Fusing for Texture

Fusing

Let the art of fusing be your muse for creating fabulous textural components.  Fusing is a fun way to to bond silver that reminds me of watching a campfire.  As opposed to soldering, where you protect your silver from melting while the solder flows to fill the join, when fusing, you bring the surface of the silver to the melting point allowing the surfaces to flow together and combine.  It’s commonly done with fine silver because the fine silver retains a smooth surface, but in this project I will show you how to fuse sterling silver and embrace the beautiful organic texture that is naturally created.  This is a perfect project for those who don’t like to fuss with details, because it requires little finesse or filing.  What it does require is adaptation.  Depending on how hot you get your piece, it can morph in front of your eyes.  The end result is a fabulously textured piece, but it can be a bit unpredictable.  I will share my tips and tricks for success layering wire (or small shapes) onto silver sheet  as well as fusing abstract “webs” of wire.  If you want to add a stone to one of these pieces, check out the Abstract Layering with a Bezel Cup project, because it’s very difficult to solder a bezel cup onto the textured silver.
 
 

 Where?

Desert Jewel Studio, 26839 N 44th St, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. You will receive directions upon registering for class.

When?

This class is not on the schedule at this time.  If you are interested in taking it, e-mail jen@jewelryclasseswithjen.com with your interest and availability.

How do I sign up?

Class will be $60/person. E-mail jen@jewelryclasseswithjen.com or call Jen at (480)635-2402 to register any time from noon to 10pm.

What will I need to bring to class

This project is open to your creative whims, so the materials required depend on the use of the components you create.  If you want to make earrings, you’ll want 24 ga sheet, or if you want to make a pendant or bracelet components, you want 20 or 22ga sheet.  The wires for the texture are chosen by visual appeal, or you can use little scraps of sheet (squares, triangles, or circles for example).  I have even seen the use of the little nips from trimming wire used similar to a sprinkle of confetti.  If you are wanting to fuse webs of wire you will want to work with thicker wire (at least 18ga).

Tools:

  • Flush cutters/shears
  • Chain nose pliers (optional for assembly)
  • Flat nose pliers (optional for assembly)
  • Wrap n’ tap pliers (Beadsmith #PL46) (optional for forming)
  • Bail making pliers (Beadsmith #PL42) (optional for forming)
  • Stepped pliers (Beadsmith #PL48) (optional for forming)
  • Jeweler’s saw, bench pin, and 3/0 blades (if you want a custom shape)
  • File(s) – needle files should suffice
  • 3M sanding sponges/ slurry coated polishing cloths
  • 1.5mm hole punch (to make connection holes
  • 2.5mm round bur fitted in a pin vise
  • silicone lubricant
  • Magnifying glasses– most people don’t think they need them until they are faced with seeing the detail of jewelry close-up.
  • Covered water or other refreshing beverage
  • Snacks are always welcome as well. 🙂

The following tools will be supplied in class for your use:

  • Basic soldering set-up
  • paste flux/brush
 

The majority of the above items are available locally at C&D Silver, SJ Jewelry Supply, Lonnie’s Jewelry Supply or other on-line jewelry supply sources. If you have any difficulty or questions about obtaining any of these items, please contact Jen to inquire about your options.