Join us for this in-depth workshop on creating a Tab Lock Clasp. This is a fancy, modified toggle-type clasp with 2 interlocking parts. The receiving portion of this clasp is characterized by a back panel with a frame around it and an opening that an insert portion is threaded through.
 
Suzanne will introduce flat and more dimensional versions that students can adapt their own designs to, and will provide expert guidance on design considerations and fabrication of this unique, puzzle-like clasp.
 
MATERIALS
Suzanne will have Sterling silver materials available for purchase for students to create one clasp (approx cost $30–$50, depending on clasp design and current market rate). She will also have a limited selection of faceted stones and cabochons for purchase if you would like to add a stone to your design.
 
Bring any stones, stone settings, stamped pieces of silver, water or broom castings, fused silver pieces, or anything else you might like to possibly include.
 
Bring any of the following materials you may have on hand:
1x3mm Rectangular sterling silver wire  (Rio Grande #100531)
1x4mm rectangular sterling silver wire (Rio Grande #100541)
16-ga sterling silver square wire (Rio Grande #100516)
14-ga sterling silver square wire (Rio Grande #100514)
12-ga sterling silver Square wire ((Rio Grande #100512)
18-ga sterling silver sheet (Rio Grande #100118)
20-ga sterling silver sheet (Rio Grande #100458)
22-ga sterling sheet (Rio Grande #100459)
Silver wire solder: Hard, Medium, Easy
OPTIONAL
A variety of heavy wall tubing (if you plan on tube setting any round stones).
 
TOOL LIST
Students are responsible for bringing the following:
Pliers: Round, chain nose, flat, half round, and 1 pair with nylon jaws
Digital ruler/calipers
6” steel ruler
Dividers
Ball peen, cross peen and riveting hammers, and a small anvil or steel block (to hammer on)
Rawhide mallet
Jeweler's Saw frame and blades: 2/0 or 3/0
Bench pin with V-slot (not required for in-person participants)
Drill bits (bring a variety of smaller sizes) including 1mm and .8mm
Hand File Set, regular and mini sizes
Metal cutting shears, nippers, or scissors
Scribe
A selection of round burs (including 2mm and 4mm), crosscut or cylinder burrs and diamond burs: round burs, T burs (disc burs), cylinder burs etc. (sets are available on Amazon), be sure to get them with 3/32” shanks
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
N95 particulate respirator and safety glasses
Magnification – optivisor or other
 
SUZANNE WILLIAMS is a Colorado resident. She graduated from Colorado State University in 1980 with a BFA in printmaking and later worked as a graphic artist, illustrator, fine artist, and technician in art/bronze casting foundries before beginning her jewelry-making career in 1990. In the past 32 years she has shown her signature 3-dimensional work in many galleries, art festivals and group shows, and has more recently been teaching workshops, particularly with a focus on designing and creating novel and unconventional clasps and closures. See more of her inspiring work at suzannewilliamsjewelry.com
 
 
16 Contact hours