Fire, Glass and Winter Trees: Meet Jeanette Hannaby

There is something quietly magical about enamel. Glass powder, heat and metal come together in ways that are never entirely predictable, creating surfaces rich with colour, depth and texture. For enamel artist Jeanette Hannaby, that sense of discovery is part of what has kept her captivated for the past sixteen years.

Working from her home studio in the Forest of Dean, Jeanette creates atmospheric enamel pieces inspired by trees, landscapes and shifting natural light. Her work balances careful craftsmanship with the excitement of unpredictability, each firing holding the possibility of something unexpected emerging from the kiln.

Discovering Enamelling

Jeanette describes herself as someone who has “always been creative,” spending many years exploring different crafts before discovering enamelling.

“About sixteen years ago I saw some Enamelling and then I was hooked.”

That fascination quickly grew into a dedicated practice. Entirely self-taught, Jeanette immersed herself in learning the process through experimentation and persistence.

“I bought a book, a kiln, glass powder and copper and started practicing and learning the process.”

Over time, her commitment to the craft has been recognised by fellow makers too. At a recent Guild of Enamellers conference, Jeanette won two awards: Enameller Elect and an award for her process of wet enamelling on a copper bowl.

The Learning Curve and Kiln Catastrophes

Being entirely self-taught, Martyn describes his creative journey as “a steep learning curve but very rewarding.” Of course, that journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest disasters came with his first kiln purchase, which frustratingly wouldn’t fire to the necessary stoneware temperatures. But setbacks like these have only pushed him to refine his techniques and perfect his craft.

Inspired by Nature and the Forest Around Her

Nature sits at the heart of Jeanette’s work. Living in the Forest of Dean, she finds constant inspiration in the landscape around her, particularly in trees, seascapes and changing seasons.

“My ideas come from nature, especially trees, landscapes and seascapes.”

Winter trees are a recurring subject in her work. Bare branches, layered silhouettes and muted seasonal tones translate beautifully into enamel, where colour and texture shift subtly depending on the firing process.

Jeanette works exclusively on sheet copper, a material she values for both its beauty and unpredictability.

“The only base metal I use for enamelling is sheet copper. This gives a richness to my work and the copper often reacts with the glass powder giving green/turquoise hues which is unpredictable but also exciting.”

That balance between control and chance is part of what makes enamelling such a compelling medium.

Learning Through Practice

Like many crafts, enamelling requires patience and time. Jeanette speaks openly about the ongoing process of learning and refining her work.

“Enamelling, like other art and crafts take a long time to master. There is always something new to learn and so many different techniques to try.”

A major turning point came after COVID, when she made the decision to commit to enamelling full time rather than balancing it alongside another job.

“It has been very fulfilling and I enjoy exhibiting in fairs and exhibitions all over the country.”

One of her proudest moments has been winning awards voted on by other enamel artists, recognition from fellow makers who understand the skill and dedication involved in the craft.

In the studio, Jeanette keeps things simple. Radio 2 or music from her playlist often plays in the background while she works. She prefers to create in natural light and works whenever inspiration strikes.

“I have to feel creative and inspired to create my work.”

Her ideal day in the studio? “To have successful firings all day.”

Water is always close at hand, along with a little chocolate for encouragement.

See Jeanette’s Work at The Artists Gallery

We’re delighted to be showing Jeanette Hannaby’s enamel work at The Artists Gallery from May 11th to June 7th 2026 . Her pieces capture both the stillness of winter landscapes and the vibrant unpredictability of enamel itself, bringing together fire, glass and copper in beautifully expressive ways.

Whether you are drawn to the rich colours, intricate surfaces or the quiet beauty of her winter trees, Jeanette’s work is best experienced up close.

You can also explore more of Jeanette’s work online:

🌿 www.jhannaby.com

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