Online Workshop. Buckle In! Champlevé Enameled Belt Buckles by Wyatt Nestor-Pasicznyk

Processes covered will be etching, soldering, using PNP as a resist, and decal application. This workshop is open to all skill levels, some soldering and fabrication experience is helpful but not required. No enameling experience necessary. 

When: 02 & 09 October 2024
11:00 am - 1:00 pm 

Cost: 145.00 US dollars


Day 1: October 2nd
Day one will focus on designing for Champlevé, setting up the acid bath, preparing a copper sheet for etching, forming the piece for enameling and creating a back plate for the piece.Brief slideshow to introduce enameling

• Talk about etching and design prep, planning for rivets and setting
• PNP and piece prep demo, place pieces in acid before lunch and let them etch the rest of the day.
• Submerge pieces in the acid bath, periodically checking on depth.
• Demo removing a piece from the bath, go over etching safety and precautions with handling and neutralization.
• Pierce out the piece from the sheet. Show edge sanding and finishing. Plan and drill rivet holes
• Demo forming the piece. Explain differences in hydraulic press forms and utilizing blow horn and mushroom stakes. Show one of each method of forming.
• Begin planning out the back piece. Go over designing for a backing in regards to measurements and tolerances. Introduce the materials needed to form the hinge, tubes the hinge are secured in and the catch. Show differences between a static bar and movable bar

Day 2: October 9th
Day two will cover wetpacking the piece, methods of stoning and finishing, decal application, soldering of the back plate and riveting.

• Introduce the basics of enameling, wet-packing demo.
• Show differences between layers 1-3.
• Stoning demo for final fire. Explain decals and show decal application.
• Demo Touch ups if needed and diamond burrs.
• Soldering demo on findings.
• Finishing demo on buckle backing. Set hinges.
• Riveting demo, you now have a belt buckle!
• Liver of Sulfur and polishing techniques demo.

About Wyatt Nestor-Pasicznyk:
Wyatt NP is a metalsmith and enamelist currently working out of rural NJ at Peters Valley School of Craft as their Fine Metals Studio Coordinator. His work was recently featured at The Metal Museum, The Enamelist Society, and Munich Jewellery Week. NP received his BFA at Tyler School of Art in Metalsmithing in 2021. NP creates much of his work in the form of Champlevé enameled belt buckles; a type of body adornment tied to rural identity.

>> More information about the workshop HERE