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Enameling on Wire
Explore creating unique three-dimensional forms for jewelry working with fine iron wire and enamel. Demonstrations will be given on how to construct wire forms and incorporate weaving into the piece. Once the wire element is complete, students will learn to apply enamel to this tricky surface using liquid enamel.
After students complete their enameled components, they will learn to construct a secure setting so it can be safely worn. Demonstrations will be given to explain several setting options; prong, tab, bezel or a mix! Each participant will choose a setting that best suits their wire form.
This course is designed so that students will choose from a set of pre-planned form design ideas (enameled form and appropriate setting). This will allow for everyone to create their own piece of jewelry from start to finish and complete the class with a pendant or brooch they can wear home! If time allows, students can create additional wire, enameled forms to set in future projects after class.
Meet the instructor
Jennifer Wells is a studio artist and educator originally from the U.S but currently living in Italy. She holds an MFA, in Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design and has completed artist-in- residencies at: Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN, Pocosin Arts in Columbia, NC and the Jentel Foundation near Banner, WY. She has worked for several U.S based Craft Schools, in a variety of roles.
As an educator, Jennifer has taught for and been a visiting Artist at Universities throughout the U.S and for study abroad programs based in Italy. She serves on the Board of Vita Institute and teaches short workshops on various enameling and metalsmithing techniques throughout Europe and the U.S. In recent years she has curated multiple international exhibitions focused on jewelry and enameling.
Her works are in the collections of the Enamel Arts Foundation, Racine Museum, All Russian Museum of Decorative Arts, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Yale University Art Gallery, Crocker Art Museum and Private Collections.
Materials & Tools
There is a $40 lab fee which includes use of all liquid and powder enamels and consumable enameling supplies during class as well as iron wire and copper sheet for the project.
- Dust Mask
- Saw blades (4/0 recommended)
- Brushes- a variety of sizes 000 and larger
- Tweezers- be sure to mark yours
- #2 Mechanical pencil & Sketchbook
- Needle tool, or a needle in a wine cork
- Small lidded jars- baby food jars
- Sandpaper 320, 400
- Sterling Silver sheet 20 gauge- 3” x 3” (backplate for the setting - copper is included in the kit. Students can use copper from their kits if they prefer and add a patina if they like.)
- Bezel wire (The instructor will also have some available for purchase)
- Round wire 20-16 gauge. (The instructor will also have some available for purchase.)
Metalwerx has many hand tools and enamel supplies available for use during class. Students may want to bring some of their own tools to class so they don't have to share. Our recommendations include:
- Pliers and snips- an assortment
- Saw frame
- Needle files