Beginner's Guide to Enamelling: Amazon.co.uk: Dorothy Cockrell: Books

Review

This is a full colour 64 page perfect beginner s book. The information that it contains is practical, simple and precise. It is laced with subtle humor such as in the introduction, Enamelling can be done on the end of the kitchen table with the kiln sitting on top of the kitchen stove. Just remember that enamel is powdered glass, so it is not advisable to cook dinner at the same time. At this point she directs the reader to the safety rules found on page 12. Explanations are short and do not contain extraneous words, but every word is necessary and helps to complete an important thought. Ms. Cockrell always gives a reason for a certain rule, safety precaution, or procedure. It is easier to remember the rule when we are told why we are cautioned to do a certain thing rather than just being told to do it. And the reasons are always on the same page as the procedure so the reader does not need to turn a page to find out why it should be remembered. The book begins with the necessary tools and equipment safety concerns, enamel colors, and a few other materials that can be used to complete projects. Alternatives are always given to the more expensive bought equipment. Once in awhile a British term will appear in the book that causes a quick re-read such as an old fish slice. Everything that a beginning enamellist will experience is completely explained with as few words as possible. I was particularly touched by a statement explaining the difference between opaque and transparent enamel that is so simple yet so memorable for a beginning enamellist Three quarters of the book is devoted to projects, but each project has been chosen as a learning experience, from stenciling through more advanced procedures. In the stenciling process Ms. Cockrell even tells how to hold the stencil paper so that the enamel powder does not fall off as the paper is removed. On each page is a green tip square which further explains a particular procedure. Toward the end of the book Ms. Cockrell explains the difference between hard and soft enamel and offers some great processes to understand this difference. It is interesting that she waited until the near end before she mentioned the firing difference in some enamels, but by doing so she did not muddy the learning waters and also supplied a wonderful way to become aware of and use this difference. The book is a comfortable read from the very beginning and somewhere along the way Ms. Cockrell becomes a friend who knows some things that we may have forgotten or never knew. She deserves a place on your booksheIf as an instructor and as a friend. --Diane Montag from The Vitreous Voice Journal of Enamel Guild West, California

Product Description

Dorothy Cockrell encourages readers to enjoy the delights of this exciting and gratifying craft. Offering easy step-by-step photographs and instructions, she guides the reader through all the different techniques, illustrating how beautiful and unusual effects can be achieved once the basic principles have been learnt. She discusses how to prepare the metal, choosing and mixing colours and firing methods. More advanced techniques are also included: stencilling, drawing on enamel, sgrafitto, using rubber stamps, working with gold and silver leaf, and more. You can make jewellery, decorate boxes, create pictures, embellish bowls and produce many unique designs. The vibrant colours and wonderful textures will make you want to experiment and develop your own projects. Packed with stimulating and innovative ideas, this book will appeal to beginners who want to start a fascinating new craft, and it will also inspire anyone interested in the art of enamelling.

Customer Reviews

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

7 reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars

Write a customer review

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

Perfect start 1 Jan 2007

By L. M. Glazzard

Format:Paperback

This is a really excellent book, the projects are clear and informative and each one is well illustrated. It introduces a wide variety of techniques in a way that is easy to understand and shows inspiring pieces of work alongside. I would highly recommend this book

Comment |

Was this review helpful to you?

Yes

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

A Great Buy 23 July 2008

By Ms. S. R. Himpleman

This is a great book. I almost didn't buy it as it's only 64 pages long and I thought it couldn't really cover the subject in much detail (the other good reviews changed my mind). I was surprised at how much information is packed into this book. It covers all the main enamelling techniques in easy to follow projects. A perfect book for beginners.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful

Amazing and insiprational book 18 Aug 2006

By Mrs. Zoe Liddle

I had done a very short course on enamelling and bought this book to see if it was worth investing in a kiln. Cockrell explains a variety of techniques in a clear and open manner showing you how to get result with a number of projects. She also shows how enamelling artist have used these techniques in their work. Lovely photo's too!