Several weeks ago I was looking on craigslist and found a listing for a Paragon Kiln for sale. The woman only used it once and decided she didn’t want to learn how to fuse glass. So, for half the price of a new one, I purchased it. This is the exact model…..(Always look on craigslist for big ticket tools before purchasing new. I also purchased my Foredom Flex-Shaft from Craigslist, the woman never used it. Though, you also need to be careful of scammers).
Even though I have been having so much fun with Torched-Fire enameling, I was really interested in learning how to enamel with a kiln. With my torchrd-fire enamel experience and also doing my research and reading about kiln enameling,( the Art of Enameling), I was ready to give it a go. I was a little nervous about using a kiln, but my kiln-enameling buddies told me to just turn it on and do it.
This piece just came out of the kiln. It is so far from perfect, but it’s my first attempt and I am aware of what went wrong and will hopefully be able to correct. So, if you would like to follow-my progress, please check back.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Very neat!!!
I love the bangle and the color is so pretty
)
I can’t wait to see what else you make.
Practice makes perfect! Keep at it!!!
looks great to me… i know there is a lot i want to learn about the science of enameling… hadn’t thought of craigslist for things like that – thanks!
Are you sure that’s your first attempt?…looks great! No doubt you’ll have this licked in no time. What great finds…the kiln and the flexshaft.
Whoo! I love it! You are on a definite roll
Your first firing?….get out of town! That is beautiful…love the color!
Well, I think it looks great! I can’t believe it’s your first attempt. I need to check out Craig’s List because my kiln is heading out on it’s last legs right now. I’d never thought of it.
The bangle is great! Amazing!
Um, what’s wrong with it? I think it looks great!
Definitely check out craigslist. I just did a search, “craigslist paragon kilns SC2″ which was the kiln I was looking for. I got so lucky! I purchased out of state. The previous owners had it professionally packed so that it wouldn’t be damaged while shipped. You need to check everyday, because one day there’s nothing and the next your dream kiln or whatever it is one is looking for:)
You said it perfectly, the science of enameling. I’ve learned so much just from torch-enameling..I still have more to learn, but from this point on, through trial and error..
It looks fantastic to me! Way to go! So cool that you are doing enamel in the kiln. I want to try that out too – when I get my kiln hooked up – the wiring in this house is a little “risky” and my husband won’t let me use the kiln until he has put in separate wiring. I am hoping we will get that done during our vacation in August.
That is such a pretty bangle! Great job!
I would wear that in a heart beat! And it makes me want to play with enameling more. I am so bummed I had to miss Barbara’s workshop back in March. I can see a bangle like that dressed up in wire and glass!!
First attempt? Wow! Love that bangle, color and all. Very summery and fun. Love Craigslist!!!!
Jeanette, The bracelet is perfect in my eyes! Beautiful! You’re an inspiration!
I agree!! you did a great job!! This is my favorite color of green, is it Thompson’s and do you mind telling me which green it is?? I have a couple of greens and they aren’t close to this color you have.
I’ve really been enjoying your blog and all the cool things going on with you!!
~smiles~
Sharon
Hey Sharon, the color is Lichen…I think that’s how you spell it. The color from the other day was called Bitter. Yes, Thompson enamels.
YEAH!! Bravo Bravo!!