Jewelry 5 - Bracelets, Hinges and Clasps
Wednesdays, October 16, 2024 - December 11, 2024; 6:00PM - 9:00PM PT (Pacific Time)
In Person
Cost: $720
This class is already under way. Please see below for any other available workshop dates.
Add hinges and clasps to your jewelry, introducing movement and security, to allow it to flex, open and close.
Hinges are used for boxes, bracelets, earrings and lots of jewelry designs. They are fantastic for creating articulation and movement, such as creating a bracelet that opens, whether it is a multi-panel, clamshell or bangle design.
A clasp is used to close your jewelry, so that you can wear it securely. Clasps, including hinge pins, box clasps, hooks and fold-overs, will also be demonstrated. Students will practice making samples of the hinges and clasps shown. The box clasp is a great introduction into the world of making clasps with simple mechanisms.
This course is available as an in-person workshop or live online class. Please check this page for times and formats available.
In the first part of this class, the instructor will demonstrate different styles and techniques for making hinges and clasps. Students will practice making samples of these in base metal.
This workshop will also go over designing a bracelet and students will design and fabricate their own custom bracelet using some of the hinges and clasps demonstrated.
Techniques covered:
• Fabricating hinge, with and without cradles, and spring hinges
• Constructing clasps, including hinge pins, box clasps, hooks and fold-overs
• Adding a safety chain or safety clasp for extra security
• Designing a multi-panel bracelet
• Techniques for making a clamshell style cuff or bangle
Please note: After taking a level 2 jewelry fabrication workshop (Jewelry 2, 3 or 4 for example), level 3 fabrication classes (Jewelry 5 & 6) can be taken in any order.
A kit of materials is included with this class.
Tools.
Classes at our school include use of tools, with each student having their own bench to use during class. Online students will need to have their own tools (see the list of tools below). Feel free to contact us with any questions.
A full color handout is included with the class.
Create your own workbook with the beautiful handout that is downloadable for this workshop. Handouts include instructions for techniques and projects, reference charts and lots of information to support your learning.
Read what students have to say about our online classes on the testimonials page.
Tools Required for Online Students
This is a list of tools online students need to practice the techniques shown in class. (in-person students have tools to use at school)
A list of tools with links to recommended suppliers for the best prices will be sent to you after registration. If you have questions about the tool list, please contact us.
In addition to these tools, students will need basic jewelry fabvrication tools, like the list from the Jewelry 1 - Basics course.
Prip’s flux 4-8 oz, in a small spray bottle
Sterling wire or sheet solder: hard, medium and easy
Soldering tripod and heavy mesh screen\
19 gauge and 24 gauge dark annealed steel binding wire
T-pins
Blazer Big Shot Butane torch, or your preferred torch, like a acetylene/air, oxygen/propane Little torch or similar.
Nylon jaw bracelet bending pliers
Machinist square
Saw blades: 4/0 and 6/0
Round needle file Swiss Cut 2
Measuring tape
Oval bracelet mandrel stepped or tapered mandrel
Polished 4 oz. hammer
Dividers
Flexible shaft machine is recommended for this class (see below)
In addition to these tools, the students will need the basic tools from the Jewelry 1 - Basics (online) workshop.
A computer, tablet or smartphone with the free Zoom app to join the class.
Read what students have to say about our online classes on the testimonials page.
Prerequisites:
Students should have prior experience with jewelry fabrication, including sawing, soldering, filing, polishing and bezel setting. We recommend completing 2-3 fabrication classes before taking this workshop (like Jewelry 1 plus two more (either Jewelry 2, 3, or 4)
Instructor:
If a class is online, or is a combination online and in-person session, all students receive a link to a recording of the class demonstrations. In-person only workshops are not recorded. For staff instructor classes, students have access to the recordings for one year. For guest instructors, access is 30 days.
If a kit is included with the class, online students will have them mailed to them. Kits for in-person students are delivered at the beginning of the first class. More information about the kit is included with the supplies list which is emailed after registration.
International students may be charged an additional amount for shipping, because of the increased cost to ship abroad. Also, shipments to other countries may incur a tariff payable by the student. International students are welcome to contact us re: these costs and options for their materials. Please be sure that the address with your payment is the correct one for shipping.
If this class is offered online, it uses the Zoom app/website. Through Zoom, you’ll be able to see demos and follow instructions, ask questions and interact with your instructor. Zoom is easy to use and free for students to use for class, and works on most devices, like phones (iPhone, Android, etc), tablets (iPads, etc), and computers (Mac or PC).
Your instructor is also available during free Zoom office hours for questions and help.
For classes that include work time, online students work at home or in their studio. All of our recommended tools and the kit materials are chosen to be home studio friendly. Links to preferred vendors are provided in the supplies list sent after registration. Some classes, like our short demo only classes, don't require tools or materials to attend.
We remain committed to keeping everyone as safe as possible while continuing to move forward and adapt to the current circumstances for our in person classes and open studios.
We recommend that in person students be vaccinated, but it's not required.
Face masks are encouraged while at the school, but no longer required. Students must bring a particulate face mask (N95, KN95, KF94 or similar) to protect against dust and particles when needed and required during class work time.
If you have tested positive for COVID, have symptoms that could be COVID, or feel ill, please don't come to class. Contact us for more information.
And now the fine print. Payment in full for class fees is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. Checks and cash are accepted only if you register at school. If you mail a check, your registration is not processed until it clears and the class may fill during the wait.
If the workshop is canceled by our school for any reason, all class fees will be refunded, or you can transfer to another class, or you can keep a credit on account with us for future classes or purchases,
Students can cancel, receive a credit or refund, or transfer to another class up to 21 days before a workshop, whether it is online or in person. No cancellations are accepted after the 21-day deadline, however, we will do what we can to try and sell your place to a qualified student. If we can sell your place, you can receive a refund less a $50 cancellation fee, keep a credit on account with us, or apply your fees towards a transfer to another class.
If you can’t make it to class, you may send a participant who has the necessary prerequisites in your place. Please call or email us immediately with any changes in the student participant information. If a class includes an online section, your class will be recorded and you can watch later to make up a class you miss.
Students must be at least 15 years old to attend a class, and students under 18 must have a legal guardian sign our liability waiver form. We have had younger students attend classes, on a case by case basis. If you’re interested in enrolling your child, please call or email us.
If you sign up for a class and fail to have the required prerequisites as listed in the class description, you are still subject to the 21-day cancellation policy, listed above.
Lodging and meals are not included for in person classes.
If you don't come to class, there are no refunds, credits or transfers.
Upcoming Schedule
| Date & Times | Register |
| Wed. Nov 27, 6PM - 9PM PT (Pacific Time), Wed. Dec 4, 6PM - 9PM PT (Pacific Time), Wed. Dec 11, 6PM - 9PM PT (Pacific Time) | Already under way |