Wedge Lock Clasp with Suzanne Williams. August 28 & 29, 2027

In this 2-day workshop, Suzanne Williams will introduce participants to one of her most popular alternative and unconventional clasps designs, the Wedge-lock Clasp, and demonstrate how to fabricate it.  The Wedge Lock Clasp is a 2-part, fancy toggle clasp with a Dimensionally Layered receiving end, and a toggle shaped like a wedge on the other end.

This kind of clasp mechanism can be modified and incorporated in unique and unusual ways, in innumerable variations, into necklace and bracelet closures - becoming integrated into a design as the main attraction of a jewelry piece.  Suzanne believes that clasps don’t have to be an afterthought hidden at the back of a chain. This is a clasp mechanism that is functional, fun, intriguing and invites being taken apart and put back together like a puzzle. Participants will be able to get creative and put their own spin on this basic mechanism. 

You will learn:

• How to create a design for this 2-part toggle type clasp.
• Create a design using tracing paper for the toggle and for receiving end of the clasp with 2 layers that work in harmony with each other and leave an opening that can receive the toggle end of the clasp.
• Bend and shape a frame for the receiving end of the clasp.
• Cut out, shape and texture the toggle
• Cut out and then texture or develop imagery on the layers that go on the bottom and top of the frame, and solder those in place.
• Create findings to attach the 2 components to the chain that connect them along with fabricating any stone settings that might be needed.
• Solder the findings and stone settings onto the respective components.
• Cut channels into the top and bottom of the receiving component for the toggle to fit into and the chain to be secured.
• Set stones, Attach the chain and finish out the clasp.

Details:

• Saturday & Sunday, October 2 and 3 from 9:30-5:30 each day. You must be able to attend both days as no makeups will be given.
• 16 contact hours (8 hours each day), ages 14+ located at 100 E. Cleveland St. Lafayette CO
• # students: 3 minimum, 6 maximum
• Tools are provided
• Materials kit fee varies based on the type of chain you decide to create. The fee will include the cost of the sterling silver wire and solder that you will need for the samples and bracelet. This will be charged at current metal market rates at the beginning of class. Payable via cash, check or Venmo.
• Prerequisite: Metals 1, Intro to metalsmithing, or equivalent. If you wish to set stones in your chain, you must have confidence in bezel and tube-setting.

The last day to cancel for a refund or credit ($25 transfer fee applies) is March 24, 2027. Because this is a Master Series workshop, there are no exceptions to this rule.

By registering for this workshop, you agree to our cancellation policy, dress code, and studio rules.

About the instructor, Suzanne Williams

Suzanne, a Colorado resident, graduated from Colorado State University in 1980 with a degree in printmaking.  She later worked as a graphic artist, illustrator, fine artist, and technician in
art/bronze casting foundries prior to starting her metalsmithing career in 1990. She has shown her award-winning work in many art festivals, galleries, and group shows.

Suzanne is always working on developing and applying new techniques and approaches to creating her signature 3-dimensional jewelry. This includes creating unique chains to incorporate into her jewelry pieces.

In the last six years she has also been teaching workshops to share her extensive metalsmithing and design experience with others.