Prerequisite: Metalsmithing 2 or equivalent
 
Alternative Clasps & Closures 1: Thursday & Friday, August 8th-9th, 2024
Information about the specific clasps to be covered coming soon!
 
Learn to create clasps and closures that are unique, functional, fun to make, intriguing and engaging. Each session covers different clasps, so choose to take one workshop or both!
 
The clasps themselves are the focus of these workshops, and you will complete as many as time allows. Finishing will be done on your own, as the workshops are dedicated to fabrication and assembly. 
 
The first day of each workshop will begin with a presentation that includes a section on clasp inspirations—ideas coming from everyday industrial, non-jewelry objects. 
 
You are welcome to take both sessions, or only one; instruction on different clasps will be covered in each session, see details below.
 
As part of your tuition, you will receive a Materials Kit ($40 value) for each workshop containing Sterling Silver parts for the Clasps. These kits include only the parts for the clasps, you are responsible for bring the additional tools and materials listed below.
 
MATERIALS & TOOLS
Bring your metalsmithing toolbox and the following items with you: 
Pliers:  Round, chain nose, flat, half round, and 1 pair with Teflon/nylon jaws (if you have them) 
Digital ruler/calipers 
Ball pein hammer and small anvil or steel block (to hammer on) 
Rawhide mallet 
Saw frame and blades:  2/0 or 3/0, and beeswax or synthetic lube for the blades 
Bench pin with V-slot (each bench has one, but bring your own, if you like!) 
Drill bits (bring a variety of smaller sizes) 
File set, regular and mini sizes 
Shears and nippers 
Scribe 
A selection of round burrs (including 4mm) and crosscut or cylinder burrs and diamond burrs (if you have them) 
Centering punch (a sharpened nail will work) 
Sharpie 
Coarse sanding discs (Moore’s snap-on) and snap-on mandrel 
A sheet of 220 or 240 sandpaper
Safety glasses
Particulate respirator (P95 or N95 or better)