Inspired Enameling
and Truffle Making
Explore the ancient art of melting glass on metal
Instructor: Cande Toner
MAY 27-28, 2021
$300
In this workshop you will learn how to create heirloom quality enamel work. The proper materials and preparation will be discussed as to how to make a durable product that can be passed down to your grandchildren. You will learn how to choose the correct size of sheeting and how to prepare the work sheet for enameling. Then you will make a basic pendant, earrings, cabochon and beads. Once the basics are covered you will then learn the different techniques of embellishing and creating your own designs. This will include stamping and writing inspirational sayings and/or characters and encasing them in the enamel. Safety in the studio and basic use and safety of the torch will be discussed in depth.
You can expect to come away with one or more beautiful, hand crafted pieces of enamel work.
In addition enameling, you will get to enjoy two wonderful lunches prepared by chef, Christine Hauber. As the manager of a pop up seasonal cafe in Arizona and a personal chef in Santa Fe, she creates a fun lunch experience with hands on creation and consumption. In this workshop, she will teach you to make truffles!!! You can consume these immediately or take them home as a gift.
We are limiting this workshop to just five participants.
Ellen Premack, who is our host and contact person will help answer any questions you may have.
Please click here for any Art Spa questions.
*This fee does not include accommodations. You will need to make your own arrangements for accommodations. Suggestions include: VRBO property #484999, VRBO property #1075427, Sage Inn, Inn at Santa Fe, Guadalupe Inn or Pecos Trail Inn. If you are in an RV, camp or stay in a camping cabin, the Rancheros De Santa Fe Campground is a pretty one and is close to our workshop location. is a good option.
-Non-refundable unless we are able fill your spot.
Cande Toner
A love of nature, earth and fire brought Cande Toner to the art of enameling and metalworking. Trained at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN and John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC, she has been enameling since 1993.
Enameling is the ancient process of fusing glass onto metal. Traditionally powdered glass is applied to metal and melted in a kiln at 1350˚ to 1500˚F. Cande Toner of Dancing Turtle Studios takes a more unconventional approach. The metal is cut to shape and hammered to form a slight dome. The metal is then annealed, cleaned and glass is sifted on the back and fired to produce a counter enamel. The piece is then cleaned again to prepare for the final firings, leaving the natural fire scale in place as design elements. Special ink is prepared from black oxide and painted on to the bare surface. At this point the kiln is heated from 1750˚ to 2000˚F, glass is applied to the surface and the piece is fired again. This process is repeated up to twelve times. This higher temperature is used to bring out an ancient and earthy look as well as a special clarity and depth in the glass.
“There’s something in the fire, a purifying effect, an allowance for new beginnings, the essence of which has always fascinated me. I enjoy pushing the traditional, firing hotter than advisable, creating unusual designs and bringing an attitude to my work that makes it different than any other.”
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