Date: Thursday, Oct 16, 2025, 6-9pm (CST)
Instructor: Pat Evans
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Description: Discover the magical art of plique à jour enameling, where translucent enamel creates miniature stained glass windows that glow with light! In this hands-on class, you'll master creating delicate silver frameworks using metal clay syringe techniques, then learn the secrets of wet packing enamel into cells with temporary backing support. We'll guide you through the firing process and show you how to achieve that perfect smooth finish using diamond grinding tools. By the end, you'll have created your own luminous pair of earrings that capture and play with light beautifully.
Project Completion: Students will have enough time to finish the project during the class time.
Torch:Instructor will be demonstrating using a Max Flame butane torch, however, any jewelers' torch except a MicroTorch will work.
Materials Kit: Enough material for one pair of earrings (Art Clay syringe type, syringe tips, assorted transparent enamels, mica sheet, pair of earring wires).
Domestic US shipping included. (Please contact instructor directly to arrange for international or expedited shipping fees.)
(Materials kit is included in price when "Zoom/Kit combo" or "Kit only" option is selected.*)
Required Tools and Supplies:
- Sharpie
- Scissors
- Chain nose pliers
- Flat nose pliers
- Brass brush
- Fine tweezers
- Needle files
- Magnesia block
- Soldering set up includes: solder board, fire tweezers, quench bowl, butane torch.
- Flex shaft including: 3m 1 inch dual lock backed diamond disc set, 1" dual lock diamond resin smoothing disc set.
- Shaped templates
- Needle tool or awl or toothpick
- Magnifying glasses (as needed)
- Basic metal clay set up: roller, non stick work surface, 10 playing cards or depth measuring slats, scalpel or Xacto knife, fine paintbrush, fluffy paintbrush, sanding sponges and straight salon boards (nail file) of different grits, cup of water, release agent (cool slip, olive oil), piece of saran wrap/cling film.
- Drying set-up such as a mug warmer, food dehydrator or kitchen oven.
- Enamel set-up: trivet, tripod, Klyrfire, paint brush, magazine pages, alundum stone
- Spray bottle with water (distilled preferred)
- Disposable condiment cups or plastic spoons
- Diamond sanding pads in grits from 100-1000 (or flex shaft bits described above).
*Note: You must choose either a Zoom or Zoom/Kit combo to receive written instructions. Kits will begin to ship Oct. 1, 2025, unless otherwise arranged with instructor.
Zoom Recordings will be available for viewing until Oct. 29, 2025. Additional time may be purchased ($12) by selecting the "Extend viewing time" option above.