Prerequisite: Metalsmithing 1 & 2
Participants will build on skills learned in previous workshops by learning how to make a 5-6 cabochon stone bracelet with a handmade toggle clasp and charm. Detailed written instructions will be provided.
TECHNIQUES COVERED INCLUDE:
Making multiple pieces at the same time
Making jump rings from scratch
Working with tubingFabricating toggle-style end clasps
Setting up your work for multiple solders at once
Keeping track of multiple components
Uniformity in setting multiple stones with modern professional finishing techniques
Using a vibratory tumbler for polishing
You are responsible for purchasing your materials and bringing them with you to the first day of class. We have a small selection of cabochons to choose from for your bracelet, if you would like to purchase from us. Cabochons should be no smaller than a dime (16-18mm) and no larger than a 30x40 oval.
MATERIAL & TOOL LIST
Students are responsible for bringing the following:
- 5-7 or more Cabochons - flat bottoms, nickel to quarter sized, any shape, no sharp corners, all similiar in height!
- 2 foot or more plain 26 ga Fine Silver bezel, dead soft, for all cabs. Height must match stones: need 1mm above girdle line on stone for proper fit. We will check them all first day.
- 2 foot Sterling Silver Round Wire, 16 ga, dead soft (Rio Grande #100316)
- 8" Argentium round wire, 14ga, dead soft
- 3" Sterling Silver Heavy-Wall tubing, 3.0 outer diameter (usually sold in 1 ft lenghts)
- 2 x 3 piece of Sterling Silver sheet, 20 gauge, dead soft - if you get larger stones, you might want a 2 x 6” sheet (Rio Grande #100458)
- Hard, Easy, Extra Easy silver wire solder, 22 ga; you will need 2 feet of Medium for this workshop
- Jeweler's saw frame (4 or 5 inch)
- Dozen 2/0 jeweler’s saw blades (Rio Grande #110306)
- Safety glasses
- Beeswax/Saw blade lube (BurLife)
- N95, KN95 or P95 face mask
- Center Punch/Scribe
- Jeweler's ruler
- 1 each flat nose, round nose, and chain nose pliers (available in set) (Rio Grande #111813 or Otto Frei #146.657)
- Flush cutting Wire Cutters (Rio Grande #111260 or #111290)
- Half-round Habilis file, cut #00 (Otto Frei #133.822)
- Half-round round needle file and round needle file, cut 0 (Rio Grande #114258)
- Bezel roller (not burnisher)
- Steel brush; bring what you have from Metals 1
- Dedeco Silicone Polishing Wheel Assortment and 1/6 screw mandrels; bring what you have from Metals 1
- 2 each: 1" medium felt wheel and mandrels; bring what you have from Metals 1
OPTIONAL
- Nylon-head mallet, 5 oz.
- Parallel-action pliers with nylon jaws (Rio Grande #111370)
- Brass texture plate (pattern for cuff)
- Apron
- Fine Tip Sharpie marker
- 1-inch wide painters tape or masking tape
- Whiteout
- Old tea towel or t-shirt for polishing on
- Piece of soft leather or suede (approx 4x6)
- 1 ¾" T-Pins (studio has some on hand)
- Small container for silver scraps
- 1 pair close-fitting disposable gloves for polishing (nitrile or latex)
24 Contact Hours | Studio Fee included in tuition
Metalsmithing 3: Bracelet: Sat–Mon, Feb 15–17, 2025
Metalsmithing 1 &