Cloisonné Beads with Aurélie Guillaume

Saturday, February 21, 2026; 10:00AM - 5:00PM PT (Pacific Time)
Sunday, February 22, 2026; 10:00AM - 5:00PM PT (Pacific Time)

Online


Cost: $385


Register Now
More Upcoming Dates
Class Photo
Class Photo
Class Photo
Class Photo

Log in to add this class to your wishlist.


Join enamelist Aurélie Guillaume for this workshop on creating cloisonné beads! You’ll learn how to transform copper
spheres into vibrant enamel beads by layering opaque colors and shaping delicate silver wires directly onto the surface. Through step-by-step demonstrations, you'll gain the confidence to apply wet enamel evenly to a 3D form and refine your firing techniques to achieve beautifully rounded, polished results.
To complete your piece, we’ll also cover practical metalsmithing methods, including how to create and rivet custom end caps using tubing—a simple yet elegant way to turn your bead into a wearable, finished object.

Note: This class requires a kiln. No torch firing for this class. 

 

This class is available as a live online class. 

 

This class does not have a kit. 

 

A handout is included with the class. A pdf of the handout is sent to students before the first day of class.

Recordings of this class are available for 30 days from the final class session.

 

Tools for this Class

This is a list of tools you’ll need to practice the techniques shown in class. A list of tools with recommended suppliers for the best prices will be sent to you after registration If you have questions about the tool list, please contact us.

  • Soldering setup
  • Torch- Smith Little, Acetylene/air, Large butane
  • Brass brush
  • Chain nose and round nose pliers
  • Half round hand file
  • Bench pin, saw frame and blades
  • Fine tip tweezers, Flex shaft or dremel
  • Needle files
  • Steel block
  • Riveting hammer
  • Calipers
  • Dividers
  • Sandpaper and sanding stick
  • Dapping set
  • 150 mesh sifter
  • Kiln
  • Mesh firing rack
  • Lightweight firing racks
  • 3/4" copper sphere
  • Stainless steel rods
  • 2040 hard fusing clear
  • Squeegee oil
  • Mister spray bottle
  • Klyr fire
  • 38ga cloisonne wire
  • Palette knife
  • 150 grit alundum stone
  • 400 grit diamond pad file
  • Assoted opaque enamel colors
  • Small containers with lids 
  • Paper towels 
  • Fine paint brushes
  • Jar for water
  • Blu-stic
  • Sterling silver tubing
  • 24ga sterling silver sheet
  • Squeeze bottle
  • Heat protective gloves
  • Fine tip sharpie
  • Dust mask
  • Chopsticks
  • Safety glasses


A computer, phone or tablet to use the free Zoom app for class

Read what students have to say about our online classes on the testimonials page.

Prerequisites:

Prior enameling experience is required. Prior kiln firing experience and wet packing experience is recommended. Students must have a kiln or access to a kiln for this class. 

Students should also have basic metalworking skills. 

Instructor:

Aurélie Guillaume (Guest)

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. For staff instructor classes, students have access to the recordings for one year. For guest instructors, access is 30 days. 

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 there is an in person section for this class, in person students each have a bench and a complete set of tools to use, including torches, flex shaft, and more. 

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.

For classes that include work time, 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. Some classes, like our short demo only classes, don't require tools or materials to attend. 

And now the fine print. Payment in full for class fees is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. Our online registration system accepts credit cards and other methods. 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.