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China Painting on Enamel: Linework and Illustration
In this demo-focused virtual workshop students will learn to apply and fire China Paint to add precise and decorative linework to the surface of their enamel. Beginning with mixing and application, the class will focus on creating a range of small drawing and painting samples. Although primary discussing lines, this process may also be used to add more abstract surface decoration and visual texture. Basic enamel fusing is recommended, and these demos will experiment with materials that are applied at the surface layer on top of base coats. Enamel may be fired with either a kiln or a torch, but slightly different texture and opacity variations may occur.
For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page.
Please read the Materials & Tools tab!
Meet the instructor
Emily Pellini was raised in Kennett Square, PA. Emily's work is a combination of narrative and symbolism with personal iconography used throughout. She has received her B.F.A. in Fine Art Metals and Jewelry from Millersville University, studying under Becky McDonah, and recently completed her stay as a Millersville Emerging Artist in Residence. She is currently studying under Jessica Calderwood at Ball State University to complete her M.F.A. in Metals.
She was recently awarded Juror's Awards in the 38th and 41st Annual Contemporary Craft in Mesa, AZ. Her belt buckles, "Easy, Breezy, Beautiful: Nervous Girl", "All Men Are Cremated Equal", and "Swarming" have received Honorable Mention in the 2020, 2019, and 2016 World Champion Belt Buckle Competitions. Publications include "New Brooches", which features three brooches from the "Swarming: Brooch Series." Other publications include "SNAG: JAMS", a contemporary jewelry survey and publication and "The Art of Fine Enameling" by Karen L. Cohen.
View Emily's work at www.emilypelinni.com.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name (in red) to be redirected to a page where you can find the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is strongly encouraged but not required - observers are welcome.
Metal/raw materials (note students can use/cut their own copper sheet):
- 10 x 2" pieces of copper sheet - 18g (Rio Grande)
- 2-5 x lead-free enamels - at least 1 opaque color
Enamel supplies:
- 2oz x anise oil (A Painter's Collection)
- 2oz x clear balsam of copaiba (A Painter's Collection)
- 2oz x non-dry painting medium (A Painter's Collection)
- 1oz x best black overglaze (A Painter's Collections)
- 2oz x klyr-fire (Rio Grande)
- 1 x ceramic tile or dish (Amazon)
- 2-4 x small soft paint brushes (Amazon)
- 1 x plastic palette with lid (Amazon)
- 1-2 x small metal palette knife (Amazon)
- 1 or more x rubber wipe-out tool - tips wear over time (Amazon)
- 1 x glass vial dropper (Amazon)
- 1 x pack of calibrated disposable pipettes (Amazon)
- 1-2 x calligraphy pen with 2+ nib sizes (Amazon)
- 1 x glass vial with metal lid - cannot be plastic (Amazon)
Hand tools:
- 1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
- 1 x pack saw blades - 4/0 and 2/0 (Rio Grande)
- 1 x burlife / bee's wax (Rio Grande)
- 1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
- 1 x steel block / steel surface (Rio Grande)
- 1 x sanding sticks / paint stirs (Rio Grande)
Enameling setup (if using kiln):
- 1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
- 1 x kiln - mini or full size (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
- 1 x sifter set - 60, 100, 150 mesh (Rio Grande or Enamel Warehouse)
- 1 x steel screen - for your kiln size (Rio Grande or Enamel Warehouse)
- 1 x steel trivet - for your kiln size (Rio Grande or Enamel Warehouse)
- 1 x firing fork / spatula (Rio Grande or Enamel Warehouse)
- 1 x tongs or tweezers - for moving hot objects (Rio Grande)
- 1 x crockpot or lidded glass container - for pickle (Amazon)
- 1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (Rio Grande or Amazon)
- 1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
- 1 x brass bristle brush (Rio Grande)
- sink or large tub of water - for cleaning enamel
Enameling setup (if using torch):
- all enameling items listed above - minus kiln
- 1 x torch setup - Silversmith or similar style (Rio Grande)
- 1 x #2 or larger torch tip - if using Silversmith (Rio Grande)
- 1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (Rio Grande)
- 1 x tripod or fire bricks with screen (Rio Grande)
Other/miscellaneous items:
- particulate dust mask
- eye protection
- fine-line Sharpie
- Micron pen (your prefered size)
- pencil and notebook / paper
- sturdy work surface
- tissues
- highlighter