Nifty Links and Pedestal Prong Setting
Nifty Links and Pedestal Prong Setting
Instructor: Dana Cassara
July 26-28, Friday – Sunday, 10:00 – 5:00
Class Fee: $590 | Basic materials included
Prerequisites: no experience necessary
Class Description:
This beginning level workshop will focus on the versatile wonders of wire in jewelry making. With a focus on unique handmade chains and custom built stone settings, students will learn to silver solder, or vastly improve their skills, and explore fundamental jewelry making equipment like a rolling mill, draw plates and hammers to alter their wire. Students will focus on creating linked elements such as chains and clasps for bracelets and necklaces as well as prong settings for cabochons and round faceted stones. Many handy tricks for altering, designing with, and soldering wire will be covered along with soldering setups for creating pedestal settings. Expect to leave class with multiple samples and at least one fabulous linked project with stones. Open to all levels including total beginners.
Materials INCLUDED:
- Copper and brass wire for samples
- Sterling silver wire for final project
- Cabochons for pedestal sample and final project
- 5mm faceted cz
If you choose to work larger than the samples shown in class there may be an additional materials fee.
Students MAY Bring:
- Additional wire (available in studio store)
- Additional cabochons, ½” – 2” (available in studio store)
- Additional round faceted stones, maximum size 5mm
- An object that has a relatively flat bottom like a coin or found uncut stone
Student testimonials:
"Dana is very patient with students, and maintains her sense of humor at all times. Deceptively simple skills - making jump rings, forging for example - got lots of attention. Soldering did too - one of my goals is to use the tiniest amount of solder possible and watching Dana was very helpful. The class was was fun and worth every penny!" (Claire Ramsey 10/21)
"Loved Dana's class! I really enjoyed that students were allowed to complete projects in their own way. I appreciated Dana’s suggestions on my technique particularly." Monica P. - (08/23)
Instructor Bio:
Dana Cassara began practicing the art of silversmithing at North Seattle Community College in 1992. She discovered her love for the craft after returning to school to pursue a teaching degree with a focus in social studies. She graduated from the University of Washington in 1998 with a B.A. in Comparative History of Ideas as well as Interdisciplinary Arts, because she just couldn’t stay out of the art department. She has been teaching jewelry design since 1999 and loves what she does.
Her aim as an instructor is to guide individuals through the learning process offering solid technical information, personalized attention, and lots of fun. With the intention of setting students on the path towards transforming their ideas into solid form, she hopes students will take the experience they gain in this studio beyond the classroom into their everyday life where problem solving skills and a profound sense of achievement always come in handy!
Learn more about Dane, HERE.
Tools are available to purchase through Danaca Design Studio with 15% student discount code. Shop tools HERE. If you don’t see what you need please email us, dana@danacadesign.com.
Review our class cancellation policy HERE.
All students must fill out and electronically submit the Danaca Design Studio Safety Protocol and Waiver form before attending class.