Technique
Hollow forms create a sense of depth and movement, like seaweed flowing back and forth in slow motion underwater. These forms are used in much of my jewelry. Fabricated by using a grooved block of wood and my hammers or a 20-ton hydraulic press along with my own hand-cut dies, I create substantial jewelry that is lightweight and comfortable to wear.
When fabricating, I use my hammer’s narrow side in the middle of a gold or silver form against a grooved wood block. I hammer in the middle of the shape, to bring up the sides, and through my manipulation of the metal the sides move together until they are touching. I solder the seam and further shape the form, add ear wires, hinges and other necessary parts to complete the design.
Using the hydraulic press, I hand cut my own shapes out of acrylic sheet, then sandwich the metal in between the die and the press while applying pressure. The metal puffs out in the shape of my design. I hand cut, sand down, and then solder the two halves, creating a hollow form. Each form is hand filed and nearly finished before proceeding with the design.
To further suit the needs of each piece I fabricate the clasps, incorporating them directly into the design allowing function, as well as adornment. The clasps are fabricated from sheet metal in the basic form of a box, with a key that fits secured with a safety latch. Each clasp is made specific to the design; some set with stones, while other clasps take on the shapes represented in the rest of the piece. The custom hand-designed clasp brings continuity of the specific design into the function, wearability, and safety (of not losing it) of the jewelry.
Classes/Teaching
Alison teaches Custom Clasps, Hydraulic Press Essentials, Chain Making, Increasing Soldering Skills, and Private lessons out of her studio and at art centers, schools, and other artist studios. If you would like to arrange a workshop or have an idea for one, please contact her.
Custom Clasps Workshop Description
Create clasps that are safe, secure and truly one-of-a-kind. Come up with unique solutions to complete your designs. Learn the key and box clasps, make original simple latches, and unusual shaped ear nuts. We will discuss customizing terminals and findings to unify your art jewelry. We will explore a variety of solutions to link your custom-made clasp to the rest of your piece. Students are expected to go with their own design impulses in order to explore new ideas in finishing their jewelry. Basic fabrication, including soldering, required. Step-by-step handouts are supplied along with samples to play with.
Hydraulic Press Essentials Description
Learn how to use the Hydraulic Press. Create original dies, embossed plates and other uses with the leverage of 20 tons. Students will make at least one acrylic matrix die cut out from their own design, experiment with how the press works including; soldering two matrix die halves together to create a hollow form. We will explore a variety of uses with the matrix die such as roller printing, fold formed, etched and textured surfaces. Students will also learn to emboss and imprint metal with a variety of shapes using anything from washers and heavy gauge wire to mesh or found steel objects. Basic Fabrication and some soldering skills are useful. Please think of ideas for shapes (2x2 or smaller), these shapes will be made into hollow forms. Step-by-step handouts are supplied along with examples.
Custom Clasps at the Sawtooth
Custom Clasps
January 21 & 22, 2012
Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join Alison at her studio in the historic Sawtooth Building in Berkeley, CA
Class fee $275 inclusive, 50% holds your place. Register by email or tel; info@antelman.com or (510) 704-1905. MC/Visa/ Amex accepted. Tool list will be supplied along with step-by-step handouts, no kit fee.
Hydraulic Press Essentials-Sawtooth
Hydraulic Press Essentials
February 25 & 26, 2012
Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join Alison at her studio in the historic Sawtooth Building in Berkeley, CA
Class fee $260 inclusive, 50% holds your place. Register by email or tel; info@antelman.com or (510) 704-1905. Tool list will be supplied along with step-by-step handouts, no kit fee.
Society for Midwest Metalsmiths
Custom Clasps
March 24 & 25, 2012
Saint Louis area
The workshop will be held at Maryville University, Town & Country, MO.
www.midwest-metalsmiths.org
Mendocino Art Center
Custom Clasps
March 31 & April 1, 2012
Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 to 4:30
Saturday and Sunday
Register online at:
www.mendocinoartcenter.org
Tuition & Fees
Current Mendocino County MAC Members: $233
Current MAC Members: $247
Non-members: $275 plus a non-refundable $25 non-member registration fee
Materials fee: $25
Download the materials list (PDF)
Or call 707 937-5818, ext. 10
Toll-free 800 653-3328, ext. 10
There is a non-refundable registration fee of $25 for each workshop for non-members. Current Mendocino Art Center members do not pay a registration fee. Current MAC members residing in Mendocino County may take 15% off each workshop registration, and current MAC members residing outside of Mendocino County may take 10% off each workshop registration. These discounts are reflected in the prices above. Not a member yet? You may sign up below.
View our membership benefits.
The Ranch Center for Arts & Craft
Custom Clasps Workshop
May 19 & 10
(near Seattle) Snohomish, WA
Marne Ryan/Ryan Designs Studio
In Anaheim, CA. June 2012
Custom Clasps Workshop
Three separate workshop dates to choose from that run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June 12 & 13, June 14 & 15, and June 16 & 17
Registration Information: Two-day workshop $495. This is an intimate hands-on workshop limited to five students allowing for personal attention and instruction. Price includes; sterling silver kit, personal bench space, basic tools, and step-by-step handouts.
Upon registration students receive detailed information pertaining to preparation for the class.
Registration opens on a first come basis, spaces fill up quickly due to the small size of class. A deposit of $200 holds your space, Balance of $295 is due on April 1st.
Register at marne@pacbell.net
Anchorage, Alaska
Custom Clasps Workshop
July 13, 14 & 15, 2012
Saturday and Sunday
Alaska Metal Arts Guild
If your art center or Guild would like to host a workshop please contact alison: info@antelman.com