Sgraffito Torch Enameled Earrings Workshop with Espie

Sgraffito Torch Enameled Earrings Workshop with Espie

Saturday, May 16

10:00 AM to 2:30 PM (includes a half-hour lunch break)

Member Price $115, Non Members $130

All materials included

Class fee includes:  two sets of copper blanks, 2 pairs of earwires, use of provided enamels, tools, torch, and fuel.No experience necessary

Join jewelry artist Espie for an immersive, hands on workshop in the art of torch fired enamel. In this class, you will create two stunning pairs of enamel earrings while watching the magic of the process unfold right before your eyes. You will learn how to properly prepare your copper pieces, apply and sift counter enamel on the back, design your one of a kind surface on the front, and fire your work with confidence.

Once your liquid base coat is applied and dried, you will explore the art of sgraffito, a technique often used in ceramics, by scratching into the enamel to reveal beautiful detail and contrast. You will then bring your pieces to life with transparent enamels, layering color and depth to create a luminous, watercolor like effect.

Through multiple firings, your earrings will transform into truly unique finished works of art, with no two pieces alike. The creative possibilities are endless.

Please bring a sack lunch.

Artists Biography

Despina “Espie” Buoncristiani is a lifelong artist. Her interest in jewelry emerged in her teens as she reimagined vintage pieces, and a college drawing class followed by a graphic design course led her to switch her major to Art. After working in several studios, she founded Espie Graphics in 1984, running it as a one-woman design practice. As graphic design shifted toward the digital, she longed for more tactile work, which led her to jewelry making, first with beaded designs and later with her own metal pendants in silver, copper, and brass. Continuing to expand her skills, she trained extensively in Metal Clay, earning two certifications and becoming a Senior Certified Art Clay Silver Instructor. Since 2015 she has taught more than 1,000 students across Metal Clay, Metalsmithing, Enameling, Etching, and other techniques, finding deep joy in helping others explore their creativity.