Chilbo (Korean Enameling) Class #1

Chilbo class has also changed since I last lived here in South Korea. My chilbo teacher, Nan, is now a member of the Korean Enameling Association. So the first thing she told me was that I would be following a curriculum insteading of telling her what I would like to make. It's a good idea since I'll be taking classes for a year.


She gave me this packet and told me that I must bring it every week to class.

I was starting all over again and at first I wasn't too happy but then when I had forgotten how she applies the enamels, I realized she was right. Rocketman volunteered to translate. I had wanted to make a chilbo dresser but she said prices of the furniture alone was 750,000WON ($750USD) and I was in no hurry to spend that kind of money. I'm also not good enough to want to spend that kind of money on my chilbo right now. Class for four weeks was 160,000WON ($160USD) which includes material and if you know anything about enameling, it is not an inexpensive craft.

Here is a picture of this week's class. As you can see, I still need work on making straight lines. She had me make two squares plus the round ones. I left the round ones there and I think they will be pendants. The two squares will be for a board showcasing my work as it develops.

This is some of Nan's work she was photographing while I was working.

More of Nan's work.

A tray of Nan's work.

I can't wait for next week. I also gave her the maedeup necklace I made for her. Let's see what chilbo pendant she puts on it. She was really surprised and touched. I can't wait for next week!