Online Workshop for Bezel Set Stone Tension Bracelets
(If you are not in the U.S., you must use my Etsy site to purchase my tutorials)
Learn how to make these very popular, eye-catching bracelets that people love to wear alone or paired with silver cuffs and bangles.
This self-paced online class will teach you how to create tension bracelets with traditional tools and techniques.
You work at your own pace, watching the videos when it's convenient for you and coming to the FB group page for discussion (or emailing me). You have access to the videos and to the facebook support page forver.
Those who’ve taken my classes or downloaded my tutorials before already know that I have a very hand-holding approach to teaching (see comments below).
In this workshop, I will show you how to:
- Plan the design
- Create the bezel setting
- Set the stone
- Measure and cut the cuff wire
- Create the connections for the focal
- Polish
- Stamping and texturing (if desired)
- Patina (if desired)
In this class we will be using torches. I will be demo'ing the techniques with a hand-held butane torch. If you do not already have a soldering set-up or bezel setting tools, see below.
Here are the basic materials and tools requirements. When you purchase the class, you will receive two emails. The first will be confirmation of your purchase. The second contains the login info for your account on my website where you can find the PDF to download. Contact me if you have trouble.
Materials Required
- Non-ferrous metal (silver, copper, etc) for the backplate
- Bezel wire (I prefer 26 or 28 gauge)
- Focal stone/cabochon
- 16 gauge wire
- 8-10 gauge wire
Tools Required
- Soldering set-up*
- Torch (I demo with a hand-held butane torch; also works with EZ Torch, Smith Little Torch, etc)
- Files
- Bracelet mandrel (or equivalent)
- Chasing hammer with slight dome
- Rawhide or nylon hammer
- Steel bench block
- Rotary tool (Dremel or Flex Shaft) with polishing accessories
- Shears (mine cut up to 20 gauge); jeweler’s saw can be used instead of shears
- Stone setting tools**
- Round nose pliers
- Parallel pliers (optional)
- Nylon jaw pliers (optional)
- Marking pen
- Alcohol and q-tips
- Ruler
The Class Structure:
- Upon signing up for the class, student will receive two emails from my website. The first is a confirmation of the purchase; the second contains login information to access and download the PDF file with the handouts and links to the videos
- Videos may be watched at any time, in any order, and as many times as necessary forever
- Students will be encouraged to join a private Facebook group page for this class. While it’s not necessary to join the Facebook group, doing so will enrich the learning experience and is highly recommended.
- Students will be able to keep the provided handouts and refer back to them when needed (no sharing or posting this info online, thanks).
The videos will cover the following topics:
- Plan the design
- Create the bezel setting
- Set the stone
- Measure and cut the cuff wire
- Create the connections for the focal
- Polish
- Stamping and texturing (if desired)
- Patina (if desired)
- I'll probably also add a video on making simple silver cuffs to accompany these bracelets
If you are not in the U.S., you must use my Etsy site to purchase my tutorials: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BrackenDesigns?ref=hdr_user_menu-shop§ion_id=5880690
BIO: I am a metalsmith and instructor. I am also the founder and president of the SRAJD, a grass-roots international organization for self-representing artists in jewelry design with a current membership over 4000. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. You can reach me through the contact form on this website.
Testimonials from previous students:
- (Online Jewelry Photography Workshop):
- I've already learned so much just watching the videos and following the group discussions. So glad I signed up. I think this has been a fantastic course and you are a well organized, detailed and all around wonderful instructor.
- Thanks, Laura! This class was just what I needed. It's so satisfying to be able to get the shot I want on the camera. The less editing I have to do the happier I am.
- You’ve truly been an excellent instructor and at some point I'd take the class again.
- So organized and professional!
- Thanks to Laura's great explanation of the camera settings, I'm feeling brave. Looking forward to playing with the cameras & following Laura's tips. The way she explained the F stops really clicked with the way I think, thanks Laura Bracken!
- (Online Colored Pencil on Metal Workshop):
- I'm in the middle of laura bracken's colored pencil in metal. talk about a generous, giving teacher!!! the class, of course is wonderful. learning so many tips and tricks. the videos are easy to follow and easy to obtain results. she has been so generous with her time!!! i would certainly encourage you to take one of her online classes!!!
- U definitely need Laura’s classes. What a great teacher!
- Laura has done a fantastic job and created an excellent, sharing, community space that is encouraging of everyone, regardless of talent level.
- You've done a great job, and will continue to do so, I have no doubt. Looking forward to the next class of whatever type it is that I haven't done before.
- This particular class has taught not only how to color on metal, but how to color at all! And how to rivet. And how to saw. And piercing. And a bit of soldering. Laura just keeps rolling out videos on all the facets of the entire projects!!!!