Hinged Copper Locket
Saturday 9:00 - 4:30 $135 Richard Salley Student Level: All
Type of Workshop: Project
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In this class students will construct a hinged locket similar to the example. The emphasis will be on using a variety of cold connection techniques to fabricate the locket. The skills used in this project include metal and wire forming, hardening and shaping; wire riveting; hinge and clasp designs and construction, chain fabrication and patina finishes. Students will have the option of constructing a chain to hang the complete piece from, or may choose to use a more simple leather neck cord with hook and eye clasp.
Supply list :
Students should bring to class a steel ‘fender’ washer approx. 2 inches in diameter (the diameter of the inside hole should be about ¼ to 3/8 inches in diameter). Fender washers can be found at most hardware/home supply stores. They are thinner than a standard washer, which will become important when we saw out the heart shape. It doesn’t have to be rusty, but it does add a bit to the overall ‘found object’ feel. Suggestions for adding a rusty effect are given at the end of this class description.You will also want to bring photo or other image to be put into the finished locket.
*** Special Note: I will supply iron wire for the project, but many students have found it difficult to work with. If you would prefer to work with copper wire instead of the ‘rebar wire’, please bring 14 gauge and 20 gauge copper wire. You probably won’t need more than 8 feet of each size. If you can’t find those sizes at your local supplier, you can find them online at www.monsterslayer.com.
Tool list:
Basic jewelry making tools will be needed, including:
round nose and flat nose pliers
files
wire cutters (flush cutters recommended)
Metal Cutting Shears
Small hammer for riveting (I like the small ball peen hammers…see contenti .com)
http://www.contenti.com/products/hammers/260-702.html
Jeweler’s saw and #4 or #5 blades
Bench Pin
Bench blockOptional:
Dremel or other rotary tool
“Gizmo” winding tool
Small vise…the 3 inch type that clamps onto a table will do fine.Preparation: Here are a couple of things you can try to get a nice rusty finish on a new washer. First, use a torch to remove any zinc coating…steel won’t rust with zinc on it. Next, soak the washer in vinegar for a day or so and then put the washer outside, preferably in the dirt. Leave it there for a week or two. Instead of vinegar you might experiment with some other acids like pool/spa chemicals and then give it the dirt treatment afterwards.
Resources: supplies and tools can be found at the following
www.monsterslayer.com
www.riogrande.com
www.sfjssantafe.com
www.contenti.com
www.harborfreight.comQuestions? Email Richard at: art@rsalley.com
Website: http://rsalley.com