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WORKSHOPS

May 31-June 2 - Plique a Jour: Soldered Wire Framework - 92nd Street Y, New York, NY

In this workshop we will explore the exciting technique of plique a jour. Students will construct and solder a delicate framework of fine silver and fill the openings with transparent enamel, resulting in a stained-glass effect. Fired without a backing, only the physics of surface tension holds the molten glass in place. We will learn how to fabricate and solder the framework, apply the enamels, create smooth color gradients in the cells, fire successfully, and methods for finishing the work. Important considerations when designing plique a jour will be discussed. Students will complete a pair of earrings. Beginners will gain an introduction to an exciting medium, and more experiences students will deepen their understanding. Some soldering experience recommended.

Plique a Jour - Soldered Wirework Method: Hosted on Merry-Lee Rae’s Online Classroom - **ONLINE VIDEO COURSE

Explore the luminous, exciting technique of plique-à-jour at your own pace, in your own studio! This online workshop is a series of 17 videos, which cover the plique a jour technique step by step. Students will construct and solder a wire filigree framework of fine silver and fill the openings with transparent enamel, resulting in a stained-glass effect. Fired without a backing, only the physics of surface tension holds the molten glass in place. The workshop will cover the fabrication of the framework, the application of the enamel, special procedures for successful firing, and methods for finishing the work. Students will complete a pair of earrings. Beginners will gain an introduction to an exciting medium, and more experiences students will deepen their understanding. Students can ask questions and get feedback from Amy in a private Facebook group for class participants. (This is a subscription-based site, and a really great value. Signing up gives you access to over twenty in-depth workshops including my plique a jour course, plus a terrific series of cloisonné workshops by master enamelist Merry-Lee Rae, and classes on mason stains, underglazes and other topics.)

If you have interest in having me teach for your school or guild, potential topics include:

Techniques For Enriching Cloisonné Enameling: Adding Texture, Pattern and Markings

Learn methods to add subtlety, complexity and a gestural feel to your cloisonné designs. In addition to the basics of wire bending and wet packing, we will cover an assortment of techniques for incorporating texture, pattern, and markings into the cloisonné. Texturing base metal, using textured foils, creating a smooth color gradients, inlaying opaque enamels as accents, using underglaze and diamond burs for mark making, using foils to create a sense of depth, and more.  Playfulness and experimentation will be encouraged as students use the techniques to create a cloisonné piece.  Several different approaches to finishing cloisonné will be covered.  Students will complete a cloisonné enamel piece.

Plique-a-Jour: Soldered Wire Framework

Plique-a-jour is one of the most exciting and seductive of enameling techniques.  This 5-day workshop will break it down into a clear step-by-step method, revealing tips and tricks that demystify this beautiful art. Using fine silver wire and eutectic solder, students will fabricate a framework.  The enamels will then be suspended in the openings of the filigree, and fired without a backing, the physics of surface tension holding the molten glass in place. We will cover the fabrication of the framework, including methods for working in 3D. We will then walk through the application of the enamel, procedures for successful firing, and methods for finishing the work. Students will complete one or more plique a jour projects. Beginners will gain an introduction to an exciting medium, and more experienced students will deepen their understanding.   

CAD For Enamelists: An Introduction to Rhino 3D

Open up a whole new world of possibilities by harnessing the power of the computer for your designs.  Learn to create filigree ready for plique a jour enameling, or beautiful and unique settings that will transform your enamels into finished jewelry pieces, all using CAD software. No metal skills required! Especially tailored for enamelists, this course will cover the basics needed to go from concept to finished 3D drawing, ready to print out and cast.  Students will work through a series of defined projects introducing them to the commands and tools of Rhino 3D software, as well as a final project they design themselves.  Information on how to have the computer-generated files printed in wax or resin, and cast in metal, will be covered.  

Simple Enameling & Setting: Basse Taille Enamel & Tab Setting

Learn a quick and effective technique for creating a luminous and elegant basse taille enamel over fine silver, and then build a simple contemporary setting using tabs. We will cover texturing the metal for enameling, creating smooth color gradients, and using foil to add interest. a number of different tab settings will be demonstrated, many requiring no soldering to complete. Adding findings, like pendant bails and pin backs, using tabs will also be covered.