Making Your Own Prongs for Free-formed
Rainbow Titanium

By Holly Gage

(photograph represents what can be done with titanium and prongs and is for illustration only)

Free-formed rainbow Titanium can be very intriguing. It is bright, colorful, sculptural and very different from anything people have seen in the past. Jewelry artisans pick it up, turn it about and examine the brilliant colors on all sides. They hold it under the light, tilting their hand and suddenly they notice the subtle color changes and sparkle at every angle. Then a strange look comes over them. “I love it, but how do I incorporate it into a piece of jewelry.”

The answer is a cold connection. One of the methods I use to set Titanium is with hand built prongs. So come with me on an exploratory trip into incorporating Titanium into a piece of fine artisan jewelry. In the process you’ll learn how to work with any uniquely shaped item whether it is titanium, a shell, coral, irregular shaped gem or cab and so much more.

The class will include a presentation and handouts on making and incorporating handmade prongs into your work, proper placement and structural consideration for the prongs, basics do’s and don’ts of prong making, as well learning how to design with shrinkage in mind. Your finished piece will be of your own unique design inspired by your individual titanium or free-formed item of choice.

March 15, 2009
10 – 5:30 with a ½ hr break and kiln firing
Location: C Hamilton Designs
English Country Gardens Garden Centre

14195 Dumfries Road, Manassas, VA 20112

To register call studio: 703-585-5640, early registration is suggested
www.chamiltondesigns.com

Students should have a basic working knowledge of Metal Clay

Maximum students: 12

$203.00 workshop, consumable materials + bench fee $61.00

Consumable Materials: Non-combustible Paperclay, 1 pkg. PMC3, epoxy resin, 3m polishing paper

Titanium (Your choice purchased at class or on Holly’s website before hand separately – www.HollyGage.com),

Bring bagged lunch and your unleashed creativity

Holly Gage of Gage Designs creates jewelry with a gentle blend of art and soul. Holly has been working with Titanium for approximately 7 years with a working knowledge of its uses in combination with various other methods and materials. She is a full-time jewelry artist, certified metal clay instructor in PA, and Jewelry and Metal Clay conference speaker. Her jewelry and articles on techniques and design can be found in regional and national publications. You can find more information about Holly’s jewelry, awards, shows, and numerous free tutorials on her web site at HollyGage.com.