Folk-craft elements in metalworking
Folk masters decorated metal in two ways: by working a pattern into the surface (engraving, embossing) and by covering it with a decorative protective layer (enamelling, gilding, silvering). In kandakorlik the master cuts the pattern into the metal surface with special small chisels; it is a very old method. In embossing a cold piece of metal is laid on a die or carved picture and struck with a hammer, so a raised image appears on the surface; soft metals such as gold, silver, copper and aluminium suit this. In enamelling the metal surface is covered with enamel, an easily melting coloured or clear glassy mass. Such decoration can be seen on copper trays, ewers and jewellery. At school the craft can be practised safely with thick foil and a blunt pencil.
Foil relief: place soft kitchen foil on a soft book and press a pattern (flower or star) with a blunt pencil tip; foil edges can be sharp, so an adult folds the edges over. Glue the finished pattern onto neat paper.