Design and Create a Pendant Necklace From a Metal Sheet

Megan Kerr

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Level:

Beginner

Duration:

4

week

Prerequisites:

None

A close up of a blue object on a black background.

Upcoming Sessions

Session 1:

Course Times:

Thursdays 6pm-8pm EST

Dates:

Oct 24th - Nov 21st (no class Oct 31st)

Enroll Now

$ 240

Session 2:

Course Times:

Mondays 10am-12pm EST

Dates:

Oct 28th - Nov 25th (no class Nov 11th)

Enroll Now

$ 240

A white ball and needle on a black background.

A bunch of white stuff on a black background.

A blue object is shown against a black background.

Two yellow and white buttons on a black background.

Course Description:

Unlock the secrets of metalworking in this beginner-level course where creativity meets craftsmanship. Dive into the fundamentals of cutting, piercing, sanding, and filing metal a sheet of metal.

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You'll handle a jeweler's saw blade with finesse, mastering both external and internal cuts to bring your designs to life. From intricate patterns to bold shapes, you will transfer your own unique drawings directly onto metal.

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As you progress, you'll transform your creations into one-of-a-kind pendants, mastering essential skills in cutting and piercing that serve as a foundation for future metalsmithing projects. Finally, you'll learn how to elegantly attach your brass or sterling silver pendants to chains using jump rings and secure closures, completing a handcrafted sheet metal and chain necklace ready to wear and showcase your metalworking skill wherever you go.

Tools and materials:

• Jewelers saw frame • Blades • Bench pin with clamp • Brass • Sterling silver (optional) • Rubber cement • An assortment of sandpaper (up to 3000 grit) • Needle files • Cutting lubricant • Jump ring and closure assortment pack • Two-edged metal hole punch • Pliers (3 pack) • Chain (both brass and sterling silver) • Exacto knife pack with cutting pad

Estimated tool and material cost:

$180+

*

*depending on material

Skills Covered:

1.

Introduction to Metal / Jewelry Tools and Safety

Discuss at-home safety for tools and the best deals and packages to purchase online.

2.

Design Principles and Sketching

Review examples of designs and options for attaching metal to chains. Begin to sketch out ideas for metal sheet transfer. Cut out designs and use rubber cement to secure them.

3.

Understanding Metal and Finishes

Discuss the hardness and differences between brass and sterling silver and why they are different from other metals.

4.

Setting Up Bench Pin and Work Station

Go over the safest setup options for the bench pin and workstation.

5.

Metalworking Techniques

Discuss sawing, piercing, filing and sanding on metal. Discuss posture, safely securing blades into saw frames, and proper cutting techniques away from the hands. Make holes for jump rings.

6.

Cutting Chain for Pendant

Measure the desired chain length and cut the chain appropriately to attach through jump rings.

7.

Closures and Final Assembly

Attach pendant using jump rings. Add a clasp and any adjustable elements with jump rings. All sanding and filing should be finished before the final assembly.

8.

Problem Solving and Troubleshooting

The instructor will guide students through any final questions and last-minute additions they Amay want to make to their pendant necklaces. The instructor will also guide conversations based on project responses.