Level: All Skill Levels
Requirements: Jewelry I or Equivalent
Program: Spring
Status: Open
Length: 2 Days
Tuition: $ 375
Only $ 356.25 for registration before 15 April 2010
Materials: TBA
Date: May 15, 2010 - May 16, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Metalwerx

Decorative rivets, invisible rivets, tube rivets, stitches, staples, articulated joints, nuts and bolts are just some of the alternatives to soldering. However, cold connections are more than just a joint; they have function and form and can actually be a design feature . . . can a solder joint say that?!?! Students will spend time making each of these connections followed with ample work time and supplies to experiment and apply cold connections to their own work.

Cold connections offer the jewelry designer so many opportunities to use materials that cannot take the heat of the torch . . . glass, paper, feathers, fabric, rubber, found objects, metal that has been treated with a patina… almost anything! And cold connections are not just for wild and crazy designs. They are used in fine jewelry as well. Even prongs, clasps, chains, and bails can all be considered cold connections that are taken for granted but can be explored in many different applications. They are often most useful in conjunction with other techniques including solder joints . . . consider the stone-on-stone look seen in the photo. Join us and spend two days connecting your ideas without limitations!

Materials & Tools

There is a $50 materials fee (payable at the class) that includes small specialized tools as well as metal for samples. The instructor will also have additional supplies available for sale as necessary.

Students Should Bring

• Sketchbook & pen
• Any objects or pieces they have questions about
• Objects such as paper, fabric, found objects, keepsakes, or anything you may want to include in a piece of jewelry.
• Favorite hand-tools
• Metal will be provided in the materials kit, but students are welcome to bring their own if they wish