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The Marriage of Metal and Polymer Clay: Links
This workshop is the first in a 3-part series titled "The Marriage of Metal and Polymer Clay." The focus of these workshops (Links, Rivets, Tabs) will be to introduce simple cold-connection metalsmithing skills for polymer clay that will help elevate a student's work to the next level. Each workshop will be stand-alone, so take one or all and build your skill set!
The first of this series is all about LINKS! Links are a way to provide points of connections in the construction of your jewelry. Most commonly, they are used as connection points in a necklace, but they can just as easily be used in earring, bracelets, and even brooches. This demo-focused virtual workshop will illustrate how to create links of various shapes using multiple gauges of wire and then how to incorporate them with polymer clay.
This class was created for polymer artists that want to incorporate some metal into their work. Focus will be on the metal, not polymer. The instructor will demo options for decorating links, but students should have some polymer veneers/canes ready to work with.
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 (in red) 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 welcomed but not required - observers are welcome.
Metal/raw materials (This class was created for polymer artists that want to incorporate some metal into their work. Focus will be on the metal, not polymer. The instructor will demo options for decorating links, but students should have some polymer veneers/canes ready to work with.):
- 25ft x copper round wire - 16g (Rio Grande)
- 25ft x copper round wire - 18g (Rio Grande)
- 1 x liver of sulfur gel (Cool Tools)
- polymer vaneers/canes ready to work with
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 small steel ruler (Rio Grande)
- 1 x Stepped Wrap and Tap Forming Pliers - medium (Rio Grande)
- 1 x Stepped Wrap and Tap Forming Pliers - large (Rio Grande)
Other/miscellaneous items:
- 2 x glass containers
- baking soda
- steel wool - 0000
- paper towels or rags
- wooden dowels (6" length) - 1/4" and 1/2"
If you have any questions regarding supplies, please feel free to contact Lynn directly at [email protected]!!