Learn the Art of Cloisonne´ Enameling 
with Ricky Frank

Unlock the Magic of Cloisonné Enameling

Imagine turning metal and glass into luminous works of art-pieces that hold the essence of light, depth, and color.

Cloisonné is more than a technique; it’s a gateway to creativity, blending structure with expression. With delicate wires guiding the flow of color, you gain both control and artistic freedom, shaping vibrant designs that glow from within.

This class is your invitation to step into the world of cloisonné enameling, where tradition meets innovation and your unique vision comes to life.

​Who Is This Class For?

This class is designed for:

• Beginners ready to take their first steps in the enchanting world of enamel and cloisonné.
• Enamelists eager to explore the Cloisonne´ technique, refine their skills, and discover new depths within their craft.
• Experienced cloisonné artists looking to make improvements, learn a few new skills, and build confidence.

No matter where you are on your creative journey, this class will empower you to harness the power of cloisonné and make it your own.

What Will You Learn?

Through a guided step-by-step process, you will:

• Prepare your metal canvas, setting the foundation for success.
• Shape and place cloisonné wires, designing with precision and intention.
• Apply and fire enamel layers, building richness and vibrancy.
• Incorporate precious metal foils, creating layers of light and brilliance.
• Surface finishing techniques, from low-cost to high-tech

A Process-Oriented Approach
This isn’t about copying a project—it’s about building mastery. Every step is broken down into its core elements, so you can:

• Develop hands-on skills that empower independent creation.
• Gain technical knowledge that fuels confidence and control.
• Experiment freely, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity to learn.

By focusing on process rather than perfection, you’ll leave not just with many enamel samples but with the skills and mindset to continue creating long after the class ends.

Master Enamel Science 

Great enameling is part art, part science. In this class, you’ll uncover the secrets of:

• Variables—the subtle changes in heat, enamel, and metal that shape your results.
• Principles—the natural laws that guide how enameling works, helping you move with them rather than against them.

When you understand the why behind each step, you gain control over your outcomes. No more guesswork—just informed, intentional creativity.

Change the variables and change your results

• Type of enamel
• Layer thickness
• Enamel grain size
• Firing temperature
• Firing time
• Type of metal

Understand the Principles and solve your problems

• Chemical Reactions
• Eutectic Bonds
• Transparency & Air Bubbles
• Thermal Expansion/ Cracking
• Firing Stages 
• ​Time/Temp Relationship

Cloisonne´ Skills

 Opaque White Canvas Blanks

Wires and Foils

Color Layers

Both Mindsets are important, but many classes get stuck in the Performer Mindset.
​We find the balance that helps you build enamel skills and your creativity.

Performer Mindset
​Informational Learning & Teacher-guided

• I just want the Facts
• The teacher shows me what to do
• I believe what others tell me is the Right Answer
• I try to remember and recall the Right Way
• I try to do it the Right Way & be Perfect
• I ask "Will it work?"
• I can feel stuck when I don't know the Right Answer

Explorer Mindset
​Experiential learning &  Self-guided

• I learn from my Results
• I learn from my experiences (good or bad)
• I see different Results with my own eyes
• I internalize the process and can remember what I did
• I imagine possible ways to "do it"
• I ask "What if" questions and do it just to see
• I do One Thing to discover possible answers to my questions

Learn the Core Skills

Canvas Skills

• Copper/silver shape
• Form/Dome
• Base layers of enamel

Wire ​Skills

• Bend wires to design
• Apply to canvas blank
• Fire into place

Foil ​Skills

• Cut silver/gold shapes
• Apply to enamel
• Fire into place

Color ​Skills

• Prepare different colors
• Apply into wire cells
• Fire and build up layers

Finishing Skills

• Grind enamel surface
• Final firing
• Polish surface

Design Skills

• Design elements
• Design Principles
• ​Format/Composition

What makes these programs special?
Here is what you get...

Ricky's Teaching Approach

• Ricky's 44 years of enamel jewelry-making experience
  
• Ricky's background with performance psychology helps you "learn how to learn"
• Ricky's 6 learning tools to nudge you out of your comfort zone
• Classes that combine enamel technique/science with the "art stuff": design, creativity, self-expression

Program Structure

• hours of prerecorded video tutorials
• weekly Zoom classes: Q & A, discussions, inspiration, critique
• recorded zoom class for when you can't make it or just want some privacy
• group forum (not Facebook): Q & A, share your results, inspiration, weekly challenges
  
• all content is available from the first day
  
• all content is available for ONE Year
  

Fun & Excitement

• lots of play & experimentation
• freedom to "try it" without fear of failure
• encouragement to find your own way
• improvisational lessons for those "different" questions