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Bespoke Chains
So, you’ve created a beautiful pendant, now what? If you have taken the time on a special piece, don’t miss an opportunity to continue the design or make a statement by adding a bespoke chain, rather than using a commercial one! It doesn’t have to be complicated. And extending the look with a custom chain can elevate the project as a whole.
This demo-focused virtual course focuses on making chains using simple links and some creative cold connections. We will run through how to set yourself up for creating consistent links and doing production work. Then the fun begins exploring shapes, scale, and the rhythm of patterns. Join the instructor as she makes chain-making fun and accessible for you, while nurturing your creative voice.
While this class was developed for polymer clay artists, any level of maker or jeweler is sure to takeaway something from the experience. If you’re looking to ventured into making your own chains and want to get started with some basics, come join us in this live virtual class!
Meet the instructor
Lynn believes that the magic happens in the making—giving time to a creative practice; letting yourself become immersed in the process; sawing, sewing, forming, cutting, hammering, breaking, snapping, rolling, and bending. As you lean into the process, you notice the changes along the way, in your work and in yourself. She loves to share this experience through her many workshops.
Polymer clay is the main material that is used in Lynn’s art jewelry. It has magical properties that allow it to play well with other materials. Her approach is to develop simple elements using mark making, textures, and sgraffito techniques, then she combines and layers them to provide a depth of interest and tactile quality that she so enjoys.
Lynn Yuhr is a self-taught artist. She has a Masters degree in geology and spent 30 years being trained by mother nature. Observing and interpreting nature and the impacts from man-made structures was a way of life. The intersection of these observations (natural and man-made) is what has stuck with her and where she loves to play with her art jewelry.
“My playful curiosity drives my work. When I assess the possibilities, ignore convention, apply techniques from different mediums, and utilize unusual materials is when I have the most fun. I hope the playfulness is passed along to the wearer and brings them a little smile."
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can view the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not required - observers are welcome.
Metal/raw materials:
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copper wire - 20g round (Parawire)
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copper wire - 18g round (Parawire)
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copper wire - 16g round (Parawire)
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large crimp tubes - 10mm for 16g wire (Beadalon)
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mini copper double barrel crimps - 0.8mm to 1.8mm (Amazon)
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liver of sulfur gel (Cooltools)
Hand tools:
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1 x round nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x chain nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x flat nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x snips / flush cutters (Rio Grande)
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1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 (Rio Grande)
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1 x burlife / bee's wax (Rio Grande)
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1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
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1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (Rio Grande)
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1 x chasing hammer (Rio Grande)
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1 x steel block / steel surface (Rio Grande)
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1 x brass bristle brush (Rio Grande)
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1 x crimping pliers (Beadalon)
Other/miscellaneous items:
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2 x shallow bowls or trays - for liver of sulfur
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clean rags / paper towels
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ruler
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Sharpie marker
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6"-12" long wooden dowels - 1/4" to 1/2" dia.