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Classes  >>  Enameling & Metal Coloration



A variety of options exist to add color to metal, from chemical patinas to unique painterly techniques using pigments. Another is enameling, a process of fusing pigmented glass powder to a metal substrate at very high temperature, resulting in an extremely durable finish. Enameling was historically used for signage and provides opportunity for a wide range of techniques, from resists to screenprinting, to add color to metal.



Click on the course name to see all class meeting dates, times, and course fee.

If you're looking for a Reheater option, select the class you'd like to Reheat and choose the appropriate fee when registering.

Please read these FAQs for details about what to bring/wear, refund policy, age requirements and more. We've also compiled a sensory rubric with more information about what to expect in a particular type of class. 

Joining a waitlist? Before you add yourself to a waitlist for a class that's full, it helps us if you're pretty certain you'll be available. If a spot becomes available, you'll be automatically registered and given about 24 hours to confirm your registration by paying. If we have a long list of folks who are no longer interested, it can be time-consuming to fill that spot. Thank you!

Upcoming classes

  • Copper Enamel Jewelry Sampler

    • Sat, January 04, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    Register

    Manifest your creative vision by creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces colored with a rich palette of enamels. In this sampler style class, we'll explore basic copper enamel techniques using pre-fabricated copper shapes. You will walk away from this course with a new excitement for working with glass, color and metal.

    In this workshop you will learn:

    • kiln-fired and torch-fired enameling
    • at least three dry enameling techniques including sifting, fade, lump & thread, and more
    • basic jewelry finding connection techniques to bring your copper enamel pieces together

    $85 ($70 tuition + $15 materials) 
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Crystal Celeste 


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  • Copper Enamel Jewelry 1: Exploratory Approaches and Designs

    • Mon, January 06, 2025
    • Wed, January 22, 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 3
    Register

    Do you want to bring your creative vision to life with basic metal manipulation and a rich palette of enamels? Copper enameling is a world of ancient techniques that meet contemporary experimental approaches of today.




    In this class you'll learn:

    • how to cut, file and sand basic shapes from copper sheet metal
    • general metal preparation for enameling
    • kiln-fired and torch-fired basic enameling approaches
    • dry enameling techniques such as; sifting, lump and thread, transparent enamels over wire and hammering effects, drawing and the use of negative space over enamel, etc.
    • basic jewelry finding techniques to bring your copper enamel pieces together

    We'll explore cold metal manipulation as well as enamel on copper approaches using temperatures between 1300 - 1500 degrees. You'll walk away from this course with a new excitement for working with color and metal, several one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, and practical skills and tips to continue exploring these techniques on your own. No experience required.  

    $280 ($235 tuition + $45 materials)  |  6 sessions
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Crystal Celeste 


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  • Photos & Fire: Intro To Torch-Fired Enameling With Photo Decals

    • Fri, February 14, 2025
    • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
    • 3
    Register

    Valentine's Day edition! Call it a date... or not. Join us for a fun introduction to vitreous enameling that is perfect for makers of all experience levels, from total first-timers to more experienced artists.

    After an overview of tools, materials and safety, you'll be guided through the process of torch-firing enamels and photo decals onto a copper substrate to create unique wearable or decorative keepsakes. You'll be introduced to the use of dry-sifted vitreous enamel, paintable enamel, and black and white photo decals. We will explore the design possibilities of combining and layering different photo elements with both opaque and transparent enamels to create pendants, earrings, keychains, or component pieces that can be incorporated into other larger works.

    If you have a personal photo you'd like to incorporate into an enameled piece, please email it to the instructor after you register. Otherwise, you'll be able to choose from provided image decals.

    $85 ($70 tuition + $15 materials) 
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Erin Proctor


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  • Graphics Enameling Basics (TBD)

    • Wed, December 31, 2025
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    This class is not currently scheduled. Click on 'Join Waitlist' to be notified when we schedule it again. When it's opened for registration, everyone on the list is notified at the same time.

    Learn the basics of an ancient decorative technique of fusing vitreous enamel, a material made of powdered glass mixed with minerals for coloration, to a steel substrate. You'll be introduced to the skills necessary for successful enameling, appropriate for projects such as signage, installations, mural elements or similar larger-scale work. This class does not cover jewelry enameling.

    We'll start with the basics of mixing enamels and preparing the substrate, and then explore a variety of enamel surface design techniques. Using viscous medium and mason stains for coloration, you'll paint, sgraffito, sponge, and otherwise manipulate the enamels to produce exciting effects that result in a durable, temperature resistant surface unaffected by UV light. Using the various techniques demonstrated, you'll work on and fire pieces suitable for technical reference as well as a finished piece (approximately one square foot).  |  $270 ($200 tuition + $70 materials)  |  6 weeks

    Instructor: Heather Doyle is CAFAC's artistic director, and she has taught sculptural welding and blacksmithing for more than 10 years. Her enameling background began with the John Biggers Seed Project, a major public art installation coming soon to North Minneapolis, comprised of enameled steel panels on a bridge railing over Highway 94. Heather oversaw the buildout of CAFAC's enameling studio and has trained with master enamelists Dave Berfield and Barbara Minor.

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CHICAGO AVENUE FIRE ARTS CENTER   3749 Chicago Avenue  |  Minneapolis, MN 55407  |  612-294-0400  |  info@cafac.org 

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