Whether you’re making jewelry, assemblage or a journal, often the need arises to add a chain or clasp for that finishing touch.

Join jeweler Keith Lo Bue for two days of detailed instruction in how to create your own links, hooks and clasps from scratch, using the exciting medium of steel wire. Participants will make a variety of samples…learn the satisfaction of the do-it-yourself approach!

Studio and Material Fee

Information coming soon.  Registration Fee covers instructor-supplied materials and miscellaneous studio supplies.

Student Supplies

Students should bring the following supplies:

• 'Re-bar tie wire' <here> (also found in most hardware stores in the construction materials section, near the cinder block and chain-link fencing. IMPORTANT: make sure it is steel or iron wire, NOT galvanized!...it should be dark grey-black). NOTE: You won't need to haul the whole roll, as it's quite heavy - bring 1/2 of it with you and you'll have plenty!
• roll of 19 guage 'dark annealed' steel wire: <Here>
• set of steel jump-ring mandrels <Here>
• a small hand drill - either a power drill <here> or a hand-crank manual drill, such as the Fiskars model, seen<here>
• Hard-wire shear cutter <here>
• Flush-cutter. An absolutely BRILLIANT pair of flush-cutters can be found <here>. They cost around $29. If you cut wire with any frequency, these are more than worth the money. I covet my pair, which I paid way too much for ($70!), but even so, I wouldn't give them up for anything. However, if you want a cheaper alternative ($17), these will do - <here>
• 3M Wet-Or-Dry Polishing Paper This is simply a MUST HAVE. Comes in a pack of six sheets. Be sure to number them on the back when you first open the package, 1 being roughest to 6 being finest. <here>
• rawhide mallet <Here>
• small table bench vise <here> DON'T bring the kind that swivel on a ball-joint (hobby/light-use), or a hollow construction vice - the one you'll need has to be similar in design to the one pictured.
• bench pin <Here>
• steel bench block: <Here> Be sure to bring a small piece of leather or sandbag (even some sand in a Ziplok bag will do) to put under your block--it'll make it much quieter! NOTE: If your bench vise has a flat anvil surface attached, you won't need this!
• a small hammer <here>
• a pair of lineman's pliers (a new, cheap and SUPERB pair can be found <here>
• jewelry pliers:  a round-nose (a PERFECT one for the class can be found <here> - choose the 6 1/4" or the 7"), and a flat-nose <here>
• Hard-wire shear cutter <here>
• a small jewelry plier with a serrated edge on the inside (gripping edge)
• small file (any fine-tooth file will do)
• Ring clamp <here>
• standard steel drill bit set <here>
• Two extra 1/16" drill bits <here>
• wire brushes <here>
• fine (0000) steel wool (find it in a paint-supply section of a hardware store), or better yet, this brilliant new synthetic steel wool pad by 3M <here>
• 3M Micron Polishing Paper - set of 6 sheets <here>
• Piece of scrap wood to drill into
• 2 bar clamps (this is the perfect set, of a 12" and 6" - <here>)
• a decent quality beeswax furniture wax polish (not the liquid, and not car wax, but furniture wax in a flat can), or, if you want the the best, a can of Rennaisance Wax.
• ear plugs, if you're sensitive to hammering (we'll keep the noise down as much as possible, but there will be some, so just to be safe....
• jeweler's saw (get a 'deep' one, ideally with 5" to 6" 'throat' <here>
• Jeweler's saw blades (an inexpensive assortment like <this> is perfect for the class - the primary size blade we'll be using is a 3/0 size.)
• Safety glasses!
• a pair of close-fitting safety gloves

Note: Volcano Book Arts has a great Metalsmithing starter kit for $54 that comes with a jeweler's saw, Bench Pin, Saw Blades, Rawhide Mallet, Needle Files, Wooden Hand Vise (ring clamp), 2 Storage Tubes for Blades. This will take care of all those items on the list in one hit, so it's recommended: <Here> "Metalsmithing Starter Tool Kit"

Optional Supplies

Information coming soon.

Additional Program Information

Meals

Lunch is served in our community building at 12:30 p.m. and will be provided at an additional $15.00 per day.  You must make your lunch reservation in advance.  We pride ourselves in offering a healthy and organic lunch which will exceed your expectations. If you do not wish to make a reservation, please bring a sack lunch. Beverages will be provided. Some workshops have optional evening meal events, which must also be reserved in advance. Evening meal event prices vary, ranging from $15.00-$30.00 per meal.

Networking

A social hour is provided from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. following the first day of each program. Wine, cheese and a non-alcolohic beverage will be served in the community room for you to enjoy.

Policies

CANCELLATIONS: While we understand that circumstances can arise causing a change in your plans, we must adhere to a business policy. Because it is impossible for Valley Ridge to favor one individual situation or circumstance over another, we must adhere to our policy in all situations and can make no exceptions to our cancellation policy.

• 45 Days or More prior to a workshop: Full refund of tuition, less a $75.00 cancellation fee.
• 44 Days or Less prior to a workshop: No refunds or credits for any reason.

Registration Fees: The entire registration fee is due in full at time of registration. Valley Ridge Art Studio provides an advance deposit option to make it easier for those with financial constraints to participate in our programs. The advance deposit fee secures your workshop space, and is applied to your entire workshop registration fee. Payment for your fee/materials balance and any other optional meals will be charged to your credit card 45 days prior to workshop. Non-credit card payments will receive an invoice, which is due upon receipt.

Transfer Policy: You may transfer out of a workshop to another program in the same season. Transfer request must be received at least 45 days prior to a program. There will be a $50.00 transfer fee assessed on each transfer.

Credit Card Transaction Reversal: You intended to reserve a workshop and registered for one instead. You noticed your credit card was charged for the entire balance and only wanted to apply $75.00. You would like your credit card credited for the difference. We at Valley Ridge Art Studio are willing to reverse your transaction. There will be a $25.00 administrative fee per reversal request. Your balance will be due 45 days prior to the workshop.

Program schedule is subject to change.

Release/Waiver

I understand the risks associated with my attendance at the Studio and the use of various tools, equipment and products found in the Studio.  I voluntarily agree to assume the risk of injury or illness or property damage that may arise out of my attendance at the Studio and use of tools, equipment and products found in the Studio and hereby waive and release the Studio and its members, affiliates, employees, and agents and assigns from any and all claims, actions or losses which I may suffer as a result of my attendance at and use of the Studio.  I further agree to  hold harmless, defend and indemnify the Studio and its members, affiliates, employees, and agents and assigns from any and all claims, actions or losses arising out of my attendance at and use of the Studio or use of the tools, equipment and products found in the Studio regardless of the cause, including but not limited to the negligence of the Studio or its members, affiliates, employees, and agents and assigns.