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Enameling with Graphics and Decals
This course is currently full. Spaces do occasionally open up so if you would like to be put on the wait list please call our office at 781-891-3854 or email [email protected].
Enameling is a great way to introduce color into your jewelry or sculptural work. Learn the basics of this process and discover how to incorporate imagery using toner decal techniques. Working with decals is a fun and direct process, and can really add a lot of depth to your work. Hand-drawn images, photographs, fine lines, textures, graphic images and text can all be turned into a decal which is then fired into a piece.
It is said "Enameling takes a minute to learn, and a lifetime to master". We will take a "minute" at the beginning of this workshop to cover how to enamel onto metal and the basics of the colors. In the afternoon, we'll move on to layering imagery over the fired colors. Students can expect to complete several pieces depending on their complexity and prior experience.
If you'd like to see more of Kelly's work, please visit her blog or website kellyjeanconroy.com
Meet the instructor
Kelly Jean Conroy graduated with a BFA in Art Education and painting from Syracuse University in 2005 and a MFA in Jewelry Metals from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2013. She has taught metals and enameling at the Worcester Center for Crafts, and Jewelry I and II courses at UMass Dartmouth. She currently teaches High School Metalsmithing at Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School in Sudbury, MA, as well as continuing education courses in Metals at Massachusetts College of Art and various classes at Metalwerx.
She works out of her studio in Holliston, MA and her art jewerly pieces focus on life cycles in nature and finding beauty in unique places. Her specialties are enameling, working with natural materials: carving bone, piercing mother of pearl, and casting. She is included in Showcase 500 Rings by Lark Books, and is represented by Equinox Gallery in San Antonio, TX. Her website is kellyjeanconroy.com and her wearable work can be found at tulipstokiss.etsy.com. To see Kelly's process, please visit her blog tulipstokiss.tumblr.com
Materials & Tools
There is a $35 materials fee for this class that includes use of all enamels during class, fusing paper, saw blades, copper shapes and copper for creating several pendants, and 2 sterling silver chains so students can wear their pieces home.
Students Should Bring:
- Students will want to resize the images before class to the desired scale, however we can help you at Metalwerx if you'd like assistance. Each student will receive a 8.5 by 11 sheet of the special decal paper, so the more images you can fit on a page, just like cutting out sugar cookies — the more enameling opportunities for your future!
- Bring something to tie up long hair if needed
- Notebook, sketchbook
- Pencils and an ultra-fine Sharpie marker
- Students may wish to bring files, sandpaper, pliers they already own — their favorite hand tools that fit comfortably in a tool box. Metalwerx has tools available to use during class for students as well.