Plique-à-jour Enamelling – Summer Masterclass

Course Info:

Sat 29 10 am – 4 pm & Sun 30 August 11 am – 4 pm

Central Scotland School of Jewellery, Craft Central, High Street, Dunblane

Level: Advanced – prior completion of both beginner and intermediate enamelling workshops (with Elizabeth or another provider) is essential.

Studio Note: Enamelling involves working with finely ground glass. Food must not be consumed at the bench.

Master the Light Within Metal

Plique-à-jour is one of the most technically demanding enamelling processes — often described as “stained glass in metal.”Without a metal backing, enamel is suspended within fine frameworks, allowing light to pass through the colour.

This intensive two-day masterclass is designed for experienced enamellers ready to refine precision, control and finishing skills. Working methodically, you will deepen your understanding of structure, firing cycles and colour development to achieve clean, luminous results.

Teaching is paced and deliberate, enabling you to troubleshoot, refine and build confidence with this specialist technique.

What You Will Develop

• • A clear understanding of plique-à-jour structures and approaches

  • Preparation of pierced metal frameworks for open-backed enamel

  • Washing and grading enamel for wet packing

  • Controlled packing techniques for even colour and translucency

  • Building colour through multiple firings

  • Grinding, refining and kiln polishing

  • Completing a resolved wearable piece

Course Structure

Day One

We begin with an introduction to plique-à-jour and the different approaches used to achieve the effect.

You will prepare pierced metal blanks ready for filling, before moving into packing techniques in the afternoon. This stage requires patience and precision — it is a slow, careful process that should not be rushed.

Day Two

The morning continues with packing and firing. You will then learn how to refine and finish your work through grinding and kiln polishing.

From late morning onwards, you will complete a finished wearable piece, such as a pendant or pair of earrings.

Your Tutor

Elizabeth Jane Campbell is an Edinburgh-based jeweller specialising in enamel. A graduate of Edinburgh College of Art, she refined her focus on enamelling during a period of study at the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design. She later completed a year as Artist in Residence at the Glasgow School of Art before establishing her own studio in Edinburgh. Elizabeth has exhibited widely across the UK and internationally, and her work is held in both private collections and public collections, including the National Museum of Scotland and The Goldsmiths’ Company Permanent Collection. Alongside her studio practice, she is committed to sharing her knowledge of enamelling through thoughtful, skills-focused teaching.

What to bring:

• All tools and materials are provided

• Please bring glasses if you need them for close work

• Wear suitable studio clothing and closed-toe footwear

• Long hair should be tied back

• Optional: a CSSJ apron to feel right at home in the workshop

• Students will not be permitted to eat lunch in the studio due to health and safety issues relating to enamel powders. This means you will need to arrange to eat lunch at a cafe/ outdoors/ in your car, etc.

If you enjoy preparing in advance, we’ve put together a Pinterest page full of jewellery-making inspiration and helpful background information.