In this workshop, you will make a bracelet: a slightly curved copper plate with cloisonné enamel, attached to a wax cord with a sliding knot. You will be guided through the process step by step. First, you sprinkle a base layer of enamel powder onto the copper plate. This is fired in the kiln at 825 degrees Celsius, causing the powder to melt into glass on the plate. Next, you apply thin silver foil, with silver cloisonné wire on top that you have shaped into specific forms. After that, you apply enamel again, this time in a wet form. Once this layer has dried, it is fired in the kiln until it becomes one solid piece. Sometimes this process needs to be repeated a second time. After each step, the bracelet is fired again, comes out glowing red hot, and as it cools, the final colors slowly appear. This is truly a magical moment!

You will go home wearing a unique bracelet on your wrist.

Enameling is the process of melting glass powder onto metal at high temperatures. The final result is resistant to climate and weather conditions. This technique was already used long before our era. Depending on the color and composition of the glass powder, the firing temperature varies, but is usually between 750 and 950 degrees Celsius. Enamel can be applied to steel, copper, silver, and gold. There are various materials and techniques that can be used in the process. You can create very small pieces or very large ones: functional objects, jewelry, and autonomous artworks. There is always some unpredictability: how will it come out of the kiln? Did the colors turn out exactly as planned, has nothing shifted, are there no unintended oxides? This makes enameling an exciting process.

During the festival, the workshops are led by experienced artists and teachers. They have exhibited nationally and internationally and have mastered various techniques. They are all members of the Vereniging van Nederlandse Emailleurs (VNE), founded in 1983 with the aim of promoting enameling as both a craft and an art form. The VNE organizes several workshops each year in Amersfoort and exhibitions in galleries or museums. Twice a year there is a general members’ meeting, four times a year a newsletter is published, and members are kept informed of activities and events in other ways as well. Members can also visit each other’s studios to exchange knowledge and skills.