01/11-12 Enameling Using Embossing Folders with Leslie Perrino

Saturday - Sunday, January 11 - 12, 2025 
9:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT

Instructor: Leslie Perrino 

Embossing is a fun and rewarding way to get depth and dramatic detail on your enameled pieces. The resulting pieces are lightweight, colorful, and unique

In this class, using very thin copper tooling foil and embossing folders with liquid and powdered enamels, students can create a large variety of detail and color.

Demonstrations will include how to choose and use embossing folders to texture and customize the foil and using liquid and powdered enamel to create a wide variety of patterns, textures, and colors.

I will also address options for setting the resulting pieces. I will be showing you the technique using a kiln, but it is adaptable to torch firing.

All Levels

All classes include the video recording, which you will have access to for 60 days after the class. The Zoom link, handouts, video(s), and other important information can be found by clicking on the individual class link on the "My Courses" page. The Zoom link and handout (if any) will be available 24 hours before the class starts.

You also get 1 free session of Open Studio Access (OSA) in the month following your class, the Zoom link can be found on the course video access page.

The class supply list is below and contains links to buy the supplies you need.

Supply List for Students

The links below will take you to RioGrande.com or other suppliers. To see prices for precious metal items, you need a free Rio Grande account. Students in the Rio for Schools program enjoy wholesale benefits for six months (instructor code = RFSLMF). This site may contain Amazon and other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases.

Recommended Tools:

• Embossing Folders can be found at craft stores and online. Google “embossing folders” and pick smaller folders ( 5.9" x 4.1") and patterns for best results. Here are a few to get you started -
  • 8 Pieces Embossing Folders
  • Leaves Plastic Embossing Folder
    
• 36 gauge copper tooling foil - Must be 100% copper, 36 gauge. (34 gauge will work in a pinch)
  • 36 gauge, St Louis Crafts
    
  • 34 gauge, Rio Grande
• Rolling mill or embosser. I will be using a rolling mill to create the embossing patterns in the copper foil they are pricey, But you can use an embossing machine that works with copper tooling foil. I have heard that a pasta machine works ok.
• Enamels - I will be using liquid enamel 533 white and assorted Thompson unleaded transparent enamels, 2000 series. Feel free to try your favorites. Liquid enamels work well, they create thin layers.
  
  • 533 white (Choose from the drop-down list) https://thompsonenamel.com/shop/

Other Supplies:

The resulting pieces are too thin and fragile to work alone as jewelry unless you set them. If you are a metalsmith you can make your own settings.  Otherwise, pre-made bezels are available: 

• Amazon, search for "Pendant trays"
• Perfect Pendants Plus or search for “pendant trays” (Etsy)
• Parawire.com (previously Metalliferous.com), search for “brass rolled-edge bezel”
• E 6000 glue 
• Cheap brushes to apply liquid enamel, stirrers, a cup of water for rinsing, paper towels
• Sifters and Klyr Fire to apply powdered enamel
• Scissors to cut shapes from embossed sheets
• Sharpies
• Wooden dapping block
• Circle templates
• Ball stylus set (clay tools, burnishers)
• Heat source to dry liquid enamels. Can be a coffee warmer, heat tray, top of the kiln, or heat gun.
• Toothpicks
  
• Kiln - Use your preferred enameling kiln. As long as you have a swing-type door and the kiln will hold at 1500 you are good to go. If you are buying new, below are suggestions for enameling set up. I highly recommend a sentry express or other programming device. Here are a couple of choices from the paragon Kiln website:
  • Paragon SC2 8x7.75x 5.75”
    
  • Paragon SC3 8x7.75x7.75”
    
• Trivets - I use three-point trivets, they come in various sizes
  
• Heat-proof surface, tiles, bricks, marble, etc.
• Firing racks
  
• Firing fork
  
• Long tweezers to move pieces from the trivet