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Carpenter Enamel Center

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Carpenter Enamel Center

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  • Who we are
  • Workshops
  • Multi-Day Workshops
  • Types of Enamel Art
  • Museum
  • Store & Online Resources
  • Glass On Metal Magazine
  • Donations

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Classes and Workshops

CEC workshops will teach you how to achieve quality results by expanding your knowledge and understanding of enameling fundamentals. Learn new procedures, techniques and materials to create a wide variety of enamel art. 


Our 3-hour workshops are focused on a specific technique and are great for beginners andvexperienced enamelists wanting to learn or practice a new technique. Our premier multi-day workshops, taught by Tom Ellis, offer a deep dive into multiple procedures and materials. Written handouts will be provided documenting everything covered in the workshop. After registration you will receive a confirmation email/letter with details of the workshop. All tools and equipment will be provided unless your workshop confirmation letter states otherwise.

see below for premier multi-day workshopsClick here to go to Listing of 3-Hour Workshops

Tom Ellis Workshops

Tom Ellis

Instructor Tom Ellis has accumulated much enamel knowledge over the 39 years he has been Thompson Enamel’s technician. Prior to working for Thompson Enamel, he was the first resident enameler at the John C. Campbell Folk School (1974-1981).  He began working at Thompson in 1985. He was editor of Glass on Metal magazine and mentored by both Woodrow Carpenter (inventor/owner of Thompson’s lead free enamel products) and Bill Helwig (enamel artist and assistant developer and promoter of Thompson Lead Free Enamel).   

Who Should Take These Workshops?

Anyone who wants to learn more about enameling.  You do not need to have any prior knowledge or experience.  We start from the beginning and what you need to know will be presented.

What Will You Learn?

Learn to control results by discovering and understanding the fundamentals of enameling.  Become proficient by knowing procedure and material relationships and their importance to each other.  Predict what should happen and be able to understand what you see happen.  Repeat a procedure and have it come out the same each time.

Workshop Dates

Tom will be teaching multiple workshops in 2024.  Each workshop and project walk you through application and firing procedures specific to various Thompson Enamel Products.  Learn about the materials used, what they are, what they do and how to use them. 

Dates and topics

Terms & Conditions

For questions, contact Tom at  tomellis438@yahoo.com 


Our Policies

Registration

Before registering, read our general workshop information and policies on cancellation and safety.


By Registering you are agreeing to the Terms, Conditions, and Safety Policy provided at the bottom of the page.  Agreement must be acknowledged that it has been read, understood and agreed to before workshop registration can go forward. Minimum 5 paid and registered students required before the workshop is a go.  


To register, use the link below to send an email to us. Include your name, contact phone number, and workshop name and date. We will get back to you as promptly as we can.

Click here to send registration email

Location & General Information

All workshops are held at the Carpenter Enamel Center, 645 Colfax Ave, Bellevue, KY 41073. 

Read General Information

Tom Ellis Workshops

June 21 & 22, 2025 - Innovative Stencil

June 21 & 22 2-Day Workshop

Innovative Stencil $485

DATE: Saturday & Sunday, June 21 & 22, 2025

TIME: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

LEVEL: Beginner to Expert

INSTRUCTOR: Tom Ellis


All materials included

  

Innovative Stencil

Custom Jewelry Shapes and Shallow Copper Plate Form


Learn to stencil an image in enamel.  You will learn metal preparation; keys to controlling results, enamel application, mesh/particle size, sharpness of the stencil edge, sifting with consistency, overlapping stencils, lowering the piece instead of raising the stencil, opaque on opaque, transparent on opaque, transparent on transparent, creating a copper oxide outline, hot dust application and firing considerations.  Projects include small jewelry shapes and a shallow copper bowl or plate form.

Register and Pay Online

Terms & Conditions

CANCELLATION POLICY


The goal of our cancellation policy is to be fair and flexible to our workshop participants and the Center. When making your plans, please consider the following: planning for your arrival means purchasing supplies, making a commitment to the instructor, and in the case of a full class, holding a spot that someone else could potentially take. 


Once students are accepted into a class, cancellation fees apply. Cancellation more than 3 weeks prior to the first day of class results in a cancellation fee of 50% of the amount you paid. The balance of what you’ve paid will be transferred as a credit to another workshop date of your choosing. If you choose a workshop with a cost that exceeds your balance, you will be responsible for the difference.


Cancellation 3 weeks or less before the start date of the workshop results in a cancellation fee of 100% of the amount. 


Cancellations are to be made by contacting the instructor (you will receive the instructor contact information after registration).  


TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION


Registrations are transferrable to another student. Contact your instructor to arrange the transfer and provide contact information for the new student. Replacement students will be accepted once they confirm agreement with our policies. Any financial arrangements are between you and your replacement. 


Cancellation rules still apply for your replacement: if they cancel more than 3 weeks prior to the first day of the workshop, there is a 50% cancellation fee and the remainder will be retained as a credit for the original registrant. Cancellation 3 weeks or less before the start of a workshop results in a 100% cancellation fee.

 

INSUFFICIENT REGISTRATION


Due to workshop overhead expenses, a minimum of 5 students must be registered in order to hold the class. If that number is not reached, the workshop will be cancelled and you will receive notification 3 weeks before the start date of your workshop. You will receive a full refund, or if you prefer, a transfer of your full payment to a future workshop of equal value. The Carpenter Enamel Center cannot be held responsible for any lost hotel or air fare costs due to workshop cancellation.


LIABILITY POLICY


Student agrees not to hold Carpenter Enamel Center, its staff and board of directors, and instructor(s) of workshop responsible for any accidental injuries or illnesses the student may contract during the workshop. 


SAFETY POLICIES


Furnace (Kiln) Firing Safety:


1. Wear eye protection (students are responsible to bring their own eye protective glasses). *This is not a requirement. For most this is a minimal issue as we will not be staring into the furnace, but if you are concerned, bring protective eyeglasses.

2. Wear heat resistant gloves (provided).

3. Wear closed toe shoes.

4. Assume everything around furnace (kiln) in firing area (trivets and firing racks) are HOT!

5. Do not touch anything with bare fingers and hands unless the object has been checked to see if it is hot. Hold back of hand above object to feel for any heat.

6.  Do not remove hot things from furnace area.

7. Do not remove trivets, firing racks, spatulas or trowels from firing area.

8. If an accident happens (a hot trivet falls to the floor) do not panic. Use pliers or trowel to move or pick up hot item. Do not worry about floor. Worry about being burned.

9. Note where the fire extinguishers are located on wall.

10. Aloe plant in front hall for burns. Burn ointment and first aid items located in shelf next to fire extinguisher.


Sifting/Handling Enamel:


1. Wear protective dust mask provided in workshop.

2. Wash your hands prior to eating. Do not eat or drink around your work area.

3. Keep your work area neat and clean.


Sifting/Handling Enamel:


1. No long hair near polishing motor. Tie hair back before using. Grave injury or death could result!

2. No hanging jewelry. Remove all jewelry before using.

3. No Loose Clothing. No scarves or hanging pieces of clothing. Remove these items before using.

4. Wear eye protection. Grave injury could result if eyes are not protected.

5. Please Be Careful! Do Not Rush! Pay Attention and Think About What You Are Doing!

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General Information

Location:

All workshops are held at the Carpenter Enamel Center, 645 Colfax Ave, Bellevue, KY 41073. Parking is available in both the front, side and rear of the building. Entrance is at the front of the building.


For Multi-Day Workshops: 

Class Time: Classes will begin at 9:00 AM and run to 4:30 PM.


Lunch: There will be an hour lunch break from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM. Bring your lunch or use the drive through at a local fast food restaurant.


Lodging: We recommend the following hotels/motels in order of their closeness to Thompson Enamel: 

· Holiday Inn Express Address: 110 Landmark Dr, Bellevue, KY 41073 Phone: (859) 957-2320 

· Aloft Address: 201 E 3rd St, Newport, KY 41071 Phone: (859) 916-5306 

· Hampton Inn Address: 275 Columbia St, Newport, KY 41071 Phone: (859) 415-0678


Questions:
Contact Tom Ellis at tellis@thompsonenamel.com or write info@carpenterenamelcenter.org


Registration:

Online button (preferred)

Or by phone:  call 859-291-3800, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Tues, Wed, & Thurs only). Ask for Tom Ellis.

Or by email: write tellis@thompsonenamel.com


Classes and workshops have a limit of 12 students. A minimum of five students must be enrolled for the class or workshop to take place.

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Carpenter Enamel Center

645 Colfax Avenue, Bellevue, Kentucky 41073, United States

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carpenterenamelcenter.org

645 Colfax Avenue, Bellevue, Kentucky 41073, United States

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