Prerequisite Skills and Required Technology

This class is best suited for those students who are proficient with basic jewelry making tools and torches. This class will cover everything from basic to advanced. Not everyone is intermediate or advanced in every area of metalsmithing. Come to class ready to absorb and implement what you are ready for. Somethings may be too advanced and others easy. There is something for everyone.

The skill requirements are:

  • a basic understanding of metalsmithing techniques (saw, drill, file, etc)

  • a intermediate confidence with the torch (not afraid and can solder)

  • a willingness to put aside what you’ve previously learned and try it a different way. You can always go back to your way, but how will you know if this is better unless you try it for awhile. We all have confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance. All I ask is you leave that at the door, or on button of the computing device.

In order to get the most out of the online workshop process, you'll need the following tech:

  • A high-speed Internet connection. The faster the better but at a minimum you need 5mbs upload and download speeds. You can test your internet speed here. (https://www.speedtest.net/)

  • A computer, laptop, or mobile device with current operating system installed. System requirements for the Zoom videoconferencing platform are here. (https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-requirements-for-Windows-macOS-and-Linux)

  • Familiarity and the app installed for Zoom.  Please install the app and make sure you understand how to use it prior to our first class.

 Zoom participant tutorials can be found here; (https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-video-tutorials)

Retired - 2024 The Art of the Clasp

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

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

  • Art of the Clasp Class #11
  • 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