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View Full Version : can anyone recommend a book for making clasps with metalclay?



aggi
13-03-2011, 10:24 AM
Hello,

I am trying to make my own clasps but sofar the results are not satisfying at all:'(. Has anyone a suggestion for a book? i am not the toggleclasptype.

orestruck
19-03-2011, 07:04 PM
What kind of clasp are you after making?

MuranoSilver
21-03-2011, 11:13 AM
Metal clay really isnt the best medium for clasps - having said that Kate McKinnon did a book on
Sculptural Metal Clay Jewelry (USA published) and that would be the perfect starting point
Nicola x

aggi
21-03-2011, 06:42 PM
Thanks Nicola.
I found the book on amazon. Also I got an idea on the site of MCA for a magnetic clasp.

aggi
21-03-2011, 06:54 PM
What kind of clasp are you after making?

I have not decided yet. Any suggestion?

Kwant
21-03-2011, 08:38 PM
I am a fan of "S" clasps, particularly in fine silver so they can be squeezed a bit for security. Hammered or flattened, balled ends or little fashioned motifs like arrowheads, cubes or tiny spirals.

Kwant
21-03-2011, 08:49 PM
I tried to edit my last post to add a pic it did not work so here goes again

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12340604@N02/5547676619/

mizgeorge
21-03-2011, 09:06 PM
Like 's' clasps, and hooks and modified hooks - but not in fine silver. It just isn't strong enough. Even less so made from metal clay. The only obvious designs would be magnetic - you can buy kits and components for these (about half way down this page - http://www.hattiesanderson.com/HattieS-Products.html )

Kwant
21-03-2011, 09:31 PM
Well yes indeed as we all know a chain is only as strong as its weakest link but there are times when one hopes the stuff we make is not being worn while fixing mopeds, bricklaying and or sumo wrestling, there is a place for the most delicate of materials when making jewels.

Of course there are some who will open their Faberge egg with a sharp rap from their sterling spoon no doubt :0)

Dennis
22-03-2011, 09:30 AM
Well Quant (I wish I could remember your name, it would be much more friendly)I do think you owe it to yourself and to your customers/recipients to make pieces fit for purpuse. Biker or bricklayer or neither, if the toddler on her lap makes a grab for it, as they do, you will be asked to mend it for free.

Hope you are seeing signs of spring out there in France, Kind regards, Dennis.

aggi
22-03-2011, 01:23 PM
Like 's' clasps, and hooks and modified hooks - but not in fine silver. It just isn't strong enough. Even less so made from metal clay. The only obvious designs would be magnetic - you can buy kits and components for these (about half way down this page - http://www.hattiesanderson.com/HattieS-Products.html )

I like the s's too but I am going for the magnetic I think. Found also an idea on the site of MCA, thanks anyway

aggi
22-03-2011, 01:26 PM
I tried to edit my last post to add a pic it did not work so here goes again

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12340604@N02/5547676619/

I see what you meant. By the way I liked that necklace. What kind of metalclay you used?

Kwant
23-03-2011, 09:52 PM
That is true Dennis but I do not imagine for one moment James expects his beautiful flowers to be thrown in the back of the family volvo with a bag of gravel some paving slabs and a tray of winter pansies.For the most part I do make things that will stand up to wear and tear but I rather suspect a toddler swinging on most items is going to cause breakage and perhaps those in that position would be best to stick to goldfilled and stainless steel. I must say though I was sad to hear of your loss, i.e the ring in the post, but having said that your replacement was to my mind very much more accomplished and clean.

As to spring yes, we have pretty much all the daffs out, the lily of the valley has gone mad and is breaking through the lawn everywhere, my service tree is about to bloom which is truly one of my favourites but it lasts not but a week, camellias of which we have about twenty or so have been flowering since the beginning of December, though in truth that is just a white one which is always early and so suffers a bit from burning, the rest are, fingers crossed, safe from frost.