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Tonya Davidson/Retired - 2023 The Art of The Clasp
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  • $550

Retired - 2023 The Art of The Clasp

  • Closed
  • Course
  • 48 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 six live online sessions, perfect for all schedules. Can't make it? No problem – access recordings within hours. 
In roughly 20 hours of highly detailed demos, you'll craft two 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 62 days, until Dec 31st, 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! 
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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. 
  • How to use props and surfaces to manipulate the outcome of the alchemy. 
  • How to use my famous filing disc to make perfect fast joins. 
  • How to make tiny bezels for accent stone, fast and easy. 
  • 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). 
  • 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 (which is now available for affordable prices). 
  • How to mix and apply epoxy and when to use it. 
  • 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

Class Information

About The Class
Preview
About Tonya
Preview
Dates
Preview
Student Release Waiver
Terms and Conditions
Preview
Prerequisite Skills and Required Technology
Preview
Safety Considerations
Preview
How to Save Money - Codes to Use
Preview
Art of the Clasp Resource.pdf
Time Worksheet pdf.pdf

Tools and Materials

My Soldering and Fabrication Cockpit
Husky Bench/Desk
Fabrication Bench
Soldering Bench
Soldering Cart
Bench cart - plier side view
Bench Cart - end view
Bench cart -side view
Bench Cart - end view
Forming Stump and Cart
Thumper Cart
Your Pickling Station
Pickling Station Photo
Bun Foot Template All.pdf

Class #1: Thursday October 12th, 2023

We will cover:

-Tools

-Supplies

-Torches

-Flames

-Surfaces

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

Books that you should have in your library!.pdf
Trademark Hallmark Rules.pdf
Time Worksheet
Ventilation Hacks
Eye Protection
Swiss Torch.pdf
Torch and Gas - AC.pdf
How to set up your torches - QC.MOV
Tips about Torches.pdf
What Surface to Use.pdf
Facts & Rules About Gold & Silver PDF.pdf
SIlver-Copper+Phase+Diagram.pdf
Stuller Stone Chart.pdf
The Art of the Clasp Class #1: October 12, 2023

Class #2: Monday October 16th, 2023

Rings…Big, Small, and Other Shapes!
The Art of the Clasp Class #2: October 16, 2023
“U” demo - the hard way challenge
Angled Hook & Clasp Worksheet.pdf

Class #3: Thursday October 19th, 2023

Friction Slide & Lock Clasp.pdf
The Art of the Clasp Class #3

Class #4: Monday October 23rd, 2023

The Art of the Clasp Class #4: October 23, 2023

Class #5: Thursday October 26th, 2023

The Art of the Clasp Class #5: October 26, 2023

Class #6: Monday October 30th, 2023

The Art of the Clasp Class #6

BONUS: Soldering Video

BONUS - Outrageously Thorough Soldering Workshop