May 15 – 17, 2026, 10 am – 5 pm daily
In person Fri – Sun @ Creator Haven in Watsonville, CA
This three day in-person workshop taught by artist and guild member Darci Shea Bogdan will focus on setting techniques that will enhance the storytelling of finished cloisonne enamel.
Enamel is a beautiful and vibrant artform that uses visual imagery to tell stories using colorful glass and metal. A well-designed setting can enhance the aesthetic of the cloisonne enamel continuing to tell the story that the enamel is conveying.
This class will cover the fundamentals of designing a setting around housing a finished cloisonne enamel. Students will learn a variety of soldering techniques, bezel setting, varying stone setting options, managing fire scale, sanding, polishing and optional patina applications. Bring finished enamels or stones, there will be no opportunity for enameling.
The kit fee of $98 does NOT include precious metals. Students will provide their own metals for the class.
The workshop kit includes: Large assortment of necessary polishing points and wheels, burs, mandrels, high-speed twist drill, saw blades
Students should bring: Protective eyewear, Apron, Opti-visors, Sketchbook, Finished enamel or stone, Silver/desired metals for setting (18-20 gauge sheet, bezel wire, 18 gauge wire), bail, N-95 mask
All required tools are available for use at Creator Haven, or you may bring your own saw frame, pliers and files.
Download PDF for Workshop kit and student tool list
3 day workshop
registration per person covers all 3 days
$98 kit fee paid to instructor on 1st day of workshop
Maximum 11 students
LOGIN to your guild account BEFORE registering to access member pricing
Considerations Before Workshop
Students should bring be their finished enamel pieces or stones. It is recommended that students sketch out a few approaches for their settings.
Prerequisites:
Basic+ metalsmith skills are required. Student should be comfortable soldering a small bale, sawing, using a flexible shaft and bezel setting.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- In the event we have to cancel a workshop, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.
- Cancellations more than 4 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 6% service fee.
- Cancellations more than 2 weeks prior to the workshop are refundable less a 15% service fee.
- Cancellations two weeks or less prior to the workshop are not refundable unless there is a wait list for the class and the seat is filled.
- By clicking on the “Buy Now” button and by paying the registration fee, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.
Join or renew your membership now for the member rate for the workshop.
Guild members are offered seats in the workshop before the dates are announced to the public. Anyone anywhere in the world can join the guild now.
About DARCI SHEA BOGDAN
Darci Shea Bogdan is an award-winning enamellist from Santa Cruz California. She studied children’s book illustration at Savannah College of Art and design and learned cloisonné from Master enamellist Merry-Lee Rae. Her work focuses on the connections we have with wildlife and nature and strives to create stunning imagery the inspires conversations around conservation and awareness.
You can see more of Darci Shea’s original expertly crafted art in the member gallery here on the guild website and on DarciShea.com. See works in progress, Darci Shea’s creation process and finished pieces on Instagram.com/darci_shea
