One Day Workshop

Saturday, February 8th 10:00 to 4:00PM

Material Fee: $30 paid directly to the instructor

This course is designed to introduce students to the art and technique of jewelry enameling. Enameling is a centuries-old craft that involves fusing glass to metal to create colorful and decorative surfaces. Throughout the course, students will learn the fundamental processes of enameling, including preparation of metal surfaces, application of enamels, firing techniques, both kiln and torch, and finishing.  Demonstration and collaboration will foster your own ideas to actualize in the design stage.  Participants will take away 2-3 pieces of their own, unique and beautiful work.  

Key Topics Covered:

• Materials and Tools: Familiarization with various metals, enamels, and tools used in the enameling process.  We will be working with copper.  

• Surface Preparation: Techniques for preparing metal surfaces to receive enamel, including cleaning and applying counter enamel.

• Enamel Application: Using sifting to create a base layer and continuing with guided exploration and creative use of materials and methods including decals, threads and lumps, etching and graphite, stencils and stamps, lusters and paints.  

• Firing Techniques: Understanding the firing process, temperature control, and kiln operation for achieving desired enamel effects.

• Finishing and Polishing: Techniques for finishing and polishing enameled pieces to achieve a professional and refined look.

• Troubleshooting: Identifying and addressing common issues that may arise during the enameling process.

This course is suitable for jewelry makers who would like to include vibrantly colored enamel in their designs as much as it is for anyone who would like to learn something new.  Anyone can do this! 

Agenda:

30-45 min introduction, preliminary design and demonstration of copper prep, including both torch and kiln firing.

1 hour- Copper prep completion

1 hour- Design/Material demonstrations while counter enameled copper forms are pickling.  

30 min- Clean pieces in preparation for the design phase.

2 hours Experiment and play with prepared forms.

Finishing.