Cloisonne Enamel Workshop with Tom Ellis

Description: Cloisonne is one of the most recognizable techniques in enameling. It consists of bending ‘ribbon’ wire into a linear design. These wires are fired into an enamel base coat on copper or silver, creating cells or ‘cloisons’. The cloisons can be embellished with gold and/or silver foil, then filled with three or more applications of transparent enamels. Traditionally, the built up surface is ground level and then re-fired to gloss.

Students will learn all the tricks; how to manipulate and navigate the materials and process for a successful work of cloisonne art.

Cloisonne Enamel Workshop
Cost: $400 per two-day workshop (includes all materials)

Date: April 10 & 11, 2021

Time: 9:00 to 4:30 PM each day

Location: W.W. Carpenter Enamel Foundation, 645 Colfax Ave., Bellevue, KY 41073

Contact: Tom Ellis – Call 859-291-3800
Email: tellis@thompsonenamel.com

Some of what will be shown include:

* Enamels suitable for use in cloisonneHow to apply and fire a base coat of enamel
* How to fire fine silver wire on a copper base without burning out the wires.
• How, why, and when to “wash” the enamel in preparation for use.
• The differences between copper and fine silver wires and how to use each.
• How to bend and shape the fine wires and fix them to the enamel base coat.
• How to achieve the image and effect you desire with linear wire design.
• How to prevent stress cracking.
• How some enamels may react on silver or copper.
• How to achieve maximum transparency for the appearance of depth.
• How to attach silver and gold foil for accents and highlights.
• How to use inclusions such as silver disks and balls in your piece.
• How to shade, lighten, darken, and blend colors.
• Enamel application techniques such as concave, flat, and convex cloisonne.
• How to grind and finish the piece once enamel has been built up to the top of wires.

What’s included

Students will work on a 1-1/2” dia., domed copper disc. Silver ribbon wire will be used. Silver and/or gold foil will be used to highlight certain areas. When finished, a sterling silver cinch mount bezel will finish off the piece.
Students should bring pencil line drawings of ideas they would like to make into cloisonne.
During this two-day workshop you will receive instruction, handouts, demonstrations, hands on practice, individual guidance and time to complete one or two (if two, additional material fee will apply) jewelry pieces.

About the Instructor

Our renowned instructor Tom Ellis is our Chief Workshop Instructor and a true expert – he has 45 years of experience with enameling! Tom is an excellent artist and teacher, but his experience is especially deep in the process and techniques of enameling. For many years, he has served as a technical consultant to the only manufacturer of vitreous enamel in the Western hemisphere. He understands the enamel products in great depth, how and why they work, how to use them in combinations, and how to solve problems when you don’t get the result you expected. Frankly, we know of no one else in the world with this type of experience and knowledge. Here is what some past participants have said about Tom: “Tom Ellis is an excellent teacher, and I learned more from him in two days than I had in a semester at other art schools…” Sheila S., Wilmette, IL “The hands-on experience added to the expertise of the Instructor, and his willingness to answer questions is invaluable.” “Excellent instruction, enjoyable projects…one of the best workshops for any medium I have ever attended.” Karen, Heber Springs, AR “Tom is a great teacher, very patient and funny. Easy to understand.” Tom Ellis, Our Renowned Instructor
  • No monetary refunds will be made unless W. W. Carpenter Enamel Foundation cancels the workshop. In this event, you will receive a full refund
  • If you cancel (8) days or more before the workshop start date a $50 cancellation fee will be deducted from the full amount you have paid. The balance of what you have paid will be transferred to another workshop date of your choosing. Additional cost may apply to transferred workshop date.
  • If you cancel (7) days or less before the workshop start date a $100 cancellation fee will be deducted from full amount that you have paid. The balance of what you have paid will be transferred to another workshop date of your choosing. Additional cost may apply to transferred workshop date.
  • Registrations are not transferable.
  • Due to workshop overhead expenses, a minimum of 3 students must be registered in order to hold the class. If that number is not achieved, the workshop may be canceled. You will receive notification 7 days (or earlier if you need to know) before the start date of that workshop. You will receive a full refund or if you prefer, a transfer of full payment to another workshop date of equal value. W. W, Carpenter Enamel Foundation and Tom Ellis cannot be held responsible for any lost hotel or airfare cost due to workshop cancellation.
  • Inclement Weather: If you are unable to attend any workshop due to dangerous travel you will receive a transfer only of full payment to another workshop date (of equal value to workshop you are not able to attend). Additional costs may apply to transferred workshop date. No monetary refunds will be made for inclement weather cancellations.
  • The Foundation is committed to the safety of all students.
    Covid-19 Safety Consideration – We have implemented a number of participation requirements to keep students safe.
    * All participants will be required to wear a mask during the workshop
    * All participants will be required to state that they have not been ill or had a fever in the preceding 14 days of the workshop start date.
    * Class sizes must be at least 3 students and no more than 8 students.
    * Workstations will be spaced out 10 feet apart from each other.
    * Demonstrations will be shown on a large monitor so students can remain at their work stations.
    * Plenty of disinfectant spray and hand sanitizer will be available.
  • A series of informational safety procedures have been established for all studio areas that involve some risk of injury in the use of certain equipment. Your instructor will go over safety procedures during your workshop but we would also like for you to be aware of your workshop’s risks before you register for a workshop. As a condition of registration we ask that you read the ‘Safety Procedures Policy’ and acknowledge that you have done so upon registration.

The Foundation makes every effort to ensure students have a safe and meaningful experience while participating in our activities. However, some aspects of work done at The Foundation can involve a certain amount of risk. Work is done with hot equipment i.e. furnaces, kilns and torches. To safeguard The Foundation we ask students to release The Foundation from liability and voluntarily take on the assumption of risk. As a condition of registration we ask that you read the ‘Release of Liability and Voluntary Assumption of Risk’ and acknowledge that you have done so upon registration.

  • By clicking ‘Buy Now’ you acknowledge that you have read and understand the terms above including the ‘Safety Procedures Policy’ and ‘Release of Liability and Voluntary Assumption of Risk’.
  • This website has a secure website payment system. You will receive a confirmation email after payment.
    You also have the option of calling us and paying by check or credit card. A $35 fee will be charged for cancelled checks. Call 859-291-3800 and ask for Tom.