A Thousand Forests

Immersion Enameling Camp with Laura Guenther

Immerse yourself in the poetry of creating with metal and vitreous enamels in this three-day workshop with Laura Guenther. Inspired by the work of individualist poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, you'll create jewelry with natural forms and autumnal colors. 

The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

 Working from a beautiful kit, you'll create components that reflect the techniques you learn and your own exploration with the enamels. Laura will show you how to add images and words to your work using an innovative decal method. You'll layer and paint with the enamels to create luminous colors on your metal. 

 Laura's class kits have been featured in Belle Armoire Magazine for their innovative packaging and all the goodies she includes. You'll find that your A Thousand Forests kit is inspirational and stocked with extras. 

 Class projects are one necklace, one bracelet and a pair of earrings. You will be able to modify the projects by adding or altering components throughout the camp. Some color choices are available. Your projects will be a reflection of the techniques you learned and your own artistic vision. 

 Techniques include:

• Setting up a safe and compact area for enameling work
• How to safely set up a torch, change your gas canister and use fuel economically
• Adding words and images to your work with enameled decals
• How to use the immersion enameling techniques often called Painting With Fire - an innovative method that will make you realize enameling is not fussy at all!
• Enameling on both brass and copper
• Adding patinas to metal instead of or after enameling
• Stacking and layering enameled components
• Creating faux lampwork headpins - a fun technique you'll use in many ways

 Your class kit will include all the supplies needed to make the class projects, plus extra beads, stampings, fibers and more to let you branch off a bit and do some additional work. You'll be provided with a up to 3 cans of MAP gas for use during the workshop (each can has 6 continuous hours of firing time, more than you can use in a day.) You'll also receive detailed project sheets, featuring life-size project images, tips, ingredient lists and more. These sheets will help you to recreate the techniques used in the workshop after you head home.

Laura Guenther, certified Painting With Fire instructor, has been published in your favorite jewelry magazines and teaches around the U.S. Her work is romantic, complicated and layered. We are proud to have Laura teaching with us at Ornamentea.

Camp Instruction Fee $388

Complete Camp Supply Kit $52

Register Now! Do you have additional questions about camp? Call us during store hours to learn more or stop in to see the camp samples in person. 

 

Camp Hours

Camp  hours are 10-4 each day with a 1-hour lunch break. You are invited to join our store owner, Cynthia, from 9:30-10 each morning for coffee and socializing. Please arrive at the store before 10 so that Laura can begin on time. 

Camp Kit

While we are happy to provide you with a detailed supply list, the camp kit must be purchased. While we do understand you may already own some of the kit materials, the kits allow you to concentrate on technique and method as you are working. Of course, all kit materials, even those not used in camp, are yours to take home after camp.

Amenities and Lunch

We'll have coffee and breakfast treats available each day for you. Camp starts at 10, but arriving at 9:30 allows you to settle into the space and be prepared to create on time. A one-hour lunch break each day will allow you to relax and chat with your fellow campers. A list of local restaurant suggestions will be provided. 

Traveling to join us for camp?

We recommend the Hampton Inn, at 600 Glenwood Avenue. The hotel is 1/2 block from our store and provides lovely rooms for visitors to our classes and events. For room booking information, and to receive a special rate for Ornamentea visitors, please visit
http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/reservations/index.jhtml?hotel=RDUDWHX&corporateCode=0002666921

Packing for Camp

All the tools and materials you need for projects will be provided. While the time and the jewelry created will be poetic, enameling and metal smithing are not. We are working with chemicals, open flames and tools. Please wear close-fitting clothing (no dramatic sleeves, please!) and tie back any long hair. Bring your glasses or magnifying devices. We recommend an apron, kitchen/dishwashing gloves, respirator mask or face mask and a lidded beverage container or water bottle.

 If you are traveling from out of town, the September weather in Raleigh can be quite warm. Please consult your favorite weather reports prior to packing. An umbrella or raincoat, sunglasses and a sweater can all be needed in the same day.  

 

 

Register Now! 

Our general registration information-

• Registration will only be accepted with full payment on this website, in person at the store, or over the phone at 919-834-6260. No registration can be accepted by email.
• Class ticket fees are nonrefundable. Please consult your calendar carefully before booking.
• Participants who arrive more than 15 minutes late for class will not be admitted. No refunds will be issued.
• We reserve the right to cancel classes based on enrollment. Refunds will be issued to registrants
• Some advanced classes require specific beading experience, please read the descriptions carefully and do not sign up for classes unless you have the required experience.
• Tools and materials are provided for some classes, please read descriptions carefully.
• If a class requires you to bring your own supplies, please request the supply list at time of registration or download the supply list from the class description online. Please arrive at least 1 hour in advance of a class to purchase your supplies. Please purchase all supplies at Ornamentea.

Ornamentea Class Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What do I need to do to register for a class?
  Q: Can I sign up for a class by email?
  A: Registration will only be accepted with full payment on this website, in person at the store, or over the phone. No registration can be accepted by email.

• Q: If I miss a class, can I get my money back?
  Q: If I have signed up for a class but I can't make it, what do I do?
  A: Class ticket fees are nonrefundable. Please consult your calendar carefully before booking.

• Q: What happens if Ornamentea cancels a class?
  A: We reserve the right to cancel classes based on enrollment. Refunds will be issued to registrants.

• Q: How old do I have to be to take the classes?
  A: Most classes are open to all aged 14 or over. We do offer classes specifically for younger students, they are usually named "kid's" or "junior" classes. Read description of such classes for further age information.

• Q: I am completely new to beading, which classes can I take?
  A: The beginner classes are perfectly suitable for the inexperienced, as well as those with experience.

• Q: When can I take an "Intermediate" class?
  A: Some intermediate classes require specific experience, please read the descriptions carefully and do not sign up for classes unless you have the required experience.

• Q: Are all materials provided in the classes?
  A: Tools and materials are provided for some classes, please read descriptions carefully. If a class requires you to bring your own supplies please request the supply list at time of registration. You can find a link to the supply list online in the class description of each class that requires a supply list or we can give you one in the store.

• Q: Where can I find the supply list of the class I want to take or have registered for?
  A: You can find a link to the supply list online in the class description of each class that requires a supply list, or we can give you one in the store. Please purchase all supplies at Ornamentea. Please give yourself plenty of time to collect your supplies, preferably a day before the class.

• Q: Can I bring my own materials to the classes?
  A: Participants who have their own tools are strongly encouraged to bring them to the class. Participants may bring their own materials to incorporate into class projects whenever feasible.

• Q: Can I use my full beadfreak card to pay for a class?
• Q. Can I pay for a class with a gift certificate?
  A: We can only accept full beadfreak cards and gift certicicates for payment in the store. Come see us in person and we'll be happy to sign you up!

 

Do you still have more questions? If so, call us at 919.834.6260 during store hours.
Monday-Thursday 10:00-7:00
Friday 8:30-7:00
Saturday 10:00-6:00
Sunday 12:00-6:00