Composite Material Processes

Using many different kinds of materials creates challenges for how the materials are put together. Different craftspeople would use different processes, to suit the materials they were trying to combine.

In some cases, materials will be mixed together and undergo a process which changes them from their original form into something quite different. The plaque made from sawdust, water and blood does not appear to be made up from those individual materials. To turn these ingredients into 'bois durci' they are mixed together, then heated and dried. This process changes the physical make-up of all three materials and makes them bond into one, a bit like taking flour, eggs and water and making pancakes (but not so tasty!)

 

At other times craftspeople want the different materials to remain separate so they can be viewed side-by-side. When this is the case, the materials are combined by fusing, nailing, setting or gluing the different materials in place:

Enamel is attached to a metal base by heating it in a furnace to a very high temperature. This fuses the enamel to the metal but it is important to be careful because metal also melts at high temperatures.

The hair bracelet combines gold, with enamel fused onto it, and human hair, which is held by being clasped by the gold.

 

The metal nose on the Three Legged Dog Toasting Fork has been screwed onto the wooden body. Glue would not have been a sensible choice to use for attaching the nose because when the toasting fork is used next to the fire, the glue would fail.

 

This stunning Side Table has a wooden frame creating the shape of the table, fixed by a variety of wooden joints. Beautiful brass and turtleshell patterns are applied to the wooden frame of the table with a lot of patience and a very strong and special glue.