How to create plique a jour with Tom Herman and Patsy Croft.

Plique á Jour is a vitreous enameling technique where the enamel is applied in cells, similar to cloisonné, but with no backing in the final product, so light can shine through the transparent or translucent enamel. It is in effect a miniature version of stained-glass and is considered very challenging technically.

Plique a jour can be created in two ways, one, by saw piercing a sheet of metal or two, by fabricating a structure of wires.This first images shows the tiny wings above the ruby drops as plique a jour formed in wire and enamels laid in.

Carnival earrings – Front

This second image the plique a jour is created from a sheet of gold that is saw pierced.

With a vision we started.

Mendocino Poppy

Mendocino Poppy

Plique a Jour Beginnings

Test Plates of Enamels

The first video shows Tom saw piercing the poppy petals to create plique a jour.

This second video I am floating the enamels into the poppy stem leaves.

This should give you a good idea of how to create plique a jour, enjoy!

Poppy construction complete

Matilija Poppy enameling progress

Poppy Project for Mendocino Art Center Where we are today, a few more week left.