Experimental Enamelling

About this course

The workshop explores experimental approaches to vitreous enamelling on metal. Participants prepare metal, design and cut stencils, then apply enamel by sifting through stencils and using lifting techniques to create patterned samples. Teaching combines demonstrations with opportunities to test each method. Firing exercises examine how under-firing and over-firing affect colour and surface texture, followed by finishing techniques. The resulting samples may provide a basis for finished jewellery pieces made independently later.

What you'll learn

• Prepare metal for enamelling
• Apply sifted vitreous enamels to metal surfaces
• Design and cut stencils for enamel pattern-making
• Use lifting techniques with stencils
• Experiment with under-firing and over-firing to alter colour and surface texture
• Apply finishing techniques to enamelled samples

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for intermediate and advanced jewellery makers with foundation knowledge and experience of jewellery making. An intermediate level suggests learners are developing beyond fundamental techniques and can work through demonstrations before applying methods to their own samples.

• Requires prior foundation knowledge and experience of jewellery making
• Includes individual making alongside demonstrations and group discussion of samples

Before you go

• Copper, enamels, a pad, pencil and apron are supplied.
• Participants should bring a notebook, pen and camera or phone camera to record their samples.
• A dust mask and apron are recommended.
• Closed-toe, flat shoes are required. Clothing should be casual, not precious, and avoid long loose sleeves; long hair should be tied back.