Embellished: Ornamental Enameling and Framing Techniques

This three-day workshop will focus on two aspects that will be of great interest for enamellists and jewelers looking to add additional skill sets to their repertoire; incorporating and applying superb embellishments such as tiny stones, pearls, and numerous other small objects to enameled surfaces and how to elevate those special enameled pieces with an exquisite framing or setting solution.

The course will start with introducing students to an array of options for how to embellish their enamel design. Demonstrations will include making settings suitable for safely connecting stones directly onto the enamel surface as well as fusing techniques to enrich and elevate the design. These will range from creating textured foils, small handmade metal applications, and more. We will examine historic and contemporary examples in order to understand a variety of design options and how to develop a design strategy for your individual pieces that is both informed and unique to you!

The second objective of the workshop will help students to develop the right frame, setting, or finding that will be needed to contain the beautifully crafted enamel component, whether it is an earring, pendant or brooch. Reverse settings are especially interesting as they allow for both a clean and/or ornate aesthetic. Barbara will explain two types of reverse settings by demonstrating how to cut simple and advanced tabbed settings, as well as how to properly solder prong settings onto metal frames.  This class will also address the best placement for findings, strategies for properly fitting back plates, preparation of the tabs, notching prongs, and safe setting techniques. This is a hands-on workshop where technical demonstrations will alternate with work time at the bench, as students work to create stunning settings for their own artwork.