Enamelling – contemporary techniques with Jessica Turrell

Enamelling

Ref: S3D29918

Location: West Dean
£481
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About this course

Explore in depth the application of enamel on altered metal surfaces. Investigate through samples, patterning and texturing techniques and the interaction of enamel with the metal surface, before making a simple piece of jewellery.

Course Description

This course will give you the chance to explore in depth the application of enamel to an altered metal surface. Working mostly with copper, but with the option to also use silver, you will explore methods for patterning and texturing the metal, such as etching, drilling, punching or roll-mill printing. Then you will use sifting techniques to apply the enamel, so that it interacts with and is altered by the underlying surface. You will look at how over-firing and under-firing can increase these effects. You will also experiment with selective application techniques, such as stencilling and adhesive mark-making in relation to the altered surface.

You will be encouraged to experiment and to develop your skills through the production of a series of samples that relate to your personal aesthetic. Construction techniques will be discussed and you will also have the chance to make a simple piece of jewellery.

The tutor will bring a selection of samples, which will help you to appreciate what is possible with the techniques covered on the course.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • The course fee includes the cost of some materials shared amongst the group, including some small squares of copper and materials required for the specific project set by the tutor or shared by the group, including enamels. Large work in size and quantity may be charged extra.

What students need to bring

  • If you would like to work with silver, you will need to provide this; 0.8mm is recommended.
  • A notebook, a pen and a camera, if you have one, to record your samples
  • The tutor would also recommend that you bring an apron and enclosed toe footwear (essential).
  • Please bring the following only if you already have them:
  • (The tutor will provide equipment for the workshop so please don’t buy anything specially.)
  • Small and medium soft paintbrushes
  • Fine steel tweezers
  • Small sharp scissors
  • Black and white opaque sifting enamels
  • Sieves 80, 100 and 200 mesh
  • Small kiln supports and trivets
  • Small palette knife
  • Silver and gold foils
  • Klyrefire
  • Decorative rubber stamps

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • 0.8mm copper sheet and 1.0mm copper sheet
  • For any materials you need to purchase from the shop, we suggest you do so during the first morning of your course, after having discussed with your tutor.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Tutors

Jessica Turrell

Jessica Turrell is a well-established jeweller with over 25 years teaching experience. Her focus is on the use of vitreous enamel using non-traditional techniques in combination with metal texturing. Jessica studied at Central Saint Martins and has an MA in multi-disciplinary printmaking from UWE, Bristol. She exhibits nationally and internationally.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Interested in a career in metalwork?

Our Foundation Degree in Metalwork will enhance your employment prospects, give you the skills to set up as a self-employed craftsperson or allow you to continue to higher education. Encompassing both silversmithing and blacksmithing, you will learn practical skills, material properties, placing your work in a broader context and historic metalworking techniques. Find out more