06b.jpg
3610DC7B-BB10-47CA-AB38-F8C6EAF2984F.JPG
IMG_0492.jpg
IMG_3159.jpg
IMG_4206.jpg
IMG_4440.jpg
IMG_4650.jpg
IMG_4731.jpg
IMG_4311.JPG

Beyond the Jump Ring: Creative Connections & Terminations

Tired of the same old boring jump ring connections in your jewelry? Ready to take your designs to the next level, but don’t want to sacrifice function? This fun, fast-paced workshop is for you! Over the course of two sessions, we will explore numerous alternative solutions for connecting multiple elements in a design while still allowing ease of movement. After exploring options in brass, we’ll challenge ourselves to design a unique connection for two assigned silver elements. Concepts like finding the center of gravity and soldering tricks will be introduced throughout. Students will leave with a collection of samples and a new vocabulary of forms and mechanisms to use as bails, hinges and linkages in future work. Removable links and commercial solutions will also be addressed.

Prerequisite: Basic nonferrous metal fabrication skills required (Metals 101 or equivalent)

INSTRUCTOR:

Kristin Mitsu Shiga (she/they) is a hapa metalsmith, enamelist and educator who has been making in metal using sustainable materials and processes since 1992, and teaching around the world since 1995.

In addition to being shown and collected internationally, Kristin's work has been published in many books and magazines, including Art Jewelry Today, The Art of Enameling and several of Lark's "500 Series" books. Her work can be found in public and private collections around the world, notably the Kamm Artful Teapot Collection and the Permanent Collection of the White House.

One of Kristin's proudest achievements is establishing nonprofit metalsmiting studios and programs that continue to thrive in New York, Portland (Multnomah Arts Center), and Hawai'i . She is excited to be involved with the launch of CMAG's new MakerSpace, and looks forward to seeing you there!

Kristin believes that service is a critical part of any career, and has served in many volunteer leadership roles over the years, including as a former board member and Spring Show Committee Chair for CMAG. She currently serves as an officer of the Board of Directors of the American Craft Council (www.craftcouncil.org) and on the CMAG Education Committee.

DATE: Wednesdays, October 16th & 23rd, 2024 (2 sessions)

TIME: 5:30 - 8:30PM

LOCATION: CMAG Makerspace

(address will be emailed upon registration)

TUITION: $ 150 CMAG Members
$ 200 Non-Members

Click here to join CMAG now!

SUPPLY FEE: $ 45

The following supplies will be provided as part of your supply fee:

  • Assorted components in brass and silver will be provided for each student along with a pair of custom center-finding tweezers for students to keep.

  • Access to assorted brass wire and sheet, silver solder and stocked soldering stations included.

STUDENTS MUST BRING:

  • Scrap round or shaped wire, tubing and/or sheet in various gauges in brass, copper, nickel or Sterling silver

  • Ultra Fine Point Sharpie

  • Works-in-progress for creative group brainstorming

  • If you have them, please bring:

    • Flex shaft or micromotor

    • Diamond Tweezers

    • Scribe

    • Square

    • Dividers and/or calipers

    • Centerpunch

    • Drill Index (1-80)

    • Wire cutters

    • Flat-nose pliers

    • Round-nose pliers

    • Forming pliers (half-round/flat combo, round/chain combo, etc.)

    • Saw blades (2/0, 4/0)

    • Precision Miter Vise

    • Sanding sticks

  • Safety Gear:

    • Apron or shop clothes

    • Closed-toe shoes

    • Eye protection

    • Hair tie (if applicable)

    • Particulate mask (optional)

    • Ear plugs (optional)