This course aims to introduce the low-tech enamelling method of using stencils and sifting to translate images from paper to copper.

Over the course, you will learn about creating designs, composition, cutting stencils, sifting and using an enamel kiln.

You will start by cutting simple stencils from your drawings/photos/source material, learning when to simplify designs, what to remove and what to keep. You will then use powdered enamels and sifting with your stencil to translate that design onto copper, building up layers.

The tutor will share tips and techniques to help ensure that your work has a good clean final result. You will also learn how to make multiple stencils from a single image for the application of different colours for your design. You may also experiment with ‘found’ stencils to create fun, free and easy compositions. As a beginner you will be guided through the steps and introduced to the firing process.

If you have some enamelling experience, you will be encouraged to explore how your stencilling can be used alongside the other techniques you may use. You are encouraged to bring examples of your work as a starting point to discuss ideas.

By the end of the course, you will have produced a number of finished mini panels and/or copper pendants/brooches.

This course is a short weekend with a timetable variation: 10am-5pm on Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply most of the materials, including various size copper blanks, leaded powdered vitreous enamels, card, tracing paper, carbon paper, pritt stick and blue tac.

What students need to bring

• Apron /overall
• Pencil and eraser

The tutor will have some spare items, and you are not required to purchase any of these prior to the course, but, if you have any of the following, please do bring them along.

Optional:

• Drawings/photographs as source material for designs – think about a 5cm square composition, though you might also work larger up to 8cm or smaller
• Any small flat copper blanks you might have (up to about 8cm square) – if you can pre-enamel the backs this will save kiln time during the course (although copper blanks are provided)
• Enamels are provided but you can bring along any enamels that you like to use
• Camera/phone – to document your work – again this is just a suggestion
• Scissors, scalpels and blades – although these are provided

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good variety of art and craft materials, including card, scalpels, pencils, erasers and some copper sheet is available to purchase from the shop.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor abscence.

Saturday
Student registration: 9.45am  
Course teaching: 10am-5pm  
Morning session: 10am-1pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm  

Sunday
Course teaching: 9am-4pm  
Morning session: 9am-1pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 4pm  

Terms & Conditions