What can be better than adding glorious color to your jewelry designs? In this 2 day class you will be making small, opaque enameled components you can use in earrings, necklaces, and even bracelets if they are worn with care. We will cover:

• Safety procedures
• Enameling courtesy guidelines
• Enamel powders and equipment
• Preparation of the metal
• Sifting techniques
• Counter-enameling
• Stamping and stenciling
• Liquid enamel techniques
• Kilns and firing
• Cleaning
• Matte finishes
• Connecting with sheet metal

Do you need to have a full sized kiln at home in order to fire your enamel? Well, it is probably the best solution, but you can also torch fire your enamel using map gas or some small butane torches. Please note: if you have a metal clay kiln, it can be used to fire enamel.

Will you finish a piece of jewelry in class? It depends on the scope of your project. A full charm bracelet - probably not, but, you can make enameled components you can later add to a bracelet. If you want to make earrings, you will certainly be able to complete these, and probably more than one pair. The focus of this class is to learn the enameling techniques, rather than to complete finished jewelry.

Please note: We won't be soldering in class. We will only be using the enamels supplied in class in order to prevent introducing lead enamel into the class.

Materials Fee: $20 (included in price of class). This fee will help cover the cost of enamel used in the class along with other enameling supplies.

What to bring to class:

• 3M #8233 respirator (available in class for purchase)
• Apron
• Ultra-fine Sharpie
• Small copper shapes (these will be available in class for purchase)
• Notebook and pen

PLEASE WEAR CLOSED TOED SHOES TO CLASS.

You will not need to bring tools to class. As a matter of fact, I am requesting that you not bring tool cases with you so that floor space is clear. Your work station will have all the tools you need for this class.