Tonya Davidson/2024 The Art of the Clasp

  • $600 or 2 monthly payments of $308

2024 The Art of the Clasp

  • Closed
  • Course
  • 87 Lessons

Elevate your jewelry creations with bespoke clasps in this exclusive class! Don't settle for standard closures when your pieces deserve something unique. 

Join us for EIGHT LIVE online sessions, perfect for all schedules. Can't make it? No problem – access recordings within hours.

30+ hours of highly detailed demos, you'll craft two to five distinctive clasps, designed to complement your jewelry masterpieces. Whether you're a seasoned maker or intermediate, you will be empowered to create durable, customizable clasps using various shapes, stones, and materials. 

Don't miss the chance to make your jewelry truly unforgettable. 

Access to recordings lasts 60 days, until Dec 4th, so you'll have plenty of time to refine your clasp-making skills. Elevate your jewelry game and let your creations shine with exceptional clasps! 

Can Clasps Be Sexy?

Delve into the captivating history of clasps, a journey spanning over 4000 years back to ancient Egypt. Sadly, many examples were lost over time due to the recycling of gold jewelry. The zenith of clasps arrived in the 1800s, driven by a fervor for bracelets and the need for reliable closures. But what happened in the gap between ancient Egypt and the 19th century? 
 
Interestingly, there was a dearth of clasps and fasteners from the 5th to the 17th century. Sumptuary laws of the religious Middle Ages limited gold to the nobility. Then the 16th and 17th centuries saw pendants and jewelry fastened with ribbons and sewn in place, making clasps a relatively new addition to jewelry-making history. 

The Allure

The allure of clasps lies in their intricate mechanical workings, a delightful blend of precision and artistry. They can range from simple to complex, showcasing a designer's skill in seamlessly merging function and beauty. 
 
Often overlooked or considered last-minute additions, clasps play a pivotal role. They secure the piece, harmonize with the design, offer adjustability, and should be relatively easy to craft. 
While commercial clasps suffice for simple, inexpensive jewelry, they fall short as your work evolves in value, design, and size. Choosing the right clasp is vital to maintain visual harmony, safety, and the necklace's overall worth. 
 
My fascination with clasps led me to adapt, innovate, and create new clasps that align with my goals for efficiency, ease of use, and design that complements the focal point. Join me on this fascinating journey of clasps, where craftsmanship meets creativity, and discover the art of making clasps that are as intriguing as the jewelry itself. 

What Will You Learn

  • How to use the shape of your focal to complement the design of your clasp.  We’ll have great conversations about design and how they relate to function. 

  • The best flames and setup for accomplishing the task of soldering especially with small components. 

  • The why behind the what of gases, metals, tools, design and even pricing/work flow.

  • How to use props and surfaces to manipulate the outcome of the alchemy. Your soldering confidence will increase exponentially.

  • How to use my famous filing disc to make perfect fast joins. 

  • How to make tiny bezels for accent stone, fast and easy.  We will even cover how to raise up stones and fix scratches and chips.

  • How to bur deform the metal to create texture and convey your story via your Maker marks. 

  • How to incorporate a magnet and engineer a friction fit for the most beautiful and easy to use clasp (the Magnetic Friction Slide and Lock). This innovative clasp will open the door to all sorts of possibilities for connectors and mechanisms in your work.

  • How to construct a shape within a shape, in whatever shape compliments your focal, to create a Toggle and Angled Hook Clasp with a stone.  

  • We’ll also talk about pinning and there will be a demo on that.  I’ll also show you how to do it easily and quickly with a pulse arc welder. 

  • How to mix and apply epoxy and when to use it. We will cover many supplies and materials and the best for longevity and ease of use.

  • AND soooo many tips and tricks!  My students favorite part that they rave about!

Dear Artisans,

Get ready to dive into the enchanting world of craftsmanship and creativity in this intermediate to advanced class. Here, the fusion of skill and imagination takes center stage as we unlock the secrets of fabricating and soldering, transforming your engineered designs into tangible works of art. 
 
In this realm where fire meets metal and creativity knows no bounds, let your artistic spirit soar. Together, we'll embark on a journey where raw materials are sculpted, molded, and forged into exquisite masterpieces. It's a place where joy and wonder converge, and your passion for crafting will find its true expression. 
 
Join us in this exciting adventure where your artistic dreams become a reality, and where every piece you create tells a unique story of skill and imagination.  

Should there be a bonus? Always!

And if that's not enough, I've got even more in store for you! As a special bonus, I'm offering a complimentary 2-hour class on in-depth soldering that I personally produced and directed. You'll receive access to this valuable resource before the first official class date. 
 
But there's more! You'll also receive an exclusive invitation to join our closed/private Facebook group. Here, we'll engage in live and recorded discussions, fostering a vibrant community of like-minded artisans. Your access to me will extend for six months after the class. As a group of intermediate to advanced artists, we can continue to support each other long after the class concludes. 
 
My ultimate goal is for you to complete this class not only with a wealth of new techniques and knowledge but also overflowing with inspiration and creativity. Your toolbox will be brimming with new tools, and I can't wait to witness what you'll create with these newfound skills and insights. The journey ahead promises to be truly remarkable! 

Take a Closer Look

Take a look at the sampling of how the clasps function.

Start dreaming about how you'll take these techniques and create your own masterpiece!

Class Outline

IMPORTANT

Join the Facebook Group ASAP
How to Use the Video Player for Best Results
Join the Tonya Davidson’s Tool Crucible FB Group
Short cut to TONYA RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Short Cut to Tonya’s ONLINE TOOL & SUPPLY SHOP

Class Information

About The Class
Preview
About Tonya
Preview
Dates
Preview
Terms and Conditions
Preview
Student Release Waiver
Safety Considerations
Preview
Prerequisite Skills and Required Technology
Preview
How to Save Money - Codes to Use
Preview

Torches, Ventilation, Surfaces and All Things Soldering

Ventilation Hacks
Eye Protection
AC 2024 Torch and Gas What’s Best.pdf
Swiss Torch Manual
Tips about Torches 2024.pdf
What Surface to Use 2024.pdf
How to Set Up Your Torches - Hard Piping

Tools and Materials

Resource List AC 2024.pdf
Art of the Clasp Slide Deck of Tools.pdf
PDF link to the Art of the Clasp Tools Slide Deck
Trademark Hallmark Rules.pdf
Books that you should have in your library!.pdf
Setting Up Your Bench
Your Pickling Station
Pickling Station Photo
Bun Foot Template All.pdf
How to Create Iron Nests
Knew Concepts Sawing Tips
Eye Protection for Metalsmiths
Stuller Stone Chart.pdf
Setting and Ball Burs.pdf

Session 1: Thursday October 10th, 2024

We will cover:

-Tools

-Supplies

-Torches

-Flames

-Surfaces

-Handouts (will be posted the morning of the class)

Art of the Clasp Class #1
Designing Complex Necklaces

Session 2: Thursday October 17th, 2024

The Art of the Clasp #2
Time Worksheet pdf.pdf
Facts About Gold and Silver Master 2024.pdf
SIlver-Copper+Phase+Diagram.pdf
Angled Hook & Clasp Worksheet.pdf
Diameter to Circumference
IMakeJewelry App for iphone
360-Degree-Protractor Tonya Davidson.pdf
How to Sharpen a Drill Bit
“U” Demo - The Hard Way 2024
NEW Annealing - Why and When.pdf
Lasso Diamond Disc
Two FREE Classes You Will Want to Get
Modifying U Pliers, Using Separating Disks & Using Carbide Tungsten Rotary Files

Session 3: Monday October 21st, 2024

The Art of the Clasp Class #3
Rings…Big, Small, and Other Shapes!
Score & Fold #1
Score & Fold #2
Bezel Setting #1
Bezel Setting #2
Bezel Setting #3
Bezel Setting #4
Angled Hook & Catch Clasp
BONUS: Using Ring/Bow Opening Pliers, Perfecting Ring Joins/Seams - TIPS!
How to Make Fairy Dust

Session 4: Thursday October 24th, 2024 and Office Hours Friday October 25th

The Art of the Clasp Class #4: October 24, 2024
Office Hours October 25, 2024
Friction Slide & Lock Clasp.pdf
Argentium Quick Start.pdf
Argentium Fact File - 0317.pdf
Argentium 935 Pro Tech Sheet 1219.pdf
2023 Tips for Working with 940 Argentium.pdf
Clasps and the Hardness of Metal.pdf
Comparison of Surfaces for Soldering.pdf
Sawing the Keyhole
Cutting Tubing to Create Magnet Bezels
Soldering: Finer Points of Joins & Cleanup

Session 5: Monday October 28th, 2024

The Art of the Clasp Class #5
BONUS: Using Kate Wolf Clay + Cyanoacrylate (or tape) to Rig Up Your Work
BONUS: Using and Modifying Your Spring or Degree Gauge
Presentation Notes on the Anatomy of a Magnet Clasp
Tonya’s Circle Punch Cutter Quick Look Sheet.pdf

Session 6: Thursday October 31st, 2024

The Art of the Clasp Class #6
Tonya's Circles - The Art of the Clasp - Piece.pdf
Tonya's Circles - The Art of the Clasp - Blank.pdf

Session 7: Monday November 4th, 2024

Art of the Clasp. Magnetic Clasps.pdf
Epoxy and Everbrite.pdf
Chains and Sources
The Art of the Clasp Class #7

BONUS: Soldering Video

BONUS - Outrageously Thorough Soldering Workshop
Rectangle Hinge or U.pdf

FAQs

Is this a good class for a beginner?

I find that it’s hard to classify a person as a beginner or intermediate student.  You might be intermediate in some areas and beginners in others.   This class is for someone that has some confidence using a torch and has basic metalsmithing skills.  
Take what you are ready for and let the rest go.  You don’t need to master all things presented.  It’s perfectly okay to take a class and be able to implement 30-40% of it and then as you practice that, you can try the remaining 60% of the material.  
My best advice is to attend live classes and be engaged.  Take excellent notes.  Within 48 hours revisit the class or your notes.  Things that do not make sense need a revisit.  You’ll then have the video to watch it again.  Attend the Office Hours to ask questions, post your questions on the private facebook group and try to make a little progress every day during that month.  

Is this class live or pre-recorded?

It is live and recorded.  Live sessions will be through Zoom.  Recordings will be posted within 24 hours (or as soon as we can get them up)  to the Online Learning Platform.  Catch up when you can and post your questions on the FB Private Group.  You have 6 months to get all your questions answered and 60 days to watch the videos as many times as you’d like.

Do you get to keep the videos? Are they downloadable?

Within 24 hours the classes will be uploaded to the Online Learning Platform.  You will be able to view the classes there 24/7 for 60 days or until December 3rd.  They are not downloadable. You are able to pay to extend viewing time after the 60 days expires. You can turn them back on anytime as long as the class hasn’t been offered again.

When are the Zoom classes?

October 10th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)
October 17th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)
October 21st 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)
October 24th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)

OFFICE HOURS: October 26th, 8am to 9:30ish am Pacific Time


October 28th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)
October 31st 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)
November 4th 4:30-7pm Pacific Time (4:30pm PT, 5:30pm MT, 6:30pm CT, 7:30pmET, 12:30am London)

**You do not need to be present for any or all of the LIVE classes.  The classes will be posted to the online learning center for you to watch anytime that is convenient for you.  You’ll have plenty of time between classes to catch up and you can ask any questions on the group which I will promptly answer.

There will be additional impromptu LIVE videos and recorded videos broadcast and posted on our Facebook Group.

Is an online class as good as an in person class?

You’ll get real time live classes with the best possible broadcasting equipment including 7 high resolution, 4k, cutting edge cameras and the best mic on the market.  You’ll have different views to watch because seeing my hands is as important as seeing the up close surface fusing or a solder join flowing.  Often in class you can never see the details from 6-10 feet away.  So in many ways an online class is better.  Plus you are at your own bench or in the comfort of your own home.  You’ll have all your tools and be able to replicate it better because muscle memory in your studio at your bench is superior.  Watch and rewatch.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions and as you review your notes, if there is a question between sessions, I’ll be on call to answer them!

What torch do you need for this class?

For Soldering:

Any torch you are comfortable with and proficient at soldering is best.

However, if you have a oxy/propane torch like the Swiss or Little Smith, you will be able to finesse fine soldering operations much more successfully than using a butane torch or broader flame torch.

Basically whatever torch you use now for soldering will work fine.  Many people solder with the EZ Orca also.  It’s a great all around torch to use for this class!  Plus you can use these small propane tanks in your apartment, just like the butane.

What tools will I need?

The very first class on Oct 10th is the Tool and Supply Comprehensive Class. I’m going to share with you my 32 years of expertise with tools.

Did you know that I owned a jewelry tool and supply company for 10 years? I still carry a few tools on my website that I think are the best tools out there. We will cover it all!

I will have a very thorough slide deck AND handout on where to get the tools at the best prices, access to coupons and deals, and we will talk about what you have and what will work.

You don’t have to buy anything and there is not kit. However there will be a few supplies you will need to get from me to complete the Slide & Lock Magnet clasps that are under $10.

If you are not in the 48 continuous states of the USA, let me know and I’ll try to get you the list ahead of time. I do offer international students an extra shipping service that makes your life so much easier. Let’s connect!

Do I have to buy a kit?

For this class there is no kit. So no, you do not have to buy a kit or buy anything from me.