Beginners silver jewellery enamelling workshop

Description

In this one-day, beginner-friendly workshop, local jeweller and enameller Sheila McDonald will show you how to embellish silver jewellery using two different enamelling techniques.

The technique of enamelling is the process of coating a metal surface with a layer of fine grains of enamel which is heated at high temperature causing the tiny grains of enamel to fuse together and transform into a smooth glass layer.

Enamel is a special type of glass which has a lower melting temperature than normal glass and is produced in a large range of different colours, making it ideal for decorating jewellery. Enamels are generally either opaque (sold colour) or transparent (giving the appearance of watercolour). In this workshop we will use both powdered enamel for sieving, and washed/ground enamel for wet laying.

During the workshop, we will use a small kiln. However, small scale enamelling can also be performed using a hand torch or cook’s torch and Sheila will also demonstrate this process. Using handheld torches eliminates the need for a specialised enamel kiln, but is only suitable for smaller pieces.

We will be enamelling onto silver to make a pair of earrings, charms, or a pendant drop. Each stage will be explained in detail, and Sheila will demonstrate a range of different decorating techniques.

A variety of pre-made cast silver shapes will be available to choose from, and the price of the workshop includes materials to create two items, such as two pairs of earrings or two pendants.

Silver chains will be available to purchase for a small extra charge.

A set of notes will be sent to you after the workshop, however we encourage you to take photos continuously during the enamelling process as a record of your journey so a mobile phone would be useful.

Earth conscious credentials

We are mindful of the effect we have on the environment, and do our best to minimise our impact.

All the enamels used are lead free, and the silver is ethically sourced/recycled.

You will take the lovely products you have created home with you on the day, and workshop correspondence and notes are sent to you electronically.

Favourite feedback

We love to hear what you think about our workshops. Here's a favourite review for the transparent vitreous enamel silver earring making workshop.

The tutor Sheila McDonald was marvellous, she was fun, knowledgeable, included everyone, gave advice and was so very patient. She was just lovely to spend the day with.” [Susan, West Dean student.]

More information

The Arienas Collective workshops, courses and events are run from a welcoming and supportive environment within a Georgian mews home in Edinburgh’s City Centre New Town. We invite you to join us, leave any day-to-day worries behind and immerse yourself in being creative.

Spaces on our workshops and courses are limited so that our creative team of artists and makers can offer you the hands-on help and support you need to make the most of your time with us.

Our taster and introductory workshops focus on teaching creative skills and methods you can continue practising at home, using affordable materials and equipment. Where more expensive equipment is required we will mention this in the workshop description.

All the equipment and materials you need are included in the price, unless stated otherwise.

Light refreshments from local suppliers are provided. On full day workshops you are welcome to bring your own lunch to eat inside or out. There is also a wide range of independent sit-in or takeaway delis, cafés, and restaurants, plus a range of supermarkets all within a 5-10 minute walk.

Accessibility

The workshop space is on the first-floor of our Georgian mews home and unfortunately we do not have lift access. Blue badge holders can park outside our front door on the single yellow line by arrangement.

Allergies

The workshop space is in our open plan living space and is not nut free. Please let us know about any skin or food allergies before booking. We offer a dairy-free milk and gluten free snack alternative.

Minimum number no refund policy

To ensure we can always pay our creatives a fair fee, we require a minimum number of bookings for each workshop and for this reason bookings are non-refundable. Should we have to cancel due to low numbers, we will offer you the option to swap to an alternative date or workshop, or to request a refund.

We do our very best to avoid cancellations. Since we often get late bookings, we keep our workshops on sale for as long as possible. We realise that some of you travel from afar, so if you book a space and have not yet received an email confirming your workshop is going ahead and need to make plans for your trip, please get in touch before booking any travel or accommodation so we can update you on booking numbers. Or check in before booking.

Private workshop bookings

Most of our workshops are also available to book for: private get-togethers with family and friends; themed wedding and birthday celebrations; corporate team building and well-being purposes; and in-store retail events for your customers. If you’d like to know more please email Lynn.

Age restrictions

Our workshops are planned with adults in mind. Many are suitable for teenagers, but some may require under 16s to be accompanied for insurance purposes. Please check with us before booking.