Enameled jewelry by Anne Larsen

Level: Intermediate and above
Requirements: Basic Metalsmithing Skills
Program: Fall
Status: Closed
Length: 2 Days
Tuition: $ 395
Materials: $ 25
Date: November 13, 2010 - November 14, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Metalwerx

Champlevé, or "level field" enameling, uses deep indentations in metal plate to hold enamels. This allows you to float pools of color in a field of silver or copper, with the metal participating more fully in the overall composition of the piece than it would do in a technique like cloisonné.

We will cover two different approaches to creating the indentations: piercing and etching. In the first, we pierce a design into metal sheet, then sweat solder it to a backing sheet; in the second we will use ferric chloride to etch our designs into copper sheet. For the etching portion, we will use ImagOn film and rubber stamp embossing powder to transform our designs into resists. Once we have our metal forms, we will enamel them using sifting, wet-packing, cloisonné, foils, sgraffito, and whatever other techniques tickle our fancies. We will then finish our pieces using various 3M diamond abrasive files and films.

Materials & Tools

The estimated materials fee of $40 is payable to the instructor at the workshop by check or cash. It includes 18g and 16g copper, ImagOn film, a set of 3M Diamond Microfinishing strips, and any other supplies necessary for the process. There will be additional supplies, silver foil, and cloisonné wire available to purchase as necessary.

The $25 lab fee, payable when signing up, covers the cost of chemicals, embossing powder, adhesive, solders, and enamels used in class

Student Should Bring:

• Those wishing to work in fine silver or argentium silver will have to provide their own 18g sheet, at least 3" x 6".
• Notebook
• Digital camera [a great note-taking tool]
• Jeweler's saw and blades [4/0]
• Sharpie pen
• Dust mask [e.g. 3M 8210 or 9211]
• Safety glasses
• Needle files and at least a half round hand file
• Small paint brushes for wet packing. Metalwerx has some to share.
• Sandpaper
• Any interesting rubber stamps you might own.