My first post

[SurfCitySue]

Hi All! I am thinking of taking up engraving and enameling. I have no tools, or experience, just a desire to learn to craft similar to the kind of work you see at enanimals.com. Michele is far superior to what I will be able to accomplish (she has been at this for close to 25 years) but I love her work, and find it fascinating.
Thank you all for letting me take part in this forum, I look forward to learning tips and tricks to get me started.

[Daniel Houwer]

Hi Sue,
I think enameling is even more difficult then engraving. But enameling on an engraved background can be oh so beatyfull!
To learn engraving take's a lot of practise Just as enameling does. But with engraving, at least you know where the point is. With enameling, 2 seconds to long can ruin your finest work. ( I know this from experience).
Hope you get started on engraving right, and hope to see some nice engraving/enameling combi's soon!

Greetings,

Daniel

[SurfCitySue]

Thank you Daniel, it will be a long journey, I'm afraid. I am still working full time in my own business and have some heavy time commitments to hobbies, but this is a future goal.
My MO is to research first and let the wheels turn til I am ready with a design that I MUST get into, before I will begin any project. So, for now, I am buying old books on design, carving, whittling, etc, not to mention, looking at all the work on this website to get an overall picture.
My real name is Marilyn, my pseudonym is a holdover from my ukelele classes in Surf City, Huntington Beach, CA.

[Daniel Houwer]

Hi Marilyn.
Seems you are quit busy with work and living.

Check Airamps http://www.handengravingforum.com/showthread.php?t=2365
on how to get started on engraving. Really a nice wrightup.
Good luck with your goals.

Daniel