Enameled Charms

Instructor: Ashley Gilreath

Day & Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tuition: $75.00

Ages: 18 & Up

Discover the colorful world of enameling in this hands-on, beginner-friendly class. Enameled Charms introduces the fundamentals of working with enamel on copper to create small, wearable charms or keychains. Under the guidance of instructor Ashley Gilreath, students will learn essential techniques including surface preparation, sifting and layering enamel, basic kiln firing, and finishing methods.

No prior enameling experience is required. By the end of the class, participants will leave with several finished enameled charms and a solid foundation to continue exploring enameling on their own. This class is perfect for jewelry enthusiasts, metals beginners, and anyone curious about adding color and texture to metal.

There will be a 1-hour lunch break. Bring a sack lunch or explore local dining options. 

Experience Needed: No experience needed. 

Location: This workshop will be held on the John C. Campbell Folk School main campus, in the Enameling Studio. You will check in at the studio the morning of the workshop. The Enameling Studio is number 16 on the Campus Map 

Students Please Bring:

·        DUST MASK (KN95 OR N95 PREFERRED, NO MASKS WITH PLASTIC FILTERS ON FRONT). 

·        *Most enamels contain small amounts of hazardous materials. It is recommended to use a particle dust mask (3M N95, KN95, or rated equivalent). The masks can be purchased from Amazon, or you may also find them at your local hardware store.*

·        Pen/Pencil.

·        Extra Fine tip black sharpie.

·        Colored pencils if you wish to plan your designs before using the materials.

·        Sketchbook/notebook as needed for note taking or design.

·        Sturdy work apron (thick cotton, canvas, leather etc. limited quantity in studio for use).

·        Closed-toed shoes.

·        Hair tie or scrunchie.

·        Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

·        Any tools or leftover materials from previous metalsmithing/jewelry workshops.

·        Students should bring any source materials (or drawings) that are aesthetically pleasing or have personal significance; for example, specimens from the natural environment near their homes, old postcards, fabric, etc. and together we will use these items as design inspiration. If you don't feel comfortable bringing an item (maybe it is very delicate and doesn't travel well) feel free to take some high-quality photos instead.

An additional fee for materials provided by your instructor for this workshop is estimated at $35.00 & Up. Materials fees will be paid to JCCFS and to the instructor, depending on what the student chooses to create using copper items and enamels purchased from the studio cabinets along with materials provided by your instructor. THIS FEE IS PAYABLE at the time of the workshop. Material fees may change depending on the number of participants and price of materials at the workshop. *Payment by cash or check is required for materials fees. 

We contract with local and regional instructors for short workshops that generally require a minimum of students to run. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to call Olive’s Porch for up-to-date enrollment information. To respect our instructor’s time and preparation for workshops, please contact us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend a workshop. Cancellations made more than 14 days prior to a workshop will be issued a full refund. Cancellations made 14 or less days prior to your workshop are not eligible for a refund. If Olive’s Porch needs to cancel a workshop for any reason, we will issue a full refund. See our General Information and Policies page on our website for more information. 

Ashley Gilreath graduated from the metal design program at East Carolina University and has been an Artist-In-Residence at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (TN), Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago, and the Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft (NC). She has exhibited at the Museum of Arts and Design, Fuller Craft Museum, and The Metals Museum, and has been published by Lark Books and American Craft Magazine. She continues to teach workshops in both metalsmithing and enameling at craft schools around the country. Ashley's artwork explores the hidden narratives of everyday objects, and our relationships with heirlooms as artifacts of genealogical history.