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    Wells.enamel wire pendants
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    Wells.enamel wire bowl and pendant

Enamel on the Line

This workshop focuses on the inherent collaborative attributes between wire and enamel, uncovering their optimal creative boundaries and symbiotic relationship. Iron, copper, and fine silver serve as excellent foundations for applying ground and wet process enamels. Participants will acquire basic wire working skills and learn proper metal preparation for enamel application. During the enameling segment, the instructor will demonstrate enamel preparation and delve into essential initial steps.

By the course's end, students will have a solid grasp of how to apply these techniques and a good handle on how to leverage these techniques for their own aesthetic endeavors.

Meet the instructor

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Jennifer Wells is a studio artist and educator originally from the U.S but currently living in Italy. She holds an MFA, in Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design and has completed artist-in- residencies at: Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN, Pocosin Arts in Columbia, NC and the Jentel Foundation near Banner, WY. She has worked for several U.S based Craft Schools, in a variety of roles.

As an educator, Jennifer has taught for and been a visiting Artist at Universities throughout the U.S and for study abroad programs based in Italy. She serves on the Board of Vita Institute and teaches short workshops on various enameling and metalsmithing techniques throughout Europe and the U.S. In recent years she has curated multiple international exhibitions focused on jewelry and enameling.

Her works are in the collections of the Enamel Arts Foundation, Racine Museum, All Russian Museum of Decorative Arts, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Yale University Art Gallery, Crocker Art Museum and Private Collections.

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 to be redirected to a page where you can view 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 not required - observers are welcome.

 

Enamels (80 mesh opaque and transparent powder form)

 

Enamels (liquid form):

  • 8oz x 533 white or a color you already have (Thompson)

 

Metal/raw materials:

 

Basic Hand Tools:

 

Basic Enameling Set-up (with Kiln):

 

Miscellaneous Items

  • Old magazines

  • Old toothbrush

  • Vinegar

  • Hydrogen peroxide

  • Pumice or Bar Keeper’s Friend

  • Paper clips

  • 1-2 green scrub pads

  • 2 heavy jars with necks (fill with water or sand)

 

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