Experimental Enamelling with Amanda Denison | 22 – 24 July 2023

About the course

This 3-day course is all about breaking the rules and experimenting with enamelling techniques. You will work with both traditional powdered enamels and liquid industrial enamels on copper and on steel. We will work with a limited colour range to concentrate on stretching the enamel process.  Both kiln firing and torch firing will be demonstrated. 

The course will explore different ways to create interesting enamelled surfaces.  These will include using stamps, stencils and mark making techniques, metal surface manipulation, and firing sands and minerals into the enamel.  Amanda will demonstrate how she incorporates rust as part of her enamelling process.  Stoning and abrading techniques will be used to create a matt surface and different approaches to sealing and finishing samples will be discussed.   

The emphasis is on developing your own way of working with enamels in line with your personal aesthetic. At the end of the course you will have a number of samples and techniques that you can take forward into finished pieces. 

We will work small scale during the class but techniques explored can be translated onto larger pieces. Previous enamelling experience is not essential.  

Who is it for?   

Jewellers, artists and students looking for a more experimental contemporary approach to enamelling.  For anyone who is not drawn to the traditional enamel aesthetic and the lengthy preparation and precision it requires, this is a chance to explore new techniques, to break the rules and to work more intuitively.  

About the tutor

The course will be run by Amanda Denison, a jewellery artist known for her innovative work who often incorporates rust in her enamelled steel pieces.  Amanda originally trained in fine art and this informs her approach – texture and mark making are key to her process.  Amanda’s work has been exhibited nationwide and internationally.