About Us
Cande and Russ Toner
Cande and Russ Toner
Cande and Russ Toner
Enameling is the ancient process of fusing glass onto metal.
Traditionally enamel is applied to metal and melted in a kiln at 1350 ̊ to 1500 ̊F.
Cande takes a more unconventional approach.
Cande uses pure copper that she cuts to shape, drills and hammers to form a slight dome.
The piece is annealed, cleaned and glass is sifted on the back
Enameling is the ancient process of fusing glass onto metal.
Traditionally enamel is applied to metal and melted in a kiln at 1350 ̊ to 1500 ̊F.
Cande takes a more unconventional approach.
Cande uses pure copper that she cuts to shape, drills and hammers to form a slight dome.
The piece is annealed, cleaned and glass is sifted on the back and fired.
This produces a counter enamel for stability and integrity of the work.
The piece is then cleaned again to prepare for the final firings, leaving some of the natural fire scale in place as a design element. A special ink made from oxide is then painted on the bare copper. At this point the kiln is heated
up to 1950 ̊F, powdered glass is applied to the surface and the piece is fired again, sometimes several times.
This higher temperature is used
to bring out an
ancient and earthy look as well as a
special clarity and depth in the glass.
24K gold is then used to accent some designs. The finished enamel tiles are filed, buffed and prepared to become a piece of jewelry or a framed tile.
Jewelry
The tiles are held together by a hand cut sterling silver jump ring and soldered for durability
Frames
Hand made frames are painted and the tiles are adhered to the face of the frame.
Each individual piece is a one of a kind work of art that cannot be duplicated.
Cande and Russ Toner
Cande and Russ Toner
Cande and Russ Toner
Wood turning comes naturally to Russ Toner.
First the wood is selected for it’s distinct characteristics. Special attention is given to wood with cracks, crevices and knots to use for turquoise inlay. Local and regional wood is used whenever possible.
The piece is then sawed on a band saw or chain saw to the proper size for the project.
The
Wood turning comes naturally to Russ Toner.
First the wood is selected for it’s distinct characteristics. Special attention is given to wood with cracks, crevices and knots to use for turquoise inlay. Local and regional wood is used whenever possible.
The piece is then sawed on a band saw or chain saw to the proper size for the project.
The raw piece of wood is then mounted on the lathe and turned at speeds up to 2000RPM. Russ uses bowl gouges, spindle gouges, scrapers, parting tools and tools that he has designed and made himself.
When finished both inside and out the piece is then sanded up to 6000 grit for a smooth, silk like finish.
The piece is then finished with an oil, wax or other special finishing agent to create a durable and beautiful finish.
Table saw, chop saw, sanders, drill press and other woodworking machinery are also used to produce the fine woodworks.
Cande’s enamel work is often used to embellish the wood.