-
Image
-
Image
-
Image
Clasps: From Simple to Structural
By creating custom clasps, jewelers can elevate the overall look and perceived value of their hand-crafted designs over manufactured components. This two-day hands-on virtual workshop begins with quick and easy enhancements for several wire-based clasps, such as hook-and-eye and toggle and then moves on to basic box clasps - more experienced students can focus on integrating them into larger hollow form objects. Day two concludes box clasps and demonstrates open keyhole clasps – a foundational skill to build upon if students go on to study enclosed keyhole clasps. By the end of the session, students will have fabricated several sample clasps while gaining an understanding of how each style best serves their designs.
This course will consist of two sessions. Each session will consist of the following (all in Easter Time):
-
Demonstrations and work time from 11:00AM to mid-day.
-
Off-camera lunch break or independent work time at mid-day.
-
Demonstrations and work time from mid-day to 6:30PM
Meet the instructor
"I moved frequently as a kid, but my parents always encouraged me to take art classes wherever we settled. At age 8, While living in Norman, Oklahoma, I got involved with the Firehouse Art Center, and my world opened up. They had instructors who welcomed a pre-teen me into their adult jewelry making classes, whose patience and skill bolstered an already strong creative streak. While I enjoyed ceramics, printmaking, and fiber arts, I really took to the metal arts.
By the 3rd grade, I'd begun a business I would eventually name "Uniquorn Crafts," making enameled jewelry and beads. I continued the work through my teen years before turning my focus to theater, though I never gave up my love of shiny, beautiful gemstones and bits of metal.
Years later, I found Annemarie Ciuffini teaching at Brookfield Craft Center, in Brookfield, CT. Her enthusiasm and ability to encourage her students' freedom to design as they chose thoroughly revived my interest. I have since studied with Raychel Wengenroth, Joy Raskin, Joanne Conant, John Cogswell, and numerous others, and teach at both Brookfield Craft Center and the Silvermine Arts Center.
I recently relocated to the west coast and am a past President of the Creative Metal Arts Guild (CMAG) of Portland."
View Rachel's work at www.eclecticnaturejewelry.com.
Materials & Tools
A list of materials and tools that will be covered in this virtual workshop, can be found by clicking HERE. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not mandatory - observers are welcome.