There are some exciting new developments in workshops this month. Many of you may be aware of my new fascination with enameling – most especially cloisonné enamel. I include a couple of pictures of some of my most recent favorite cloisonné pieces for your viewing pleasure:
Quantum Koi torch fired Cloisonné Enamel Pendant with matching torch fired beads in sterling silver.
Dancing Mermaid and Dolphin Cloisonne Enamel Pendant with torch fired beads to match.
Having had so much fun in the studio playing in the torch I have decided that the only thing that could be more fun is to teach enameling – which I have decided to do! My first enameling workshop will be presented at Danish Princess Beads and Gifts on May 31st. The workshop will be a day long intensive workshop with the morning being an introduction to the immersion method of creating torch fired enamel beads innovated by Barbra Lewis. Barbara has authorized me to share this method with my students. This is the first time this method will be taught in the area. The second half of the workshop will involve using what we’ve learned in the immersion method to create a punched, domed and fired focal element in a no solder copper prong setting. See pictures and more information listed below for the May 31st workshop at Danish Princess Beads and Jewelry. Seats are limited
May Workshops:
Border Wrap Pendant Workshop
May 16th 1:00 -4:00
Location: A Bead and Crystal House 711 W Garden St. Pensacola, FL
Phone: 850-432-3400
COST: $40 materials not included
Tools: Round Nose, Flush cutters/clippers, Flat Nose Pliers (tools available on loan)
Class Description: Learn the basics of wire wrapping gemstone cabochons in the border wrap setting. Limited number of seats. Reserve your seat today by calling 432-3400.
Metal Etching Workshop at Danish Princess Beads and Jewelry
May 23rd 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Danish Princess Beads and Jewelry, 5212 Elmira St. Milton, FL
Phone: 850-490-0310
COST: $45 INCLUDES ALL MATERIALS
Learn to create a raised design in metal using the metal etching technique. Transfer intricate designs or draw your own designs as you create a metal cuff bracelet. Student project is a 6” x 1” copper cuff bracelet but students may utilize their metal portion as they see fit.
Enamel I :Torch Fired Enamel and No Solder Copper Setting Pendant
May 31st 11:00- 5:00 (with a one hour lunch break from 1:00 to 2:00)
Location: A Danish Princess Beads and Jewelry, 5212 Elmira St. Milton, FL
Phone: 850-490-0310
COST: $75 plus materials and tools required.
This class is a day long intensive that introduces the student to torch fired enameling using the Barbara Lewis immersion method. Barbara is graciously allowing me to teach this technique to my students for the first time in our area. This is the perfect introduction to those interested in enameling but who find themselves a little shy of the torch. This class will be a prerequisite for future enameling classes; II Basics of Traditional Enameling and III Cloisonné Enameling.
Morning session 11:00 to 1:00
The morning will begin with an introduction to the method by creating numerous enameled beads. This will give you the opportunity to get comfortable with the torch and the immersion method as you create colorful beads that you will treasure to use in your designs. Learn the advantages of the immersion technique, how to use the torch, learn about the pros and cons of over firing and how to find what Barbara calls the ‘sweet spot’ in the flame which is the best part of the flame to fire your beads in. At 1:00 class will break for lunch. Each student is responsible for providing his or her own lunch.
Example of torch fired enamel beads.
Afternoon session:
In the afternoon session we will apply what we have learned to an introduction to metal work. We will create an enameled focal utilizing the Lewis Immersion method and combine that with an introduction to metal work. We will learn to anneal (or soften) metal with the torch, punch, dome, texture/forge metal as we create a customized no solder pronged pedant setting for your focal. This setting is excellent for gemstone cabochons as well. More information will be forthcoming regarding tools and materials for this workshop.
Delia Stone's Studio 