The Cundills Donate Jewelry to Library Construction

February 18, 2004  Estacada News

Nancy Cundill is trained and works as a psychologist and teacher, but in the early 80’s she pursued an avid interest in the creation of copper enameled jewelry. She was fascinated with the in-depth look at color that is possible with this medium. Copper enameling consists of glass powder fused on top of copper shapes. Using nature and symbolism for inspiration, Nancy began each piece with the cutting of unique, whimsical shapes which vary from crosses to butterflies, sea horses and dolphins to hearts, soaring birds, animals, leaves, geometric shapes and the list is endless. Her vibrant colors and designs are the result of creative choices, careful application of the powders, baking times and temperatures. Each piece may have layers of many colors and go in and out of the kiln up to seven times. The multiple applications of enamel make Nancy’s pieces especially translucent. The domed effects, the bleeded pastels, and the metallic combinations all require high heat to complete the process. By adding rings, loops and fasteners, she then turned her magical art into functional ornaments: earrings, buttons, pins, hat pins, and pendants.  

Nancy created and sold her jewelry for several years at craft fairs and art shows, and then retired from the profession, saving her inventory of thousands of pieces for a special time of need. Nancy and her husband, Grier, decided that the construction of the new library is that “special time” and have donated the entire collection of copper enameled jewelry to the project. Each piece is unique and it is a joy to look through the baskets and boxes of stunningly beautiful copper enameled jewelry. They can be seen and bought at the library. In the past two months, the library has already garnered over $1,500 from the sale of her pieces. All proceeds will go toward construction of the new library. 

The Estacada Public Library Foundation, the Library Board and staff would like to extend our deepest thanks and gratitude for the Cundill gift.

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