The instructor was very pleasant, not intimidating at all (which I was afraid of). He spent time with each student, and was very clear about the steps required.
Texture and Color Development on Enamel
About this course
This virtual course will begin with diving right into metalsmithing techniques that elevate and work in collaboration with the enameling process, such as stamping methods, dye forming (with and without a press), drilling and burring, and working the metal to create forms which enhance the enamels and are conducive to setting techniques.
The class then shifts gears and begins focusing on enamels to emphasize the texture and form of metal, layering with opaque and transparent colors, as well as incorporating liquid enamel and P-3 to heighten texture. Participants will learn to experiment with grinding through layers of enamel, pencil drawing on enamel, firing alternative materials into the enamel surface, and more! Basic metalworking and enameling experience required.
For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page.
Please read the Materials & Tools tab!

Jennifer Wells
Jennifer Wells is a studio artist and educator, originally from the U.S but currently living and working in Italy. She has completed several 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; and has taught for Universities throughout the U.S and for study abroad programs based in Italy. Currently she serves on the Board of Vita Institute and teaches for Santa Reparata International School of Arts in Florence, Italy. Jennifer also teaches short workshops on various enameling and metalsmithing techniques throughout Europe and the U.S. Her work is in the collection of the Enamel Arts Foundation and the Racine Museum.
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name (in red) to be redirected to a page where you can find the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is strongly encouraged but not required - observers are welcome.
Enamels (80 mesh opaque and transparent powder form)
- 2oz x 1030 foundation white (Enamel Warehouse or Thompson)
- 2oz x 1040 quill white (Enamel Warehouse or Thompson)
- 2oz x 2020 flux for silver (Enamel Warehouse or Thompson)
- a few other colors you enjoy (Enamel Warehouse or Thompson)
Enamels (liquid form):
- 4oz x white 533 and another color if you like (Thompson)
Enamels (watercolor):
- 1 x set or a few colors you enjoy - very long lasting (Thompson)
Enameling tools:
- 1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
- 1 x kiln - mini or full size (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
- 1 x 1oz dry P-3 (Thompson)
- 1 x clove, lavender, or sewing machine oil (Amazon)
- 1 x large sifter - 40 or 60 mesh (Thompson or Enamel Warehouse)
- 1 x steel screen (Rio Grande or Enamel Warehouse)
- 1 x steel trivet (Rio Grande or Enamel Warehouse)
- 1 x klyr-fire (Thompson)
- 1 x paint palette with cover (Amazon)
- 1 x glass or fiberglass brush (Thompson or Otto Frei)
- 1 x alundum stone or diamond sanding pads (Thompson or Amazon)
- 1 x firing fork / spatula (Rio Grande or Enamel Warehouse)
- 1 x tongs or tweezers - for moving hot objects (Rio Grande)
- 1 x crockpot or lidded glass container - for pickle (Amazon)
- 1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (Rio Grande or Amazon)
- 1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
- 1 x sink or large tub of water - for cleaning enamel
Hand tools:
- 1 x round nose pliers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x chain nose pliers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x flat nose pliers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x snips / flush cutters (Rio Grande )
- 1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
- 1 x pack saw blades - 4/0 (Rio Grande)
- 1 x burlife / bee's wax (Rio Grande)
- 1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
- 1 x half round hand file - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
- 1 x rotary tool - flex shaft, micro motor, etc. (Rio Grande)
- 1 x set of needle files - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
- 1 x center punch (Rio Grande)
- 1 x scribe (Rio Grande)
- 1 x ring clamp (Rio Grande)
- 1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (Rio Grande)
- 1 x riveting hammer (Rio Grande)
- 1 x chasing hammer (Rio Grande)
- 1 x steel block / steel surface (Rio Grande)
- 1 x small steel ruler (Rio Grande)
- 1 x sheet of sand paper - 220 to 600 grits (Amazon)
- 1 x calipers (Amazon)
- 1 x dividers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x sanding sticks / paint stirs (Rio Grande)
- 1 x parallel pliers (Rio Grande)
Metal/raw materials:
- 6"x6" or blanks x 20g-24g copper (Metalliferous or Rio Grande)
Other/miscellaneous items:
- comet or pumice powder
- distilled or filtered water
- safety classes
- scissors
- plastic containers with lids - to mix enamel
- small paint brush
- popsicle stick, spoon, etc. - to mix enamel
- #2 pencil
- eye dropper
- particulate dust mask - at least an N95
- old magazines - to work on top
- paper towels
- scotch-brite pad
- Virtual Course
Tuition
Instructor
Dates
May 17 -21, 2021
Time
10:00 AM -12:00 PM
Length
3 days
- Jewelry 1 skills required
No Class Dates
May 18
May 20