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Learn to enamel with Ricky Frank
New Online Programs

Creative Enamel" Classes

Below are some classes that were available in 2021. New classes are in development and will be available soon for 2022.

Creative Enamel Color
Self-guided only

• Learn Ricky's "Six Enamel Layer" techniques
  
• Learn Ricky's 5 Personal Tutorial  Styles
• Combine colors and color layers
• Use foils to "paint with light"
• Develop your own personal enamel vocabulary.
• Find your color confidence
• Give yourself freedom to play
• Begin to develop personal themes
• Includes several mini-courses: Enamel Science, Make a Canvas, Transparent Color Samples, Bending Wires, Silver Foil, & more

Creative Cloisonne´

• Explore  visual design elements: shapes, lines, value, color, & patterns.
• Translate visual design elements into enamel design elements
• Use wires, enamel layers, foils
• Explore & combine different types of wires
• Combine opaque, transparent, & opalescent colors within cells
• Includes Introduction to Cloisonne´ tutorials
• Includes several mini-courses: Enamel Science, Make a Canvas, Transparent Color Samples, Silver Foil, & more
• Create your personal cloisonne´ vocabulary
• Develop your artistic vision using icons, symbols, & silhouettes

learn more about creative color

learn more about creative cloisonne´

A Free class: Tools & Materials

A video tour of the different tools, supplies, and materials that I use in my enameling process.

Register Here

What if I don't have much enameling experience? Are these classes for beginners?

Both the Creative Color and Creative Cloisonne´ classes are designed for learners at all levels.
Each class contains a collection of "min-courses" to help new students quickly advance their skills.
These include...

• Kiln-Firing Basics
  
• Enamel Science
• Make an enamel "blank canvas"

• Silver Foil Basics
  
• Enamel Vocabulary
• Tools and Materials
  

Sometimes beginners do better in my classes because they are not holding onto the rules that they have learned!

If you are new to my style of teaching, please take the time to read "Candie's Story".

Candie's Story

Student Testimonials

If you want someone to teach you how to make a “souvenir” project, take a class from someone else who teaches that way. If you want to learn the details of enamel work (and are willing to put in effort on your own),  then this may be the class for you. If you want to develop your own style and artistic voice (and you already know some enameling basics),  then this is definitely the class for you.
- Bill O

"What I really appreciate about this online class is having time in between the lesson drops to actually let ideas marinate, contemplate the steps I want/need to make, and then proceeding. I’m learning to let go of the need to have a “finished” piece, even as I advance towards that goal. I am experimenting with ideas that I never would have thought about. I am deep down the rabbit hole now, in an immersion sense, that is penetrating the information deep into my psyche, this is stuff I will not forget."
-Melissa V

...the more I thought about why those characteristics were appealing, I was able to reach an emotional response and connect with memories from my childhood. All that to say I am now starting page 4 of brainstorming and understanding what my story is!! Now to brainstorm how to tell that story. This is exactly what I was hoping to get from this class - my story and how to tell it! 
-Mary D.

"your teaching method was transformative for me as both an enamel technician and an artist"
-Candie P

Why is enameling so challenging and sometimes frustrating?

Your are using HEAT to bond two materials: metal and glass. Heat can be scary.

The firing process changes both the enamel and the metal; physics & chemistry

So many colors, manufacturer brands, and firing temperatures

So many technical questions along with the artistic questions makes it easy to become confused.

Teachers and books often tell you the "right way" but present conflicting information and methods.

There can be many steps to remember. Sometimes just one small mistake causes a big problem later in the process.

Many materials, tools, techniques, and skills to explore. And distract you.

Many of us don't have TIME and want shortcuts. It takes repetition and perseverance.

There are many variables to consider. One of the big questions to ask oneself is "What does it depend on?". And that isn't always an easy question to answer.

This is a lot to consider? No wonder it can be confusing and overwhelming.

The Creative Enamel Color Course
combines two different types of skill learning.

Enamel Skills

• Explore enamel color, layers, and light
• Ricky's seven enamel layer techniques
• Enamel basics: Prepare, apply, and fire enamel, foils, and wires
• Introduction to cloisonne´
• Understand and apply enamel science.
  

Learn more...

Artistic Mindset Skills

• Learn to SEE the design elements around you
  
• Become more creative
  
• Become more self-expressive
• Develop a visual and enamel vocabulary
• Explore your artistic vision and voice
  

Learn more...

I like that you have taken time before presenting the technical aspects of enameling, to discuss the mental/emotional landscape of the artistic process.  I have taken other art classes, and have never had another teacher walk me through this.  That, in itself, is just priceless to me."
- Mary C.

Student Samples & Testimonials