Join Marissa Saneholtz for this exciting workshop, where students will learn how to create champlevé enamel pieces using saw and solder, and torch-fire enameling techniques - no kiln needed! Tips and tricks on how to design for this technique will be shared. The processes of sawing, soldering, wet packing, torch-firing, stoning, finishing, and soldering on findings enameled pieces will be shown. Working with opaque and/or transparent enamels, students will work to create a wearable piece of jewelry. Inspirational work made by enamelists and metalsmiths will also be shared as a starting point.
Techniques covered include:
This course is available as a live online class. Please check this page for times and formats available.
Tools Required for Online Students
This is a list of tools online students need to practice the techniques shown in class.
A list of tools with links to recommended suppliers for the best prices will be sent to you after registration. If you have questions about the tool list, please contact us.
3"x3" x copper or sterling sheet - 18g
3"x3" x copper or sterling sheet - 20g or 22g
1’ hard silver solder
Various colors of Opaque and/or Transparent Enamels, at least 1oz each
Fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc.
Torch: large butane, acetylene/air, propane/air, dual fuel
Striker (if needed for your torch)
Tripod with steel mesh or at least 3 fire bricks
60 mesh sifter
Mesh firing rack
Trivet
Cheap painters palette and/or plastic spoons
Small scoop or additional spoon
20/0 fine paint brush
Alundum stone or Diapads
Copper tongs
Cross-lock tweezers
Pickle and Pickle container
Container of water for cleaning enamels or access to a sink
Soldering tweezers
Soldering pick
Third Hand
Paste flux
Brass bristle brush
3 Containers
Flux brush
Dawn dish detergent or similar
Flush cutters
Saw frame
4/0 saw blades
#2 half round hand file
Dremel or flexshaft
Drill bits .8 or 1mm
Center punch or scriber
Set of needle files
Assorted sandpaper- 220 to 600 grit
Jewelry findings of your choice - pins, bails, ear wires, etc.
Rubber cement
Comet or pumice powder
Scotch brite pads
Distilled or filtered water
Safety glasses
Scissors
Particulate dust mask - at least an N95
Quart size ziploc bag
Glossy magazine pages
Paper towels
Small eye dropper or pipette
A computer, phone or tablet to use the free Zoom app for class
Basic jewelry skills such as sawing, drilling, filing, soldering, and polishing are required. A class suchas Jewelry 1- Basics will give you these skills.
Prior enameling experience is recommended but not required.
If a class is online, or is a combination online and in-person session, all students receive a link to a recording of the class demonstrations. In-person only workshops are not recorded.
If a kit is included with the class, online students will have them mailed to them. Kits for in-person students are delivered at the beginning of the first class. More information about the kit is included with the supplies list which is emailed after registration.
International students may be charged an additional amount for shipping, because of the increased cost to ship abroad. Also, shipments to other countries may incur a tariff payable by the student. International students are welcome to contact us re: these costs and options for their materials. Please be sure that the address with your payment is the correct one for shipping.
If this class is offered online, it uses the Zoom app/website. Through Zoom, you’ll be able to see demos and follow instructions, ask questions and interact with your instructor. Zoom is easy to use and free for students to use for class, and works on most devices, like phones (iPhone, Android, etc), tablets (iPads, etc), and computers (Mac or PC).
Your instructor is also available during free Zoom office hours for questions and help.
Online students work at home or in their studio. All of our recommended tools and the kit materials are chosen to be home studio friendly. Links to preferred vendors are provided in the supplies list sent after registration.
For the health and safety our staff and students, students are required to show proof of vaccination and to wear masks when attending classes at our school. If you can’t meet these requirements, we invite you to take the online version of this class instead, if available. Please visit our COVID-19 Updates page for more information.
And now the fine print. Payment in full for class fees is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. Checks and cash are accepted only if you register at school. If you mail a check, your registration is not processed until it clears and the class may fill during the wait.
If the workshop is canceled by our school for any reason, all class fees will be refunded, or you can transfer to another class, or you can keep a credit on account with us for future classes or purchases,
Students can cancel, receive a credit or refund, or transfer to another class up to 21 days before a workshop, whether it is online or in person. No cancellations are accepted after the 21-day deadline, however, we will do what we can to try and sell your place to a qualified student. If we can sell your place, you can receive a refund less a $50 cancellation fee, keep a credit on account with us, or apply your fees towards a transfer to another class.
If you can’t make it to class, you may send a participant who has the necessary prerequisites in your place. Please call or email us immediately with any changes in the student participant information. If a class includes an online section, your class will be recorded and you can watch later to make up a class you miss.
Students must be at least 15 years old to attend a class, and students under 18 must have a legal guardian sign our liability waiver form. We have had younger students attend classes, on a case by case basis. If you’re interested in enrolling your child, please call or email us.
If you sign up for a class and fail to have the required prerequisites as listed in the class description, you are still subject to the 21-day cancellation policy, listed above.
Lodging and meals are not included for in person classes.
If you don't come to class, there are no refunds, credits or transfers.