Beginner Cloisonné Enameling Course (Intermediate)

It’s time to add a new piece to your jewelry box! Come and learn the rich art of Cloisonné Enameling, one of the most respected and intricate techniques in the world of enameling. Rarely offered outside of specialized studios and university programs, this centuries-old process combines fine metal wirework with vivid glass enamel to create your very own piece of fine jewelry.

This 4-session course (approximately 3 hours per session) is designed to give students the time needed to fully explore each stage of the cloisonné process. This will mean that every student will have the opportunity to learn these techniques confidently and bring their ideas fully to life. 

 This will include:

• Day 1- finalizing sketches and forming wires
• Day 2- finishing any wirework and beginning wet-packing
• Day 3- wet-packing!
• Day 4- Stoning the surface and finalizing the piece with a heat-polish

Students will begin by creating a design (we recommend coming to Day 1 with some ideas of what you might want to make) which are specifically suited to the cloisonné process. We’ll go over how to simplify designs into cloisons, or cells. From there, you'll learn to shape and fine wires that will outline your design before moving on to wet-packing enamel into those cells. Combining a liquid binding agent and glass enamel powder, we use this mixture to fill those cells with enamel. Over the course of multiple firings, students will build up vivid colors to bring their design to life!

As your piece progresses, you'll also learn the essential finishing techniques that distinguish polished & considered cloisonné work. Including how to properly use a Whetstone to smooth the face of your piece to be all one even surface. Then, we’ll flame polish the surface to finalize your piece!

Throughout the course, your instructor will guide you through each step of the process, explaining not only how each technique is executed but also why it’s important. By the end of the series, you'll have completed an original cloisonné piece and developed a solid foundation that can be built upon in future enameling projects.

No prior enameling experience is required. This course is intended for students ages 16 and older who enjoy detailed, hands-on artistic processes and are excited to learn a traditional technique that is seldom available in community art studios.