February 18-22, 2027 Connie Brauer Opalescent Excellence Workshop Deposit - $400 due to register.

The Connie Brauer Workshop is limited to twelve students. Cost for the five days is $850. Most materials are included, Fine silver sheet for two projects, all enamels including Vintage Thompson lead bearing Opalescent.

5-Day Enameling Workshop held in Merry-Lee’s classroom, Santa Cruz County California.

I am so excited to have found Connie, she was one of the first enamellists I met in a conference nearly 50 years ago.  She was doing the spectacular Opalescent cloisonne that she became famous for and I was immediately entranced by her personally and professionally.  We are so incredibly fortunate to be able to learn the uniquely successful technique for achieving opalescence directly from this gifted artist.  The in-person workshop is limited to 12 lucky students.

Connie says:

“You will learn a way of opalescent cloisonne enameling using a technique I developed, (as a result of a happy accident in 1975). We will use Thompson leaded opalescent enamel and Blythe opalescent enamel, 26 gauge fine silver, and fine silver cloisonne wire to produce a finished piece, or pieces, ready to be mounted. We will learn how to retain and control the opalescent quality of the enamel throughout the required repeated firings used in the cloisonne technique without allowing the enamel to turn opaque.

We will also learn the shading technique I use.”

BIO: I had the privilege of receiving a BFA degree from Colorado State University in 1971 and later studied at the graduate level at Rochester Institute of Technology/School for American Crafts from 1973 -1974.

 I became a full-time enamelist and jeweler/metalsmith from 1975 through 2001. During that time, I also exhibited pieces in juried and invitational shows around the US and Australia, France, India, Israel, Italy, and Japan. I also taught and lectured in many of those same countries as well as many places in the US, from Portland, Oregon to Miami, Florida.”

Connie is one of the two Visiting Enamel Goddesses I have invited for 2027 in the spirit of bringing the best enamelists to my studio and I am delighted to announce that you will have an opportunity to study with her this winter in my Santa Cruz Studio. This is a unique opportunity to spend five entire days with the Goddess of Opalescence to guide you through the opalescent cloisonné project.

See Contemporary American Jewelry Design by Ettagale Blauer ISBN 0-442-00362-5

Connie will be bringing unset and set pieces with her to sell. This is an opportunity for the first time in 25 years! 

Visiting Enamel Goddess Workshop Series 2027

Cancellation Policy. 60 days prior to workshop no cancellation fee. 21-59 days prior to workshop $85 cancellation fee. 20 days prior to workshop $400 cancellation fee. If I am able to fill your spot for a last minute cancellation, the fee will be only the $85 tier. Thank you.