-
Image
-
Image
-
Image
Links, Chains, and A Little Heat - Virtual Workshop
This course is designed to teach chains and links that combine cold and balled wire connections to make simple, elegant, or funky elements for chain link earrings, bracelets, or necklaces. The focus of this class will be placed on using simple tools and techniques such as hammer forging, piercing, plier forming, texturing, and stitching, in combination with minimal heat from a butane or mini-torch to make closed-link, balled wire connections in a variety of designs. This class is perfect for those with limited access to studio tools or torch systems and will build on basic metalsmithing knowledge. Some experience with utilizing heat is required. Torch safety will be covered during the course.
This course will consist of two sessions. There will be a no-class day between each session.
Class will be held live via Zoom during the designated time frame. A link to the Zoom room will be sent via email.
Each session will be recorded and you will receive a password protected link to the recordings that expire after 30 days.
Please read the Materials & Tools tab!
Meet the instructor
Paulette Werger is a metalsmith and teacher who works in Lebanon, NH. She sells her work both nationally and internationally and is owner of Metalpeople East, a jewelry and hollow ware studio. She has taught metalsmithing at the University of WI, Montana State University, and at craft schools throughout the country.
Materials & Tools
Students will need to have the following materials in preparation for this online workshop. If you do not already have them, we have provided a recommended item and/or a vendor from which you can purchase these items. Click the vendor name to the right of each item to be redirected to the a page where you can find or choose the item. The quantities you need for each item are listed first. Please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. Please order these materials as soon as possible due to longer than usual turn-around times. We recommend not opening the item packaging until the day of the workshop.
The instructor will demonstrate in Argentium silver and copper.
- 3-4 feet of round wire 16 or 14 gauge - copper, brass, or silver (Rio Grande)
- 3-4 feet of round wire 20 or 18 gauge - Argentium silver (Rio Grande)
- 1 x 3"x6" sheet 24, 22, or 20 gauge - copper, brass, or silver (Rio Grande)
- 1 x needle file set #2 or #4 cut (Rio Grande)
- 1 x round nose pliers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x needle nose pliers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x flat half-round pliers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x planishing hammer (Rio Grande)
- 1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
- 1 x pack of 12 #4/0 saw blades (Rio Grande)
- 1 x flush cutters (Rio Grande)
- 1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
- 1 x rotary or hand drill (Rio Grande)
- 1 x drill bit #60 (Rio Grande)
- 1 x steel block (Rio Grande)
- 1 x pack of Pumice Flat-Edge Wheel (Rio Grande)
- 1 x 1/16" Screw Mandrel 3/32" Shank (Rio Grande)
- 1 x butane or mini torch (Rio Grande)
- 1 x butane cartridge (Rio Grande)
- 1 x 6"x6" solderite pad (Rio Grande)
- 1 x soldering tweezers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x fire proof work surface - steel baking sheet(s) will work (Amazon)
You will also want to have the following common studio items available:
- safety glasses
- sandpaper
- flex-shaft, Dremel tool, or micro motor hand-piece (if you do not have one, you can purchase the hand drill listed above)