Join us for this exciting workshop led by Sheila McDonald, author of 'Creative Enamelling', a highly regarded enameller and teacher known for making this intricate process both accessible and inspiring. In her book, Sheila demystifies the art of enamelling, guiding makers through how tiny grains of glass fuse to create luminous, smooth surfaces. She also explores more advanced techniques, including layering enamels, incorporating precious metal foils, and using wires to define detailed designs—encouraging both beginners and experienced jewellers to develop their own personal style.

In the workshop, you’ll focus on working with fine gold and silver foil and leaf on enamelled copper squares. This technique, widely used in Arts and Crafts enamelwork, creates a beautiful shimmer beneath transparent enamels. Through demonstration and guided practice, you’ll experiment with colour, light, and metallic effects to produce rich, layered surfaces.

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What will I make?

You’ll work on pre-prepared copper squares, using a range of enamelling techniques to create 3–4 finished enamel samples. Your finished enamel squares will act as your own personal enamelling library, a collection of working examples you can use to troubleshoot, practise, and confidently apply these techniques to future jewellery projects.

Your enamel squares can also be easily transformed into small brooches with the addition of simple brooch backs, giving you the option to turn your samples into wearable jewellery after the workshop.

What will I learn?

The key skills and techniques covered in the workshop include:

• Preparing enamels for wet laying


• Applying fine gold and silver foil and leaf


• Building layered, shimmering effects under transparent enamels


• Simple finishing techniques for your enamel squares


• What will happen on the day?

What will happen on the day?

The workshop begins with an introduction and a look at sample pieces and historical influences. You’ll talk through the visual possibilities of the techniques you’ll be exploring.

A discussion of the materials you’ll be working with — including the enamels, fine gold and silver foil, leaf, and copper squares will follow, along with how to prepare them.

Throughout the session, Sheila will give a series of practical demonstrations, showing each stage of the process from laying enamel to applying foil and leaf. After each demonstration, you'll have the chance to try the technique yourself, building confidence step by step.

The majority of the workshop is dedicated to hands-on making, with one-to-one guidance from your tutor. As you develop your enamel squares, there will also be opportunities for informal group interaction, sharing progress, asking questions, and learning from one another’s experiments.

What skills do I need?

All levels

Workshops that are designed to be flexible and accommodate all skill levels. 

What should I bring?

• Reading glasses (if you need them!) 


• Notebook and pen (if you want to take notes)


• Apron to protect clothes


• 
  A scalpel knife (required)

All other essential tools and materials will be provided.

What should I wear? 

Clothes: Casual and not too precious as they may get a bit dusty or damaged.  Avoid long, loose fitting sleeves and anything that might catch or get caught whilst you are working.

Shoes: Casual flat shoes and no open toed sandals in case you drop a tool or something hot on them!

Hair: Tie long hair back.

Who is my instructor?

Sheila McDonald is an artist, jeweller, and enameller who has been working with enamel since the age of 13. She originally trained at the Glasgow School of Art before completing her studies at the Royal College of Art in London. Sheila is a tutor at West Dean College, Chichester, and has many years of experience teaching and inspiring beginners.

How do I get there? 

See contact page for details on public transport and parking.

Materials Disclaimer

Please note: Workshop material costs are based on metal prices at the time of organising each session. Due to continual fluctuations in precious metal markets, there may be a small increase in the price of materials. If this occurs, we will contact you prior to the workshop to confirm the difference, which can be settled on the day by card.

Accessibility

Most of this workshop takes place at street level in our showroom, which is step-free and accessible. Some specialist equipment is located in our lower-level workshop, which can only be accessed via stairs, as the building does not have lift access.

If you have any access requirements, please contact us before booking so we can advise and discuss suitability and any adjustments we can make to accommodate you.