Jewellery for beginners: develop enamelling skills

About this course

Participants learn to prepare and clean copper before applying vitreous enamel using dry sifting and wet packing. The course also introduces kiln firing, colour and surface effects, and cloisonné with copper wire. Finished pieces are cleaned and polished into wearable jewellery objects. Teaching combines demonstrations, practical work, group discussion, peer learning, handouts, slideshows, videos and individual tutorials. Learners receive verbal and written feedback while developing a small project at their own pace.

What you'll learn

• Prepare and clean copper for enamelling
• Apply vitreous enamel using dry sifting and wet packing techniques
• Explain the basic kiln-firing process
• Explore colour, pattern and surface effects in enamel
• Use copper wire in a basic cloisonné process
• Clean and polish an enamelled jewellery piece

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for complete beginners and for people with some jewellery-making experience who want to explore enamelling. Participation involves practical making alongside demonstrations, group discussion, peer learning and individual tutorials in a small class.

• Suitable for learners starting enamelling from scratch
• Some jewellery-making experience is also welcomed
• Learners develop an individual project with regular feedback
• No work outside class is expected

Before you go

• Basic materials and equipment are provided.
• Precious metals are not provided.
• Additional materials can be purchased on site by card.
• Learners are expected to follow studio health and safety procedures and keep work areas and shared equipment clean and tidy.
• Assistive equipment and access support may be available through reasonable adjustments.