Imaged Porcelain Cabochons

I am a sublimator* who was coerced into creating something that turned out to have a life of its own.

The coercers were my three granddaughters, who pleaded:

“Please, Gramps, make something special just for us.”

The initial “something special” was porcelain circles with images of their Astrological symbols on them and a magnet adhered to the back. After presenting their gifts I noticed a decided lack of enthusiasm. When queried about this they responded that they would like them better if they could wear them.

Porcelain zodiac jewelry
by Ernie Ziegler

Well, as I said I am not a jewelry maker but in a effort to meet their request I spent a great many hours on the internet searching until I found a thing (which I now know is a finding) that could be affixed to the back of the cabochon that allowed it to be worn as a pin/brooch or on a necklace as a pendant. Whoopie! Granddaughters gave me smiles of approval, hugs and kisses. Gramps was a hero.

Porcelain zodiac jewelry
by Ernie Ziegler

However, my smug complacency didn’t last long. Soon the little darlings showed up with requests to “make one for my friend(s)” and “can you put different images on them?”

Porcelain cat jewelry
by Ernie Ziegler

Over a three year period more images have been added - butterflies, kittens, a rose, an Orca (we live in the Puget Sound area) and an oval cabochon for Greek letters of Sororities and Fraternities. I have even developed a bolo tie for the Fraternity guys (those jocks frown on brooches and pendants).

Porcelain nature jewelry
by Ernie Ziegler

Then not to be left out, Grandma and the Moms of the “darlings” requested photos of their offspring be imaged. Lastly I found that images for special occasions (Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, etc.) are good seasonal sellers.

Porcelain holiday and Fraternity jewelry
by Ernie Ziegler

Now after three years I have found that I have a profitable little niche market, all thanks to the little “darlings” - bless their hearts.

A variety of imaged porcelain creations
by Ernie Ziegler

*Sublimator: A person who utilizes a little black magic, computer, scanner, graphics software, special transfer paper, color laser printer and a heat press to place images on various forms of substrate.

Good luck!

Ernie Ziegler (author, sublimator, and Gramps) requests that anyone who might be interested in having porcelain pieces imaged for their own use contact him at eazy28@hotmail.com - and please use “Imaged Porcelain” as the email subject.

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