When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes
  • Tutor Sarah Wilson
  • Course Code W24JWYE09B
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Continuing to explore working with transparent enamels on silver you will learn to create suitable recesses and textures by etching and the use of gravers. You will wet pack ground transparent enamels and use grading techniques which will bring out the brilliance of enamels. Suitable for those who have had some experience of working with enamel on silver.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Etch silver to produce Champleve cells
  • Modify the champleve cells with an engraver and use etched and engraved textures
  • Wash and prepare enamels, apply enamels and fire
  • Use champleve and cloisonne techniques
  • Finish the surface of the enamel

Class format and activities

There will be a series of step by step demonstrations that will introduce the techniques of wet packing, etching, cutting, texturing using gravers and champleve. You can also apply cloisonne wires and foil. You will make a sample piece that can be made into a pendant or earrings, There will be an emphasis on sharing knowledge and experience , through discussion, show and tell and group crit. The tutor will work with students one to one and in groups. During the three days you will have the opportunity to create your own small scale enamelled piece.

Entry requirements

Some previous experience of enamelling and jewellery work is an advantage

What you need to know before you enrol

The jewellery studio is on the third floor of the main building, there is lift access. Some chemicals used may be harmful in pregnancy. Please let the tutor know if you are pregnant. Appropriate Health and Safety guidance will be given as each new technique is introduced.

What you need

it would be helpful to bring; Resource materials on your personal theme that can be used as a starting point for your champleve design• Sketchbooks, a notebook, pen and drawing materials• Protective clothing e.g. an apron and closed toe shoes• We will be working on silver. Some will be available to buy from the tutor but if you have silver sheet (approx. 1mm or thicker) please bring this with you. • A 000 sable paint brush or goose or swan quill or dental probes• small empty lidded containers Clean lint free cloth

What you can do next

If you have enjoyed enamelling you can continue doing courses with Sarah Wilson or Jessica Turrell. You may want to continue onto one of our Intermediate or Advanced level jewellery making courses.