Beyond the Bend: Crafting Dynamic Hinged Bracelets
Jump into the intricate world of hinges and bracelets this Fall during our specialized class all about mastering the iconic technical challenge that is the hinged bracelet! This course offers a comprehensive exploration of these timeless adornments, how they function, and the intricate crafting challenges required to execute a functional hinged bracelet.
Hinged bracelets are meticulously crafted through a series of precise steps. Over the course of the semester, students will delve into design aspect - planning each step with guidance from an industry professional, meticulously shape and solder metal components, and integrating hinges made of silver tubing for dynamic flexibility. Intricate details like gemstone settings or decorative elements such as texture can be added, followed by polish or numerous other finishes, for a truly one-of-a-kind statement piece that exudes craft-excellence!
Join us on this enriching journey into the world of hinged bracelets, unlock your creativity, and heighten your technical aptitude!
Meet the instructor
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Cristina Hurley was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was strongly influenced by art and culture beginning at an early age by her parents, who were classical musicians. She was first introduced to metalsmithing when she attended a class in her senior year of high school. The instructor took Cristina on as an apprentice, which she did for 2 years. Cristina also attended Escuela de Artes Plasticas de San Juan during her apprenticeship, a visual arts university located in the heart of the old city in Puerto Rico. She successfully completed her freshman year there. When her mentor saw a strong natural talent, she suggested Cristina try to attend Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI. Cristina took the suggestion to apply, got accepted and made the big leap to move to New England in 1993. She graduated from the Jewelry Department there in 1996. After graduation she moved to New York and worked for a prestigious goldsmithing company, Reinstein/Ross, for six years, where she refined her technical skills making one of a kind pieces in high karat gold, platinum, and precious stones.
Cristina Moved to Massachusetts in 2002 with her family. She worked for various Jewelry companies and then had her own retail store in her hometown from 2010 to 2015. She currently works from her home studio designing and fabricating her own collection of sterling silver jewelry. She also works indepentantly for other various jewelry designers, assisting them in making one of a kind pieces and hand fabricated collections.
Cristina has been making jewelry for 25 years and continues to explore and refine her technique. She currently sells her collection of jewelry online and in stores around New England.
Materials & Tools
There is a $118 materials fee for this class that is payable upon registration. The materials kit fee covers 3"x6" sterling silver sheet metal (20g), sterling silver round wire (20g), sterling silver heavy wall tubing (2.03mm dia.), drill bit, sawblades, sterling silver square wire (14g), and other miscellaneous items needed for course objectives.
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closed-toe shoes - required for all Metalwerx classes
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apron
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any hand tools you already own
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a box to keep your materials and in-progress projects in
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notebook / pen or pencil
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any tools they already like to use