Classes and Workshops News and Information Traveler Information Download our current PDF BrochureGalleries Contact Us
Pierced Plique-a-Jour Enameling
Instructor: Ms. Diane Almeyda

Level: All Skill Levels
Requirements: Basic Metalsmithing Skills
Program: Fall
Status: Closed
Length: 3 Days
Tuition: $ 425
Materials: $ 25
Date: November 17, 2006 - November 19, 2006
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Metalwerx

Printer Friendly


In this class, a piece of sheet silver will be pierced and sawed, then enameled "in air" (no backing) with transparent or translucent enamels. The end result is one which resembles intricate and beautiful miniature stained glass. Sound easy? Once you learn some of the "secrets", it will be!

The class will construct a predetermined design and/or create their own design, depending on time available and skill of participants.  This class is structured so that there will be no soldering, just lots of sawing and enameling.  The class will include learning basic enameling skills such as sifting, washing, grinding, firing, and polishing. No previous experience is necessary, but a steady hand and good eyesight (magnification is great!) will ensure success.

Materials & Tools

Students should bring:

  • Safety glasses/ eye protection
  • Dust/ particle mask
  • Magnifying visor/ glasses (optional - but recommended
  • Apron (optional)
  • Rubber cement (can be shared)
  • Center Punch
  • Small mallet or hammer to hit center punch
  • Drill bits (small sizes #61-70 range is fine)
  • 2"x2" sterling silver 16 ga.
  • Enamels (transparent make the stained glass window effect) 6-10 is ample
  • 325 sifter with top and botom (optional, for saving fines if desired)
  • Small paint brush (to clean stray enamel off wires - short hair/ fairly stiff 6/0 - 10/0
  • Small containers for wet enamels (plastic with lids can be purchased from Thompson Enamel - they are ideal)
  • Scissors
  • Notebook and pen or pencil if you are inclined to take notes
  • Files (various needle files - flat, round, barette, half round) and one larger flat file - all with fairly smooth cuts (2 or 4)
  • Small hand towel(s) (saves paper towels!)
  • Sharpie permanent markers (fine and extra fine points)

Metalwerx Studio will supply
  • Saw frame and blades (3/0 and 5/0)
  • Small 3 or 4 point trivet to hold 1"-2" piece of work
  • Glass brush and toothbrush
  • Sanding sticks
  • Diamond file sticks (200/400/ 800 - whatever you have)
  • Abrasive papers - approximately 200-600 grit - 1 sheet of each
  • Burs, wheels, mandrels, etc for flex shaft (your favorites for polishing metal and removing excess enamel)
  • Watch or timer showing seconds
  • ***The following will be available for purchase - if you do not wish to purchase it from the instructor, you will need to bring the following:
  • Small twisted handle spatula for inlaying enamel - $15

 

Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon Sign up for our Email Newsletter
For Email Marketing you can trust
July 08, 2009
 Stone Setting in Metal Clay
 Set stones in Metal Clay! Students will make pieces using bezel setting, metal clay prongs, and channel setting techniques.
Read more...
  
July 15, 2009
 5 Settings in 5 Days
 In this fun and fast paced workshop we will cover multiple stone setting techniques in just five days.
Read more...
  
July 22, 2009
 Woven Metal Techniques
 Create alluring surfaces and structures using woven metal techniques. This hands-on workshop will introduce students to twining, braiding, weaving, "knitting" a chain, soumak, card-weaving and more.
Read more...
  
July 27, 2009
 Basic Lapidary
 Learning how to cut and polish your own cabochons with limitless shape, size, and color options!
Read more...
  
August 14, 2009
 Granulation and Fusing
 Learn the ancient techniques of fusing and granulation and add new levels of detail, delicacy, and texture to your work.
Read more...
  
August 19, 2009
 Give Me A Hand: Bracelets and Rings
 This workshop will focus on adorning the hand. Design and make a variety of rings and bracelets while exploring a many designs, from the simple band ring and bangle bracelet, to hollow and fold formed variations.
Read more...
  

Copyright © 1996 - 2007 MetalWerx
Site by The Ganoksin Project