Enamelling on silver – an introduction with Amanda Zoe

Ref: SWE35841

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Places available

About this course

Learn the basic techniques of firing transparent enamel onto silver. Transparent enamel is coloured glass heated and fused onto metal. This transparency allows light to pass through the enamel and reflect the metal beneath.

Course Description

Learn the basic techniques involved in the application and firing of transparent cloisonné enamels onto silver and experience both kiln and torch firing methods. You will be using stamped silver blanks and pre-cut silver shapes.

This course is suitable for both jewellers and those with no previous metalworking experience and will include designing for cloisonné, the preparation of silver, forming cloisonné wires, applying enamel and firing.

Techniques covered will include washing and grinding the enamels, preparing the metal, designing for cloisonné, forming the wires, texturing the silver before enamelling, applying the enamels, finishing and polishing and soldering after firing.

The tutor will help you create designs or translate your own design into enamel. You will produce one pendant and two earrings/studs in silver.

Course Materials

Included

On this course, the tutor will supply most of the materials, including enamels, cloisonné wire and silver blanks.

What students need to bring

  • Reading glasses
  • Sketch/notebook
  • Paintbrushes
  • Palette knife
  • Kitchen roll
  • Fine cotton handkerchief
  • 400, 600, 800, 1200 wet and dry paper
  • Micromesh
  • Diagrit
  • Any jeweller’s pliers, jeweller’s snips that you may have
  • A basic jeweller’s kit is provided for your use by the College

Available to buy

Available from shop:

  • A good variety of art and craft materials are available to buy, including sketch/notebooks, paintbrushes, palette knives, 400, 600, 800,1200 wet and dry paper, micromesh and diagrit
  • Silver can be purchased from the College Shop, which stocks a range of sheet, wire, rod, tube and findings. These will be available in set sizes and lengths suitable for a wide range of projects

Available from tutor:

  • Extra silver blanks can be purchased from the tutor

Additional information

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

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

General Information

Tutors

Amanda Zoe - tutor at West Dean College

Amanda Zoe

Amanda Zoe is a designer maker and qualified teacher who studied metal at University of Brighton and returned there for PGCE. Amanda shares her time between teaching jewellery making, and designing and making her own work which she exhibits at galleries and contemporary craft shows. She is a member of the Sussex Guild.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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