Shippo-yaki (Japanese Cloisonne), 8/3,4,10,11/13

I have seen Linda's shippo-yaki and I am impressed. I saved her piece for the end.

(Instructor) Sensei comes from Japan and was here for 2 weekends. So the last 2 weekends, I was in class from 10-4 both Saturdays and Sundays.

Day 1…

Before doing shippo-yaki, us beginners did enameling. Enameling is applying finely grounded color glass onto prepared metal and then firing it in the kiln. The enamel could not be applied on too thick or too thin and too wet or too dry. We could choose 4  copper pieces and here are my finished pieces.

Day 2...
Shippo-yaki, we prepared a 2"x2" copper piece. It was a challenge to come up with a design since we had to use flat silver wire and glue it onto the piece. The wire kept falling down, uggh. So my homework for the following weekend was to glue all my wire shapes.

This side view shows that the wire was touching the surface - important to prevent the colors from mixing with each other.

Day 3…

Enamel applied but only half way.

After the first baking

 More color added, after second baking the colors got darker

I had to add more enamel until it came up to the top edge of the silver wires. The colors I added were a little different - to mute the original colors. However, I am not sure if I should have done that. 

Day 4…
I now had to use a file to smooth out the enamel. My classmates were laughing as the sound of my filing sounded like a machine.

 Whew, here was my final piece.

Drum roll, I present to you Linda's piece. Although she has more experience than me - she is probably one of the few students who enjoys the wiring.  Good thing,  don't you think this is outstanding?

She too worked at smoothing out her piece.

Will I continue this? Yes, I will take another class. Sensei comes twice a year. I prepared a 4"x4" copper piece and have 6 months to come up with a design and glue all the silver wire.  Thanks again Linda for introducing me to this.

Fireworks and Bon Dance, 8/2 and 8/3/13

I had a fun weekend making pictures. 

Friday, August 2 - Fireworks from Magic Island with Gary and Linda.

Using my tripod- MeFoto A1350, I practiced a slow shutter speed to get this effect of smooth water. This was taken around 7:15 pm.

I have to admit - it is hard to take pictures of fireworks. If fireworks are taken too quickly they are specks of color and if taken too long they are over exposed. Whew, at least I got these although I wish I had done better.

Saturday, I enjoyed going to a Bon Dance. This festival is to remember those who have passed away.  The musicians are on  a "yagura" which is a high wooden scaffold which the dancers dance around. Depending on the music - sometimes the dance goes clockwise and vice versa.

I used the monopod of the MeFoto tripod. Milton S. thanks for informing me about this terrific tripod.

I think the light on the lady's face could have come from someone's flash. 

 As you can see, the drummers were below the yagura.

Before leaving, Erick and I had to have shave ice. Their shave ice was shaved so fine and the flavors were delicious - I had dreamsicle and strawberry cream.