Guest Jeweller - Katie Sanderson
Once a month (ish), I’ll be inviting a special guest jeweller to The Studio, to share their work, and run a workshop to share some of their amazing skills, and what could be better for December than some colour! I’m so happy to be welcoming Katie Sanderson, enameler extraordinaire, to The Studio on the 15th of December. Here’s what she had to say in answer to my guest blog questions…
What made you decide to become an enamelist?
My Mum introduced me to it and when I moved away from home she packed me off with a kiln, a set of enamel powers and enough tools to get me started. I played with it and over time became addicted to it. I’m not the most patient person and would happily be like a butterfly going from one interest to another but I got hooked on the pace and transformation of enamelling.
Where did you train?
I’m self taught but with a huge amount of support and inspiration from my mum who encouraged me to come along to her enamelling workshops help her a little and learn loads. I went on to explore the techniques and find my own way with them. Enamelling is such a playful craft that you can find your own methods and processes that give you even more unique effects.
What’s on your bench right now?
I’m currently bashing copper with some lovely hammers to create loads of texture for the light to bounce off. These will be enamelled with transparent enamels and just a touch of opaque it’s a technique I’m looking forward to sharing at the studio very soon!
What’s your favourite thing to make/work with and why?
The range of unleaded enamels available now is incredible. Too many to mention but I do have some favourites that I’m always finding in my work. Recently I keep using teal, spring green, dark blue, and ivory. Produced in the UK by W.G. Ball they’re so vivid.
What’s your least favourite thing to make/work with and why?
Small fiddly pieces, like stud earrings. I have a little natural shake which doesn’t go well when trying to balance powder on a tiny piece of copper.
Any big plans for the future?
I’m really looking forward to bringing my kiln to the studio soon and running a couple of enamelling workshops. If they go down well there’s a whole world of possibilities for further enamelled jewellery workshops. There are so many enamelling techniques that can be applied to jewellery and I’d love to share them.
What do you like to do when you’re not making?
I spend as much time as I can in the Forest walking the dog, exploring with the family and bike riding. It’s definitely one of my happy places, that and my own studio of course.
If you’d like to find out more about Katie’s beautiful work, her website is www.katiesanderson.co.uk
