wearable or one wearable using a variation in a series to show how an emotional response from our own experience could be captured in colour.

Pate de Verre Bowls

We learnt Pate de Verre, which is the technique of applying a paste of finely ground glass, using tools such as paint brushes, spatulas or barbeque sticks, to the surface of a refractory mould then fired. This technique allows us to make hollow pieces, and apply colours in a precise manner. The end result is a fine and delicate glass with a granular texture. We could either make our own frits by crushing then sieving the glass or simply buy grinded ones, which contain no impurities. Frits are available in standard granulations but the fine grade works the best.




















Jane Doing a Demonstration on Flameworking
We are currently learning on how to do Flameworking using torches. We did experiments on making marbles using glass rods, and making vessels using tubes. Our next project is to make a neckpiece that conveys a certain message, and we are looking forward to it.

And don’t forget to check out our cutlery, made for Concept Realisation 2, exhibited outside the workshop!

So much to do...

Post by Jenny Fahey.


Second Year has been hard at work…

Making rings with computer programme Rhino – these are the wax models printed from our Term 1 ring designs. Some have now gone to be cast in silver…




Synclastically forming bangles with the hydraulic press…

And flameworking glass…

and only 4 weeks left this semester!!!

stage one eggcup breakfast

Post by Kinah Choi, Crimson 1 + Georgia Grant, Indigo 1

12th of May, 2011, this morning we had big BIG breakfast .
First year’s first project was an eggcup.
Finally they are on display and we were having our soft boiled eggs surrounded by “preciously made eggcups.” Of course we wouldn’t dare to use our precious eggcup for eggs! :)
I felt it was like a family breakfast. We see each other every weekday, we might see each other more often than real family. So it WAS a family breakfast.
We all love craftsmanship pieces in workshop…. Therefore we prepared our gourmet homemade food for the breakfast... lovely food, lovely people and lovely eggcups!! Good job, everybody!!

We are all looking forward to having suki, sabi, wabi breakfast soon.

Kinah

With the egg cups behind us, this week we were treated to a bit of soldering and a delicious breakfast. A congratulations to Ki who was busy having a beautiful baby girl and a thank you to Chris who taught both Indigo and crimson the art of the solder. Afternoon came and Catherine rustled everyone up to display their egg cups and set up the big breakfast, food duties aside the egg cups looked just incredible.
The big breakfast! - what a spread (pun intended)
A special effort made by everyone saw more hours spent cooking the night before than the total amount of emerying the collective group had ever done. yum doesn't do it justice. With some lovely words from all the teachers and of course Somboon everyone ones spirits (and optimism) were lifted for another term. My favourite week yet.

Georgia

Raising with Crimson 2

Post be Leah Dawkins, Crimson 2

If you thinking about getting back in shape why not raise a beaker!
Raising is the shaping of metal from a flat sheet into a hollow form by using certain designed
hammers (raising and plannishing hammers) and stakes.
This is the challenge that Crimson 2 have been set for our specialisation class with Radka Passianova.

Dat hard at work in the hammer room.

Based on a chosen cocktail (that we extensively researched on the weekends) we are required to design and raise a beaker and a stirrer to accompany it. Here is an example of a few different beakers from our class.

3 different beakers

One term down and I have finished raising and plenishing and am currently cleaning the inside using a wooden steak covered in emery paper and the lathe.

Leah on the lathe

Blisters and all I can say that it’s been hard work so far but very rewarding and a very useful insight to the way metal works through hammering.

Stage 2, Term 2

Posted by Rose Boddam-Whetham, Crimson 2

As the Easter holidays finish, the Second Year Jewellery Design students are catapulted into Autumn, and are all busy trying to finish the cutlery project. This was a very challenging brief, due to having to use the hydraulic press and TIG welding techniques. I chose to use stainless steel and wood in my piece. My concept was based around ancient Aboriginal utensils and their connection toward today's contemporary world. Most people are happy with the outcome of their work and believe they have gained valuable knowledge that they will be able to use in their next project, which is due to begin any day now.

I'm very excited for this to begin as I'm looking forward to developing my welding techniques. The next brief is very open, leaving space for the imagination to explore the many levels of consciousness associated with the past and present. Stay tuned for the goings on withing the world of Enmore Jewellery and Objects. Cheers.