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| Bangles |
What is soldering? Soldering is simply joining two (or more) pieces of
metal together using an alloy of that metal, called solder. An alloy (a
combination of the metal plus another metal) is used because the goal is to
flow (or melt) the solder before the piece melts. While there are other methods
to connect pieces of metal, soldering is the most precise and, if done
properly, leaves no mark on the piece soldered.
Iris Rogers Melamed has developed a
series of ‘Hot Connections’ classes exclusively for BeadFX, taking students
from the basics of soldering through more advanced techniques. Each class has
projects that both teach and result in great pieces of jewellery!
series of ‘Hot Connections’ classes exclusively for BeadFX, taking students
from the basics of soldering through more advanced techniques. Each class has
projects that both teach and result in great pieces of jewellery!
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| Double Dome Metal Beads |
Iris also incorporates other metalsmithing
skills such as sawing, piercing and filing into the curriculum. Sterling silver
is the main metal used for projects especially in the introductory classes, but
other base metals, such as copper, are included in the “Mixed Metals” classes.
skills such as sawing, piercing and filing into the curriculum. Sterling silver
is the main metal used for projects especially in the introductory classes, but
other base metals, such as copper, are included in the “Mixed Metals” classes.
“The Hot Connections 1: Intro to
Soldering class offers a great foundation and understanding of soldering”, says
Iris. “Many students come into their first class intimidated by the whole
process and uneasy about using a torch. Once they realize that everything is
explained and demonstrated in a logical manner they start to relax and enjoy
themselves. As I say many times, this is really a hands-on class – my hands on
yours guiding when needed.”
Soldering class offers a great foundation and understanding of soldering”, says
Iris. “Many students come into their first class intimidated by the whole
process and uneasy about using a torch. Once they realize that everything is
explained and demonstrated in a logical manner they start to relax and enjoy
themselves. As I say many times, this is really a hands-on class – my hands on
yours guiding when needed.”
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| Bezel-set Ring |
There is a strong emphasis on safety in
Iris’ classes, not only for using the torches and tools in the studio, but also
for setting up an in-home soldering station.
Iris’ classes, not only for using the torches and tools in the studio, but also
for setting up an in-home soldering station.
“Once you master the basics of
soldering,” adds Iris, “a whole new world of jewellery making opens up. One of
the reasons I teach is seeing the thrill the students have when they have
successfully soldered their pieces.”
soldering,” adds Iris, “a whole new world of jewellery making opens up. One of
the reasons I teach is seeing the thrill the students have when they have
successfully soldered their pieces.”
After taking the Hot Connections 1
class, students progress to Hot Connections: Bangles and then on to the other
classes. Other projects include the Spinner Ring, the Interlocking Ring, Double Dome Metal Beads; and Bezel Set Rings and Pendants expand the students’ skills even more.
class, students progress to Hot Connections: Bangles and then on to the other
classes. Other projects include the Spinner Ring, the Interlocking Ring, Double Dome Metal Beads; and Bezel Set Rings and Pendants expand the students’ skills even more.
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| Mixed Metals |
Iris has added a weekday afternoon Hot
Connections 1: Intro to Soldering class to the February schedule. “Not everyone
is available on the weekends; I want to give as many people as possible the
opportunity to take the class. If there is a demand for weekday classes we will
schedule them.”
Connections 1: Intro to Soldering class to the February schedule. “Not everyone
is available on the weekends; I want to give as many people as possible the
opportunity to take the class. If there is a demand for weekday classes we will
schedule them.”
In addition to her classes, Iris also
leads Open Metal Studio: Soldering sessions where her soldering students can
bring in projects to work on and get advice and tips. It’s important to
note that the Open Metal Studios are not classes – students must have taken Hot
Connections 1. The open sessions are ideal for those who are unable to set up a
home soldering station or who want a little extra guidance.
leads Open Metal Studio: Soldering sessions where her soldering students can
bring in projects to work on and get advice and tips. It’s important to
note that the Open Metal Studios are not classes – students must have taken Hot
Connections 1. The open sessions are ideal for those who are unable to set up a
home soldering station or who want a little extra guidance.
Upcoming sessions with Iris Rogers Melamed:
Thursday, February 19
Hot Connections 1: Intro to Soldering Afternoon Session!
12:00 – 4:00pm
Open Metal Studio: Soldering
6:00 – 9:00pm
Saturday, February 28
Hot Connections: Spinner Ring
10:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday, March 7
Hot Connections: Interlocking Rings
10:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday, March 14
Hot Connections: Connecting Components
10:00am – 5:00pm
For complete details about each class, including class and kit fees, please refer to the website.