Cloisonné Enamelling

About this course

Participants develop a design on paper, form cloisonné wires and transfer them onto a sterling silver disc. The workshop then covers applying layers of vitreous enamel, graduating and blending colours, and finishing the piece by grinding the surface flat and polishing the enamel. Guidance is provided throughout the process, with simpler designs available for beginners and scope for more experienced learners to extend their skills. Participants may also receive advice on pieces started at home and work on them alongside the pendant project.

What you'll learn

• Form cloisonné wires for a chosen design
• Transfer a design from paper onto sterling silver
• Apply vitreous enamel in layers
• Graduate and blend enamel colours
• Grind and polish an enamel surface

Is this course right for you?

The workshop is intended for all levels and explicitly requires no previous experience. Beginners can work through the process step by step with a simple design, while learners with more experience can develop their approach. A steady hand and patience are identified as helpful for the detailed work.

• Learners may bring pieces started at home for advice and further work.

Before you go

• Bring fine-nosed scissors and a notebook, paper and pencils.
• Reading glasses may be useful if needed.
• Extra silver may be brought for making additional pieces during the workshop.
• Wear casual clothing that can tolerate dust or damage, avoiding long loose sleeves; tie back long hair and wear flat, closed-in shoes.
• Most of the workshop is step-free at street level, but some specialist equipment is in a lower-level workshop accessible only by stairs. Contact the provider in advance to discuss access requirements and possible adjustments.