Unconventional Chains, with Suzanne Williams

April 2 & April 9, 10am-12pm via Zoom

Come join us for 2 sessions of creative fun. In this online workshop we will delve into creating unconventional, alternative and freeform chains. We will create samples of 8 - 10 different types of links from which infinite variations can be made. You will be introduced to link designs that can double as clasps, and you will also learn how to incorporate pieces of scrap you might have lying around into cool links for chains. Bring out your inner artist with this kind of unconventional chain.

ARTIST BIO

Suzanne, a Colorado resident, graduated from  Colorado State University in 1980 with a degree in printmaking. She later worked as a graphic artist, illustrator, fine artist, and technician in art/bronze casting foundries prior to starting her metalsmithing career in 1990. She has shown her award-winning work in many art festivals, galleries, and group shows. Suzanne is always working on developing and applying new techniques and approaches to creating her signature 3-dimensional jewelry. This includes creating unique chains to incorporate into her jewelry pieces. In the last four years she has also been teaching workshops to share her extensive metalsmithing and design experience with others.

TOOL LIST

• Jeweler's saw frame and 2/0 blades, plus beeswax or synthetic lube
• Pliers:  Round, chain nose, flat, half round, and 1 pair with Teflon/nylon jaws (if you have them)
• Digital ruler/calipers
• Rawhide mallet
• File set, regular and mini sizes
• A sheet of 220 or 240 grit sandpaper
• Heavy duty cutting shears and nippers/flush cutters
• Scissors, (Joyce Chen or similar)
• Scribe
• Coarse sanding discs (Moore’s snap-on) and snap-on mandrel
• Centering punch (a sharpened nail will work)
• Sharpie
• Safety glasses
• Particulate respirator (P95 or N95 or better)

SUPPLY LIST: 

Scrap materials for free form chains 18 ga sterling silver round wire, dead soft, at least 5 feet 6x3” sterling silver sheet, 20 ga (dead soft) Silver solders: easy, medium, and hard Optional: 18 g round copper wire (spool from hardware store) 20 and/or 18 g copper sheet Additional scrap sterling silver sheet, 20 g and/or 18 g (whatever you have on hand) 16 g sterling silver round wire, dead soft, approximately 5 ft 1x3 mm sterling rectangular wire approximately 3 ft