Time: Fridays, April 24th and May 1st, 2026
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM MST
(2 sessions, 6 hours total)
(Our booking system only reflects the start day)
Format: Live Zoom Class with Recording Access
Pairs well with these classes! -More Mason Magic and -Be Steel, My Heart
Workshop Overview
This is your workshop to learn torch-firing best practices A-Z, as well as a survey of enamel techniques. By applying successive layers of liquid, painting, and/or transparent and opaque sifting enamels, techniques such as sgraffito, graphite, acid-etching, and more will be covered. A closed Facebook group will be created for questions, discussion, progress, etc between and after sessions.
WHAT WILL BE TAUGHT--OUTLINE (INCLUDING SKILLS COVERED)
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Torch safety and how to use various torches
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How to determine the appropriate tip size
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Ways of containing the heat to expedite enamel flow
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Metal preparation, including forming
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Various gauges of metal and how to decide which is best for each situation
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Metal-forming to create more stable pieces
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Use of necessary small tools for creation of the pieces, such as forming hammers, jewelers saw, files, sandpaper or wheels (if available), scratching tools, and other tools, should they become necessary
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Types of enamels
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Use of liquid, powdered, and other enamels, and which is best suited for each application
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Different approaches to firing based on the size and gauge of the piece
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Under-firing (sugar firing and orange peel), maturity firing, and over-firing, and how to recognize when each is occurring
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Surface disruption
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Graphite usage and how to achieve optimal results
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How to use painting enamels—what they are and how and why they work
THE OBJECTIVES/INTENDED OUTCOMES
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Enable new enameling students to continue torch-firing at home after class.
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Inspire new enamelists to pursue this art form
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Better understanding of the techniques taught and enameling in general
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Gain many new techniques in their enamel vocabulary
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Present those who are already enameling with new information about torch-firing and/or enameling techniques that they may not have in their skill sets.
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Enhance troubleshooting skills
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Inspire more people to pursue the art of enameling, generate enthusiasm, and increase the dialogue around the art form, even if they choose to use their skills with a kiln.
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Completed enamel piece(s) in the techniques taught
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Learn from each other. Everyone has something to teach.
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Share together in our Facebook group!
Bio:
Anne has been an independent studio artist for over 20 years, largely teaching workshops. Work is included in the permanent collections of: the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Yale University Art Gallery, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the Crocker Art Museum, RISD, amongst others.
Recent accomplishments: 2nd place UnderFire exhibition of the EGNE; cover artist: The Enamelist Society Spring 2025 Quarterly Newsletter; CraftForms, Wayne Art Center; Best of Ohio 2025; 2025 Ohio Designer Craftsman grant recipient. Treasurer, EGNE.
