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Mushroom and Flush Riveting - Virtual Workshop

Riveting is the process of connecting multiple components through a hole by hammering the ends of a small wire. For most metalsmiths, the torch is the be-all and end-all in joining multiple pieces of metal. However, there are many situations where the application of heat is not appropriate and many more where the visual aesthetic of cold connections such as rivets can create a unique design in addition to joining the components. In this online workshop, students will learn how to create the two main types of rivets used in jewelry and metalsmithing.

Class will be held live via Zoom during the designated time frame. A link to the Zoom room will be sent upon registration. 

Meet the instructor

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William Vanaria is a Massachusetts based artist with a penchant for oddball materials. His work utilizes traditional metalsmithing techniques and a wide verity of non-traditional materials to produce jewelry which both questions and comments on notions of romanticism, value, fakery, and the hierarchy of materials present within modern day consumer culture. Through his work he pushes for a broader system of value which has been formulated though experience, consideration, and critical thinking.

William received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a concentration in "Jewelry & Metalsmithing" in 2012. Afterwards, he spent time working within the jewelry industry and volunteering as a teacher's assistant for various art institutions. He found that the latter was much more fulfilling, so he went on to further his education within the arts and to pursue a career in teaching. William received his Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts: Dartmouth in 2016; once again with a concentration in "Jewelry & Metalsmithing."

Materials & Tools

Students will need to have the following materials in preparation for this online workshop. If you do not already have them, we have provided a recommended item and/or a vendor from which you can purchase these items. Click the vendor name to the right of each item to be redirected to the a page where you can find or choose the item. The quantities you need for each item are listed first. Do be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. Please order these materials as soon as possible due to longer than usual turn-around times. We recommend not opening the packaging until the day of the workshop. 

  • 1 x riveting hammer (Contenti - item # 260-353)
  • 1 x chasing hammer (Contenti - item # 260-825)
  • 2 x #52 1.702 mm drill bit (Contenti - item # 200-051)
  • 1 x center punch (Contenti - item # 380-830)
  • 1 x 4 inch piece of 14 gauge wire (Contenti - item # 560-172)
  • 2 x 2x4 inch pieces of 18 gauge sheet (Contenti - item # 560-024)
  • 1 x steel block (Contenti - item # 100-086) 
  • 1 x hand drill (Contenti - item # 200-712 or Rio Grande
  • 1 x bench pin (Contenti)
  • 1 x c-clamp or hand clamp (Amazon)
  • 1 x 2 mm to 3 mm Setting bur or drill bit (Contenti - item # 340-413-030)
Students should bring

In addition to the above items, you will want to have the following items available: 

  • hard work surface or steel block to hammer on (if you do not have one, you can purchase the steel block listed above) 
  • bench pin or small piece of wood to clamp on to work surface (if you do not have one, you can purchase the steel block listed above)
  • you will need a clamp to hold you metal while you use both hands if using hand drill (purchase above if you do not have one)
  • 2mm to 3 mm setting bur or drill bit (if you do not have one, you can purchase the steel block listed above) 
  • safety glasses 
  • flex-shaft, hand drill, or cordless household drill (if you do not have one of these, you can purchase the hand drill listed above)
 

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