I would really like to start making enamel crafts, but I am having a hard time finding information about it -- where I can take classes, can I do it at home... Does anyone know anything about it, or have any suggestions? Thanks.

Emily

I may be wrong but I wouldn't think you can do it at home. At least not without major expense. There are look alike things that you can do at home like tile mosaics and stained glass and maybe some fimo, but I only enameled copper or brass while in school. We had a kiln for it.

Here in Orlando we have a private school dedicated to the arts. It's mostly classes in different media and no degree, but it's a serious step ahead of community education classes. They may have had such a class at one time.

I'd inquire at any place that has community ed if they know of such an art school. And ask the local art teachers from high schools and colleges, as well as local artisans at festivals and fairs.

Good luck! It's a beautiful thing to work on.

Beth

you CAN do enamel at home, but it requires a setup that's bigger and more complicated than one for, say, tole painting. you can take classes at most junior colleges or colleges that have a metal arts program. there are different types of enamelling. my mom has enamelled on copper at our home, using an oxy-acetylene torch, and a friend of our has a setup in her home for enamelling on silver. to do much of the art, you need a special kiln. i believe they run around $1,000 or more. you need a room with a fire-resistant floor, a fireproof surface to work on, and really good ventilation. the equipment for enamelling is a big investment, so the best way to get started is to take a class. i know my mom learned how to enamel in a basic metal-working class, and bigger metal arts programs have enamelling classes.

stella

yea, Stella, You're right on.

I dabbled in enameling at school which was a part of my Jewellry studio, and it was more expensive than diffcult. It was actually really fun, and you could do some fabulously creative things ( I worked with enamel and sterling) but you do need a kiln and the enamel powders.

Taking a class is probably worth it, though. Enameling is really fun and rewarding. Especially because if you work with silver, you instantly create valuble little items fairly easily.

~ciaobaby