Note: Each class is independent, so feel free to choose the 3-day or 2-day session—or both! Each class will focus on creating different styles of unconventional clasps. If you take both sessions, you'll come away learning how to make 6 different styles!

In the second, 2-day part of this workshop, participants will create 2 different samples of alternative clasp mechanisms. These clasp mechanisms can be modified and incorporated in unique and unusual ways, in innumerable variations, into necklace and bracelet closures - becoming integrated into the design, or as the main attraction of a jewelry piece. Clasps don’t have to be an afterthought at the back of a chain. These are clasp mechanisms that are functional, fun, intriguing and invite being taken apart and put back together like a puzzle.

Part 2

In the second 2-day session/class (October 19 & 20), we will create the above two clasp mechanism samples: a Rotating Key Lock Clasp and a Side-box Clasp.

On October 15th, the evening before the workshop, Suzanne will give an approximately sixty-minute presentation that will introduce participants to many different types of clasping methods and mechanisms for jewelry, both historical and contemporary. It will also include a section on clasp inspirations - ideas coming from non-jewelry sources, to inspire creative thinking about clasps.