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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
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)
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2oz x 1010 foundation white (Enamel Warehouse or Thompson)
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2oz x 1040 quill white (Enamel Warehouse or Thompson)
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2oz x 2625 winter blue (Enamel Warehouse or Thompson)
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2oz x 2020 flux for silver (Enamel Warehouse or Thompson)
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2ox x 1996 black (Enamel Warehouse or Thompson)
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your favorite opaque color (Enamel Warehouse or Thompson)
Enamels (liquid form):
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8oz x 533 white or a color you already have (Thompson)
Metal/raw materials:
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6"x6" or blanks x 22g or 24g copper (Rio Grande)
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4oz spool x 24g copper wire (Rio Grande)
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3’ x 16g copper wire (Rio Grande)
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9’ x 24g fine silver wire (Rio Grande)
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1 x 1.5mm (#53) drill bit (Rio Grande)
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1 x 1mm (#60) drill bit (Rio Grande)
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1 x 0.5mm (#76) drill bit (Rio Grande)
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1 pack x 4/0 saw blades (Rio Grande)
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1 x Klyr-Fire or hairspray (Thompson)
Basic Hand Tools:
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1 x round nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x chain nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x flat nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x snips / flush cutters (Rio Grande)
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1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 (Rio Grande)
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1 x burlife / bee's wax (Rio Grande)
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1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
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1 x half round hand file - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
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1 x rotary tool - flex shaft, micro motor, etc. (Rio Grande)
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1 x set of needle files - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
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1 x half round forming pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x center punch (Rio Grande)
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1 x scribe (Rio Grande)
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1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (Rio Grande)
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1 x steel block / steel surface (Rio Grande)
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1 x small steel ruler (Rio Grande)
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1 x sheet of sand paper - 220 to 600 grits (Amazon)
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1 x calipers (Amazon)
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1 x dividers (Rio Grande)
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1 x sanding sticks (Rio Grande)
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1 x parallel pliers (Rio Grande)
Basic Enameling Set-up (with Kiln):
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1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
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1 x kiln - mini or full size (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
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1 x sifter set - 60, 100, 150 mesh ( Enamel Warehouse)
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1 x steel screen - for your kiln size (Rio Grande or Enamel Warehouse)
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1 x steel trivet - for your kiln size (Rio Grande or Enamel Warehouse)
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1 x firing fork / spatula (Rio Grande or Enamel Warehouse)
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1 x tongs or tweezers - for moving hot objects (Rio Grande)
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1 x crockpot or lidded glass container - for pickle (Amazon)
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1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (Rio Grande or Amazon)
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1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
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sink or large tub of water - for cleaning enamel
Miscellaneous Items
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Old magazines
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Old toothbrush
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Vinegar
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Hydrogen peroxide
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Pumice or Bar Keeper’s Friend
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Paper clips
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1-2 green scrub pads
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2 heavy jars with necks (fill with water or sand)