Comments on: Best Way to Learn Torch Fired Enamel?

By: Becky Clemmons

Becky Clemmons — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 19:43:48 +0000

In reply to Barbara jacquin. I also have attended classes at the John Campbell Folk School and absolutely loved each one. The teachers are excellent and go out of their way to accommodate all levels of learners. It's wonderful to immerse yourself in this environment!

By: Connie

Connie — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:00:33 +0000

In reply to Elizabeth A Reid. Elizabeth, I appreciate your advice to look into Virtual-EverCrafting. As I said to Sue, I might do better in person so I can really see how everything works. I will look into this website!

By: Connie

Connie — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 17:58:49 +0000

In reply to sue. Sue, thanks. Maybe a trip to KY is in my future?? I honestly think I would do the best in person, touching and experiencing the supplies, tho I am not opposed to zoom or videos. But then getting to KY right now might not work. Maybe 2021?

By: Connie

Connie — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 17:56:50 +0000

In reply to Debra Lowe.

Debra, I see……slow cool to keep the glass from cracking. Makes good sense. Thanks!

By: Debra Lowe

Debra Lowe — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 14:52:38 +0000

In reply to Connie. Hey Connie, the slow cool is to keep the enamel from cooling too quickly and cracking, since it is glass. The inverted clay pot is just my way of a slow cool with out a kiln. They also have liquid enamel now, never used it but would love to give it a try. You'll be hooked either way~

By: sue

sue — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 23:04:41 +0000

Thompson Enamel has classes right at their place in Bellevue, KY. Here you can learn from the best. Visit their website and call Tom if you have questions about the classes. They are absolutely the best. (thompsonenamel.com 859-291-3800 ) There is a Book, The Art of Fine Enameling by Karen Cohen. I started by watching many youtubes.

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 20:01:36 +0000

Kim St. Jean, who has taught classes at the John C. Campbell School, has at least one video on torch fired enamel. You can google her to get more information. She’s also on Facebook. I got a brief introduction to the skill several years ago when I took a class with Kim at “Weekend with the Wiremasters” in Dana Point, California.

By: Connie

Connie — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 19:23:49 +0000

In reply to Barbara Jacquin. I know, Barbara. I knew what you meant and got a chuckle out of the typo.

By: Elizabeth A Reid

Elizabeth A Reid — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 18:15:19 +0000

I just attended a great intermediate class taught by Kieu Pham Gray on Zoom. She and other teacher/artists have put a group together called Virtual-EverCrafting http://www.theurbanbeader.com/virtually-evercrafting/. They had a number of classes in August all levels and fields of jewelry making. Would highly recommend. I believe they are planning another group of classes starting in December of this year.

By: Elizabeth A Reid

Elizabeth A Reid — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 18:08:09 +0000

There are a group of artist that have Joined to form a group called VirtuallyEvercrafting. I just took a class taught by Kieu Pham Gray on enameling intermediate level class on a torch firing process called Kaleidoscope. It was a 3 hour class. There was a choice of video only or video with kit. It was a great class. Although I didn’t take it, they also had a beginner level in torch enameling and there are more classes coming up. This group is also organizing to do some more classes starting in December. I highly recommend this group for more jewelry making than enameling. http://www.theurbanbeader.com/virtually-evercrafting/.

By: Barbara Jacquin

Barbara Jacquin — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 17:06:49 +0000

In reply to Barbara jacquin. OOPS! Several, not terrible! Darn this Dictaphone!

By: Connie

Connie — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:32:00 +0000

In reply to Debra Lowe. Debra, I have been using Rio a Grand for many years and would trust them. Thanks for this tip. I didn’t realize they had enamel supplies, as I just get what I need from them and don’t browse like I should. I will for sure check them out. And I will do research on why slow cooling is a thing. A sample pack to start is great. Connie

By: Debra Lowe

Debra Lowe — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:32:29 +0000

I do torch fired enamel and it is so fun, practice on bits and pieces you can part with if it doesn’t work out. Always use MAP gas as it’s the best for enameling small projects. I use an inverted clay flower pot (empty) and lay the enameled piece in vermiculite and place the inverted pot over it to slow cool it. I get my enamels from Riogrande.com
They have a great sample pack of all the colors they have available and all the tools you will need. Likely a couple of tutorials too. It’s a blast and you will be hooked. Good luck~

By: Connie

Connie — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 13:58:40 +0000

In reply to Dianne Jacques.

Hi Dianne,
Thanks for your offer to let me contact you. I can probably learn remotely, but I was hoping to learn where best to get materials and which ones to get. I see supply lists in books but I thought a workshop would give me hands on info on supplies and which ones to get. I have a torch and thought I would prefer that over buying a kiln, due to storage space and cost.
I will contact you by email…….
Thanks, connie

By: Connie

Connie — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 13:54:54 +0000

In reply to Tammie. Tammie, I will for sure look into that book. My DVD player is not near where I would be doing the work but I can work something out. Thanks! Connie

By: Connie

Connie — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 13:52:37 +0000

In reply to Barbara jacquin. Thanks, I have heard about this school and look forward to looking into their classes.....maybe not in 2020 tho.

By: Dianne Jacques

Dianne Jacques — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 13:17:30 +0000

Hi Connie, A lot of classes aren’t being held in person, most are doing virtual. Enameling is addictive so watch out! I prefer kiln fired, but I began with a torch and still fire my samples with a pre-1982 US penny and a torch. I learned from YouTube videos…there are tons! If you have any questions, I’d be happy to help any way I can. Just shoot me an email to dianne@divelladesigns.com

By: Tammie

Tammie — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 12:03:50 +0000

I did take one class at my local jewelers guild but I mostly learned from watching YouTube videos and I also bought Anat Silvera’s book which comes with a DVD.

https://www.amazon.com/Enameling-Made-Easy-Torch-Firing-Beginners/dp/0871167700

By: Barbara jacquin

Barbara jacquin — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 11:52:06 +0000

The John Campbell Folk School frequently has week-long classes in torch fired enameling. in addition it is in a beautiful area of western North Carolina with friendly people and excellent food and accommodations. I’ve taken terrible classes there and highly recommend the teaching.