• Wells.Blue Yellow Enamel Window
  • Wells.Yellow Red Green Brown Steel Rectangle
  • Wells.Yellow Red Green Brown Steel Rectangle Close up

Texture and Color Development for Enameling

This virtual course will begin by diving right into metalsmithing techniques that elevate and work in collaboration with the enameling process, such as stamping methods, die forming (with and without a press), drilling and burring, and working the metal to create forms which enhance the enamels and are conducive to setting techniques.

The class then shifts gears and begins focusing on enamels to emphasize the texture and form of metal, layering with opaque and transparent colors, as well as incorporating liquid enamel and P-3 to heighten texture. Participants will learn to experiment with grinding through layers of enamel, pencil drawing on enamel, firing alternative materials into the enamel surface, and more! Basic metalworking and enameling experience required.

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 (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.

Enamels (80 mesh opaque and transparent powder form)

 

Enamels (liquid form):

  • 4oz x white 533 and another color if you like (Thompson)

 

Enamels (watercolor): 

  • 1 x set or a few colors you enjoy - very long lasting (Thompson)

 

Enameling tools:

 

Hand tools:

 

Metal/raw materials:

 

Other/miscellaneous items: 

  • comet or pumice powder

  • distilled or filtered water

  • safety classes

  • scissors

  • plastic containers with lids - to mix enamel

  • small paint brush

  • popsicle stick, spoon, etc. - to mix enamel

  • #2 pencil

  • eye dropper

  • particulate dust mask - at least an N95

  • old magazines - to work on top

  • paper towels

  • scotch-brite pad

Virtual Course
Tuition
$225.00
Instructor
Jennifer Wells
Level
Basic and above
Pre-requisites
Jewelry 1 skills required
Location
Virtual - Eastern Time Zone
Length
  • 3 days
Schedule
  • November 2 - 16, 2022
    Weekly on Wednesday
    10:00am – 12:00pm
Class Dates
  • November 2, 2022
  • November 9, 2022
  • November 16, 2022
 

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