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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 Yuhr’s art is inspired by 2 things: a love of nature and the vivid colors that surround her living in Miami. She uses them as a focal point in her contemporary jewelry, art journals and mixed media endeavors.
She loves being creative and is passionate about polymer clay. Exploring possibilities and overcoming obstacles in the construction of a project are her favorite parts of the creative process. Her diverse experiences directly influence her artistic life where she developed a playful yet distinctive style and a strong curiosity that propels her to follow the ‘what ifs’ and try new things.
She holds a firm belief that the act of creating something softens one’s heart and opens one’s mind. With this philosophy, she readily shares her creative techniques and teaches both locally and nationally. Lynn shares her inspiration, polymer experience, travel and other artistics on her studio blog, Flying Squirrel Studio, as well as Instagram (@lynnyuhr).
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:
- copper wire - 20g round (Parawire)
- copper wire - 18g round (Parawire)
- copper wire - 16g round (Parawire)
- large crimp tubes - 10mm for 16g wire (Beadalon)
- mini copper double barrel crimps - 0.8mm to 1.8mm (Amazon)
- liver of sulfur gel (Cooltools)
Hand tools:
- 1 x round nose pliers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x chain nose pliers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x flat nose pliers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x snips / flush cutters (Rio Grande)
- 1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
- 1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 (Rio Grande)
- 1 x burlife / bee's wax (Rio Grande)
- 1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
- 1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (Rio Grande)
- 1 x chasing hammer (Rio Grande)
- 1 x steel block / steel surface (Rio Grande)
- 1 x brass bristle brush (Rio Grande)
- 1 x crimping pliers (Beadalon)
Other/miscellaneous items:
- 2 x shallow bowls or trays - for liver of sulfur
- clean rags / paper towels
- ruler
- Sharpie marker
- 6"-12" long wooden dowels - 1/4" to 1/2" dia.