From stones and sea glass to plastic bike reflectors, find out how to capture irregularly shaped objects with a range of striking settings. Expert jewelry artist Robert Dancik shares foolproof tips and techniques from 30 years of experience. Start with essential riveting skills and then learn how to use tab captures to set objects that can't be punctured. Delve into fold-forming and annealing techniques before exploring a versatile box-form setting. Follow along with Robert to efficiently size, cut and shape the box, and use concrete to securely embed your object inside. Then, discover a variety of solder-free settings for faceted stones, including snap and tube captures that are perfect for gems both large and small. Finally, learn to solder a textured bezel and a partial pronged bezel, opening the door to endless design possibilities for found-object jewelry.
Settings for Every Shape
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Learn innovative fabrication and design techniques to showcase found objects in distinctive style.
01: Riveting Designs
Meet your instructor, Robert Dancik, and get started creating the narrative behind your unusually shaped captures! Robert will review basic riveting techniques and show his "card trick" for getting perfectly hammered rivets each time. You'll also learn how to file rivets into special shapes.
02: Artisan Tab Techniques
Use tabs to secure a stone for an artisanal look. Robert reviews a variety of ways to design your unique piece with tabs in mind. Then he'll show you how to draw, shape and file your tabbed background piece from copper. Find inspiration from Robert's examples of inner tabs and through tabs.
03: Fold-Formed Channel Settings
Learn Robert's fold-forming technique to capture objects without tabs or rivets! You'll learn how to measure, fold and shape metal into a semicircle using a cross-peen hammer. Then, learn the annealing process to soften the metal and modify the shape and how to cool copper without using ice water.
04: Box-Form Settings
Make a gorgeous box-form setting to capture objects in a wider space. Use Robert's forming technique and learn to quickly size, cut and shape the box using rivets or staples. Then, embed objects into the piece using concrete. Finally, get inspired with Robert's variations to fill the box.
05: Cold-Setting Faceted Stones
Learn how to set faceted stones a variety of ways. Robert demonstrates easy snap settings and making tube settings to embed into larger objects for added details. Then, learn how to secure these cold settings into larger pieces using drill bits and glue.
06: Creative Bezel Settings
Create a gorgeous bezel setting to capture unique objects. Learn how to measure and shape the metal to fit your piece perfectly. Then solder the metal to a textured background piece. Finally, give your setting a rich patina and highlight the added texture using a scrub brush and hammer.
07: Partial Bezel & Prong Settings
Mix techniques you've learned to create a partial bezel setting paired with prongs to hold the setting in place. Start with forming the bezel to your object's shape, then solder to a background piece. Drill and solder prongs in place to stabilize the object and ensure structural integrity. Finally, set the object and polish.
Overview Course No. 40380
About
Robert Dancik has been a jewelry artist and instructor for more than 30 years. He received a master's degree in sculpture from Northern Illinois University. He teaches workshops in the U.S. and the U.K. and his designs have been exhibited worldwide. He is the author of "Amulets and Talismans: Techniques for Making Meaningful Jewelry" and the founder of Studio E.Y.E. in Beacon Falls, Connecticut.
