Explorations in Metalsmithing: Creative Chainmaking
Explorations in Metalsmithing: Creative Chainmaking
Class Description
Go beyond the basics of handmade chainmaking and discover your own creative voice.
There’s no need to buy boring, store-bought chain. In Explorations in Metalsmithing: Creative Chainmaking, you’ll learn the basics of creating your own handmade chain (including how to get comfortable soldering with a torch) and how to take the basics of chainmaking and add endless variations to create designs that are uniquely yours.
Designer and metalsmith Megan Auman has built her own jewelry line by discovering her signature style in chainmaking, and now she wants to help you do the same!
In this class, you will learn how to:
- Make and solder jump rings into a basic link-in link-chain.
- Create variation in your chainmaking through wire gauge, link size, shape, and more.
- Hone in on your aesthetic to find a style that’s uniquely you.
- Finish your chains so they’re sturdy and stunning.
- Turn your chainmaking explorations into amazing earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.
Whether you’re just getting started in metalsmithing, or you’re looking to inject some creativity into your jewelry designs, you’ll leave this class with the skills and ideas necessary to create your own unique chain. Plus, you’ll explore your ideas by creating a series of chain-link statement earrings - perfect to wear, share, or sell!
Lessons
- Prerequisite #1: Basic Metalsmithing Tools
- Prerequisite #2: Tools for Soldering
- Prerequisite #3: Soldering Basics
- Class Overview: Creative Explorations in Chainmaking
- The 10 Variables of Chainmaking
- Finding Your Aesthetic
- Choosing Your Wire and Link Size
- How to Make Jump Rings
- Assembling and Soldering a Basic Chain
- Soldering Demo: Soldering Links Closed
- Hot Seat: Soldering Links
- Making Different Shaped Links by Wrapping and Bending
- Making Different Shaped Links by Joining
- Changing the Shape of Links After Soldering
- Creating More Variation With Multiple Links
- Soldering Demo: Soldering Complex Chains
- Making an S-Hook Clasp
- Making and Soldering a Toggle Clasp
- Pickling, Cleaning, and Polishing Your Chain
- Adding Hammer Texture and Flattening Links
- Making Ear Wires
- Turning Your Chain Explorations into a Cohesive Jewelry Line
Reviews
Liz
Megan' an excellent instructor and lays things out very clearly, with a lot of good tips based on her extensive experience. I've experience making wire wrapped chain and have taken a beginning metalsmithing class before, and this class had some good refresher information. I particularly appreciated seeing her techniques and process for streamlining production.
a Creativelive Student
Megan is an awesome teacher! She is genuinely enthusiastic about sharing her metalsmithing skills with us. I am really looking forward to trying my hand at designing and making a chained necklace on my own soon.
Vernell Bevelander
Another excellent class! Thank you Megan!