Enamelling with Sheila McDonald
Under the expert guidance of Sheila McDonald you will explore a number of experimental enamelling techniques using powered and lump enamel. The techniques covered will include sieving enamel, grinding lump enamel, preparing enamel on 3D and 2D metal surfaces, cloisonné, basse- taille, working with fine gold and silver foil and other surface decoration techniques. If there is something you specifically wish to be covered, please do let us know and we will endeavour to include it.
Sheila will teach through a series of demonstrations and one-to-one instruction. In this enamelling masterclass you will be strongly encouraged to experiment and develop your skills through a sequence of experimental samples that reflect your personal aesthetic. Due to the small size of the class, and Sheila’s extensive teaching experience, teaching will be adapted to your goals and pace of learning and so will be highly agile to ensure you get the most from the course.
Rough outline of the course:
The first day will commence at 10am and finish at 5pm, Tuesdays & Wednesdays the hours will be 9am to 5pm.
Day 1: You will work on copper squares and sieve white enamel. This will generate a blank canvas ready for you to explore the techniques of sifting, stencilling, sgraffito, under and over firing, creating a considerable surface finish so you can work over altered metal surfaces. Sheila will bring copper squares, silver discs and an archive of her samples, which will provide ideas that will hopefully guide your exploration over the next 2 days.
Day 2: On the second day you will work on silver discs, implementing what you learnt on day 1. Sheila will discuss and demonstrate various methods of soldering fittings, such as earring posts or brooch backs, to your test enamelled pieces.
Day 3: You will be taught how to wet pack an altered surface such as a small dish.This will leading to learning how to apply a finish to your enamel. This will be a day of developing your enamelling under the expert guidance of Sheila.
Sheila will provide you with all of the material such as copper, silver, enamels,foils and materials for test pieces and will charge you at cost, likely to be approx £10 (excluding silver). Extra silver and foils will be available to purchase.
Accommodation
The course fee includes accommodation, which is provided in houses belonging to the National Trust and leased exclusively to Bishopsland. They were renovated and furnished in 2024 and offer a picturesque, comfortable base to attend the course and explore this lovely corner of Oxfordshire.
House 1: Walking distance from the workshops and village cafe. 3 bed, 1 bathroom with a large dining room, lounge & garden
House 2: 10 minute drive from the workshops. 3 bed, 1 bathroom with large lounge and garden. Walking distance to the village pub and National Trust café.
Accommodation is offered from Sunday afternoon to Wednesday evening inclusive. If you wish to extend your stay, perhaps bringing your family to join you, additional nights can be booked per room for £50 or for the house exclusively for £150 per night. Latest checkout will be on Saturdays by 11am. Please contact Claire if you wish to extend your stay.
Bedding, towels and food are all excluded (ie must be brought with you)
Cost
Each course costs £650 per person which includes teaching & accommodation and excludes travel, food, bedding and tools/materials.
Payment terms
Deposit of £200 payable on booking. Remaining balance of £450 payable by 1 July 2025. No refunds will be given.
Potential bursaries
It may be possible for you, as an individual, to apply to Qest, Benevolent Fund, South Square Trust, Goldsmiths Centre etc for a bursary. If you need any information from Bishopsland to support your application, please contact Claire.