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.

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).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions