Enamelling Workshops...
G L A S S , C O L O U R , C R E A T I V I T Y... and a chance to make something of your own.
I run friendly, hands-on workshops from my studio in Hampton Magna, Warwick.
Whether you're completely new to enamelling or already love getting creative, I'll show you the basics, guide you through the process and give you plenty of opportunity to experiment and create something that's your own.
Discover the magic of turning powdered glass and copper into beautiful artwork using a kiln.
Enamelling is where my own journey into glass began, and it still has a very special place in my creative practice.
In this hands-on workshop, you'll discover how tiny grains of powdered glass can be transformed into colourful, glossy pieces of artwork or jewellery simply by adding heat.
You'll get to experiment with colour, pattern and different enamelling techniques, creating something that's completely your own.
And don't worry if you've never tried enamelling before — that's exactly what the workshop is for!
W H A T I S E N A M E L L I N G ?
Enamel is essentially powdered glass which is applied to metal and then fired in a kiln.
Enamelling is a wonderfully old craft, with examples of enamelled objects dating back thousands of years. It has been used across many different cultures to decorate jewellery, decorative objects and artwork, with some of the most beautiful historical examples coming from places such as Ancient Egypt, Byzantium and China.
At its simplest, enamelling is glass and metal brought together with heat.
Enamel is powdered glass which is applied to a metal surface and then fired in a kiln. As the kiln heats up, the tiny grains of glass melt and fuse together, creating a colourful, hard and glossy surface.
There are lots of different ways to work with enamel. You can sift, layer, stencil, scratch and build up the powdered glass to create different colours, patterns and textures. Techniques such as sgraffito, cloisonné, champlevé and basse-taille can all be used to create very different effects. One of the things I love about enamelling is that although the basic process is thousands of years old, there are still endless possibilities for experimenting with it.
And then, of course, there is the kiln...
You never quite know how those tiny grains of powder are going to look once they've been transformed by heat. That's where a little bit of the magic happens!
W H A T W I L L I M A K E ?
You will create a small enamelled picture or piece of jewellery that you are able to
take home with you on the day.
Depending on the workshop, you might make a pendant / earrings / brooch / small artwork , experimenting with colour and different techniques to create your own design. In a beginner session we will work on copper and use sifting techniques to create your piece.
There is lots of opportunity to make your piece personal to you, whether you love bright colours and bold patterns or something a little more subtle.
No two pieces need to be the same.
W H A T W I L L W E D O ?
I'll guide you through the process step by step, starting with an introduction to enamelling and how to work safely with the materials and kiln.
We'll explore things such as:
Preparing your metal
Choosing and combining colours
Applying enamel powder
Creating patterns and textures
Sifting and layering enamel
Using simple decorative techniques
Firing your work in the kiln
Building up layers to create your finished piece
I'll demonstrate the techniques and then you'll have plenty of time to experiment yourself. You don't have to follow a set design — I want you to have a play and see where your ideas take you.
What's included...?
Your workshop includes:
Everything you need to enjoy the workshop and create your own enamelled piece is provided.
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All enamel powders and materials you'll need
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A choice of colours and decorative materials
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One copper blank that you will be able to make into a picture or piece of jewellery. A variety of shapes will be available however if you would like to work on a specific shape or size then please contact Melissa before the workshop.
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Use of all the tools and equipment
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Demonstrations and hands-on tuition throughout the workshop
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All kiln firing needed to finish your piece
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Your finished piece to take home once it has been fired and is ready
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Tea, coffee and biscuits to keep us going
I'll also be happy to point you towards suppliers and resources if you discover that you're a little bit hooked and want to carry on experimenting with enamelling at home.
F A Q ' S
Do I need any previous experience?
Not at all! Most of my enamelling workshops are designed with beginners in mind, so you don't need to have tried enamelling or any other form of glasswork before. I'll demonstrate the different techniques and guide you through each stage, so you'll have plenty of help along the way. You can work at your own pace and, most importantly, have a play and experiment.
If you've already tried enamelling before, that's great too — there's always another technique or idea to explore!
What should I wear..?
Comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting a little messy are best.
As we'll be working with a kiln and hot materials, closed-toe shoes are essential. I also recommend avoiding loose, dangling clothing or jewellery that could get in the way while you're working.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
No — everything you need is provided. I'll provide the enamel, metal, tools and equipment, as well as all the tuition and kiln firing needed for your project.
Just bring yourself, your ideas and perhaps a favourite colour or two!
How many people are in a session?
I keep my studio workshops small and friendly, with a maximum of four people per session.
Keeping the groups small means I can give everyone plenty of individual attention and guidance, while still having the lovely atmosphere of making alongside other people.
If you're looking for a workshop for a larger group, I can also run enamelling workshops at other venues. This can work particularly well for schools, community groups, organisations, celebrations and private events.
Can I book the workshop on my own?
Absolutely! You don't need to bring a friend or book as part of a group. You can book an individual place and enjoy some creative time for yourself.
You may be joined by other participants, depending on the session, but with a maximum of four people there's plenty of opportunity to chat, share ideas and get to know the other makers.
And if you'd rather book the whole session for yourself and some friends, you can do that too!