The Crucible

Introduction to Enameling
Entry-level class
This class provides you with an overview of the ancient art of fusing glass to metal. You’ll learn about metal preparation and fabrication for enameling, kiln properties and methods for firing, properties of enamel, and dry and wet application techniques. No previous jewelry making, enameling, or metalworking experience necessary.

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Also check out this class in our Youth Department.

Introduction to Enameling 2
Previous experience required.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Enameling
This continuing course in enameling will further develop the skills you learned in Introduction to Enameling 1. You will also learn more in depth application methods and new techniques, such as torch firing, basic enamel painting techniques, working with precious metals, exploring liquid enamels, and working on 3-D forms.  In addition to lots of experimenting, you will produce at least 3 finished pieces. No previous metalworking experience necessary.

Coming Summer 2010...

A Primer in 3D Enameling
Entry-level class
This one-day workshop introduces you to enameling three-dimensional metal forms. You’ll work with soft copper sheet, mesh and copper wire, learn to plan for adding enamel to form, and how to fire forms. Spray equipment and some industrial enameling materials and traditional jewelry enamels will be used. No previous enameling or metalworking knowledge is necessary.

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Small Scale Cloisonné Enameling (Biannually)
Previous experience required.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Enameling
Combine science with art in the intricate process of Cloisonné enameling. Create your own small cloisonné pieces for jewelry or small artwork while learning to use the rich, subtle, and distinctive colors of transparent and opalescent enamels on fine silver. You will be shown painterly shading techniques and high-gloss polishing instruction will be covered.

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Fred Ball's Experimental Enameling Techniques
Previous experience required.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Enameling
Fred Uhl Ball (1945-1985) was an enamelist who lived and taught in Sacramento. His work is currently undergoing a revival. Ball’s techniques and approach to enameling were viewed as highly unorthodox at the time but created a firm basis for current contemporary enameling. The techniques he wrote about in his out-of-print Experimental Techniques in Enameling (1973) included working with fire scale, creating collages, using liquid enamel and other materials associated with the porcelain enamel industry, over- and under-firing, and much more. Explore a wide range of Ball’s techniques with Judy Stone, whose own work was greatly influenced by Fred Ball’s book.

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Photographic Transfer on Enamels (3-Day Intensive) (Rare Offering)
Previous experience required.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Enameling
Discover the potential of fusing photographic images onto an enamel surface. Through the photographic process of gum bichromate, we will transfer photos, collected images or drawings to enamel. We will create photograms with stencils or found objects on enamel. If you’ve ever wished you could combine a photograph into a permanent medium such as enamel, or love exploring and making discoveries with experimental techniques, this is your chance.

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Enameled Steel: An Introduction to Large-Scale Enameling (Rare Offering)
Previous experience required.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Enameling
This class will give you an overview of how to work with the materials that the enameling industry uses to make signage, appliances, utensils, and architectural elements. We will draw, paint, silk- screen, and airbrush on heavy-gauge, pre-coated, specialized enameling steel using porcelain enamel slip, screening inks, and various other materials. Previous enameling experience suggested.

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Limoges: Enamel Painting (Biannually)
Previous experience required.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Enameling
Working with metal oxides and overglazes mixed with various oils creates what are known as “painting” enamels. Painting enamels give the enamelist a means to achieve fine detail and the immediacy of the hand-drawn line, as well as to simulate delicate watercolor washes. This enameling technique, sometimes known as Limoges, first appeared in medieval Limoges, France, and is practiced most prolifically today in Russia. In this workshop you will learn how to prepare a small piece of copper prior to applying and firing painting enamels. You will learn how to prepare painting enamels, and the different methods of working with the materials. Previous enameling experience is a prerequisite for this workshop.

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