Explorations in Metalsmithing: Creative Chain Making

Go beyond the basics of handmade chain making 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 chain making 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 chain making, 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 chain making 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 chain making 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!

• Prerequisite #1: Basic Metalsmithing Tools
• Prerequisite #2: Tools for Soldering
• Prerequisite #3: Soldering Basics
• Class Overview: Creative Explorations in Chain Making
• The 10 Variables of Chain Making
• 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