| Resin-Filled Watch Case Locket | $120 |
| Richard Salley | |
| Skill level: intermediate-advanced | |
| Type of Workshop: Project |
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This is a project workshop in which students will learn how to turn an old, non-working wristwatch into a beautiful keepsake locket similar to the example. We'll start with a watch case, fill it with resin, add some wire, learn some winding, bending and cold-connection techniques and turn it all into a unique piece of jewelry.
Kit fee of $3 payable to Instructor at class time includes: the resin, iron wire and leather neck cord
Supply list:
Bring one or more watch cases; men's watches with an approximate 1 inch diameter work best, but most any size can be used. Disassemble the watch if you can and remove the watch mechanism inside. If you can't get it apart, bring it to class and we'll attack it together. Hang on to the spring pins that hold the watch strap if you can.
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.
Refer to the sample photos for ideas as to what objects you might want to bring to serve as a focal point for the locket cover.
You will also want to bring photo or other image to be put into the finished locket.
*** Special Note: I generally use 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 16 gauge and 20 gauge copper wire. You probably won't need more than 6 feet of each size. If you can't find those sizes at your local supplier, you can find them online at www.HomeAndBeyond.com.
Their stock numbers are as follows:
16 gauge copper wire: Anchor Wire #123127 25' 16GA COP Wire ($2.72)
20 gauge copper wire: Anchor Wire #123128 50' 20GA COP Wire ($2.55)
Tool list: Basic jewelry making tools will be needed, including round nose and flat nose pliers, wire cutters (flush cutters recommended) suitable for cutting iron wire.don't use your best cutters.inexpensive, heavy-duty wire cutters and needle-nose pliers are available at Lowes, Ace Hardware and Home Depot.
Small hammer .once again, for use on iron wire, don't bring your best chasing or riveting hammer!
Small portable table vise (the type that clamps onto a table.the 3 inch variety is fine and available at Home Depot or Lowes)
Jeweler's saw and #2 blades if you want to learn to make your own jump rings
Bench block (bring something for dampening the hammering noise such as a shot bag or towel)
Optional equipment: "Gizmo" winding tool; dapping block.
Preparation before class: 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 the 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 or ferric chloride … then give it the dirt treatment afterwards.
Questions? Email Richard at art@rsalley.com
Website: www.rsalley.com