Loading cart contents...
Courses
Below is a selection of short course I offer, both in person and online. If you are interested in organising a private course or small group, please send me an e-mail at: jennwellsstudio@gmail.com . I’m sure we can make it happen!
Hinges Three Ways
If you’re ready to get a little movement into your work, have tried hinges before and didn’t fall in love with them, let me help you. This workshop is going to show three ways to create a hinge that is incorporated into your piece, as well as a hinge you can attach later. I will also cover three different solder set-ups for creating those hinges with tricks on how to keep it stress free. Starting with a basic hinge we’ll consider how the hinge will open and close, the range of motion it allows for and what situations it best suits. We’ll then take that information and apply it to the next hinges as we move forward. A handout will accompany the class, laying out the hinges to be covered as well as variations.
Bayonet Clasps
From containers to jewelry, add bayonet closures to your skill set. The bayonet closure is an excellent way to get that satisfying click when you close your next container or jewelry piece! In this workshop I will walk you through the steps of constructing a bayonet for a container and clasp. A round container form will be the focus, as this style of closure turns on a radius to open and close. Once the main container has been constructed and the basic bayonet completed, options and ways to alter the clasp will be demonstrated and discussed. Demonstrations will apply this closure to small containers, lockets and jewelry pieces.
Keep it Secret, Keep it Safe: Locket and Chain making
In this workshop we will be creating a small-hinged locket and a chain that compliments it. I will demonstrate locket construction, including hinge and catch. Participants will follow a basic layout that will allow for everyone to personalize their own locket and chain. In the construction of the locket we will discuss different bail options and how each will fit with a different style chain. The chain will also bring in multiple claps demonstrations and examples. By the end of the workshop everyone will leave with finished pieces, and an understanding of a variety of additional possibilities within the techniques demonstrated.
Color and Texture in Enamel
In this workshop participants will loosely explore the possibilities associated with the traditional enameling technique of basse-taille. We will begin with metalworking techniques that enhance our enameling; roller printing, stamping textures and possibly etching the base sheet of copper before we begin enameling. Once the metal work is done participants will start working with enamels to emphasize the texture of the metal, layering opaque and transparent colors as well as incorporating liquid enamel and P-3 to enhance the texture in the metal. Participants will experiment with grinding away the base coats of enamel, pencil drawing, watercolor enamels, and firing alternative materials into the enamel surface. A basic understanding of enameling and metalsmithing will be helpful.
Cloisonné Enamels
This workshop will cover all the fundamentals of kiln enameling, with a focus on cloisonné. Cloisonné is a beautiful technique that allows for the separation of colors through the use of a thin wall of metal, which enhances the design. Students will be given an introduction to basic enameling and then guided through their first cloisonné piece, with step-by-step instructions. At the same time students will be encouraged to create their own designs to work on along side the first piece. This will be a great course if you are looking to dive into enameling. No previous experience with enamel is required.
Champlevé Enamels
This three-day course will introduce you to the technique of champlevé enamel and leave you with a finished piece. Participants should expect to finish a brooch or pendant by the end of the course. Our first piece will be a small and pre-designed to get participants started, at the same time you will develop your own designs from drawings; abstract or referencing favorite places, textiles, patterns, or life moments. I ask that you bring photos or clippings to add to the discussion and development of your visual vocabulary. No previous experience with enamel is required, but experience with piercing and sawing is.
Playful Enameling
In this workshop we will investigate the world of possibilities for surface color and design, when enameling techniques are mixed and layered. Students will learn to work with: liquid, powder, transparent, and opaque enamels as well as watercolor and china paints. After learning the proper application techniques used for each, students will then be asked to break the rules in as many ways as possible. Bring your sketchbooks, favorite photos, or work from your imagination to develop your visual library. No previous experience with enamels is required; all fundamentals will be covered in demos.
The Before, After and Enameling
In this workshop participants will begin with fabrication techniques that work in collaboration with enameling, including: roller printing, stamping textures, forming, drilling, wire weaving,cold connections and eutectic soldering forms together. Once the metal work is completed participants will begin working with enamels to accent and build off of the the textures of the base metal. Layering with opaque and transparent enamels as well as the incorporating liquid enamel and P-3 to enhance the surface of the metal and create visual depth in the enamel. In addition, there will be demonstrations of grinding away selective coats of enamel, pencil drawing, watercolor enamels, and firing alternative materials into the enamel surface. All to develop unique surface design within each person’s enamels. After enameling the pieces will be cold connected or set into jewelry elements or object style frames. Basic sawing and filing skills are required as well as a basic understanding of enameling.