The sterling silver casting is now sanded and polished and it’s ready for the Micro Mosaic process.Strands of colored glass are cut into small segments.  Each segment is meticulously set into the recessed bezel using fine tweezers and epoxy.  The bezel is now filled and the epoxy has cured. The colored glass is ground flat [...]

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The wax carving is then placed in a metal cylinder which is filled with a type of fine plaster called investment. Once the investment has dried, the cylinder is placed into a kiln and the wax is burned out leaving an impression in the investment. The impression replicates the wax carving that was burned out [...]

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After the design was sketched out and the mechanics of the piece were considered, I began carving the wax.  The jewelers wax I use is very hard and smooth to carve.  It almost feels like a cross between wax and plastic.  I use exacto knives, Kate Wolf wax carving tools, files, burs, dental tools, and emery paper [...]

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I wanted to show the design process from idea to finished product. The blog will document each step as it is completed.   I’m taking my Micro Mosaics in a new direction by pushing beyond the shapes I’ve been working with and by incorporating colored stones, pearls and diamonds. I’m developing a line of Micro Mosaics [...]

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Throughout my 30+ year career, people have asked me if I had a website.  At long last I can now say – Yes. Welcome to the launching of Burkhart Design Studio. The focus is primarily showcasing the Micro and Mini Mosaic jewelry that has been my passion.  The site includes work that is available,  new work and [...]

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