Discovering more about: Soldering Sterling Silver

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!

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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. 

Geting to Know ... Iris Rogers Melamed

Iris at home in her studio

If you've taken a soldering class at BeadFX, then you already know Iris Rogers Melamed. If you want to learn how to solder and really get into metalwork, you want to know Iris!

Like most of our instructors, Iris began with beading and branched out from there. "My sister Fay has been beading since the 1980s, and she introduced bead stringing to me about 15 years ago. From there I moved on to chainmaille, wire work, metal clay and ultimately metal work, " says Iris. "Since I was a young child I have always been “making something” -  loved to draw and paint, and learnt to sew by the time I was eight. I studied pottery at the Visual Arts Centre in Montreal, photography at Humber College and most recently, furniture refinishing using chalk paint," she explains.

Iris is constantly looking for new opportunities to learn more about working with metal to share with her students. "I have been very fortunate to study with wonderful teachers – over the past seven years I have studied with Michael David Sturlin and he has given me a great foundation in technique and design.  A three day class with Tim McCreight enhanced those skills and most recently I spent five days studying marriage of metals and surface textures with Pauline Warg at Metalwerx. Books and on-line videos have been a constant source of information." Iris continues, "when I am designing a course project I start with the skill I wish to teach and then construct a project that will teach that skill and also create a great piece of jewellery." 

Inspired by nature, colours of stones and metals, her granddaughters and spirituality, Iris actively records ideas. "Anything that catches my eye is stored away for future use. I used to cut pictures out of magazines but I have moved into the 21^st century so now I use my iPhone and Pinterest."

Iris' professional life is far from her studio work and classroom instruction. "I have a PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and spent 25 years in medical research, designing and managing clinical drug trials in North America," says Iris. When she's not teaching, you'll find Iris with her five granddaughters, the most recent born in September 2013. "I am always reorganizing my studio, fitting in new pieces of equipment – most recent purchases include a Durston rolling mill and a bench guillotine. Of course I spend as much time as possible in my studio, creating jewellery and new classes."

Iris' advice to others? "I have two favourite saying that continue to inspire me: 'Success is the  ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm' (Winston Churchill), and 'You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.' (Maya Angelou)."

Upcoming classed by Iris Rogers Melamed:

Hot Connections Bezel Set Pendant
Saturday, November 2
10:00am - 5:00pm

Hot Connections 1 - Introduction to Soldering
Saturday, November 30
10:00am - 2:30pm

Still time to catch April classes

Wow, can you believe how fast time is flying; before you know it, another month will roll by! Not to worry - there is still lots of time to take some April classes. For complete information, including class and kit fees, please consult the on-line calendar at http://www.beadfx.com/classes.php and click on "April".

Soutache Lesson #1: The Basic Module
Thursday, April 18
6:00 - 9:00pm
Instructor: Angela Peace
This class will introduce students to Soutache Bead Embroidery and how to stitch the Basic Module.  Students will learn how to handle the soutache braid, manage tension, place stitches correctly, define the curve, add beads and how to finish a piece.  These techniques will be used to make a pair of earrings with design options.

Create a Felted Brooch
Saturday, April 20
9:30am - 1:30pm
Instructor: Dawn Liu-Smyth
Students will use merino wool roving to design and wet-felt a layered flower brooch.  Students will be encouraged to explore colour and texture as they work with the wool fibres.  Some basic needle felting and bead stitching will also be covered so that students may embellish their brooch. Student will leave with a completely felted brooch and will begin to embellish the centre of their flower with beads.

Jewellery Making 101
Sunday, April 21
11:30am - 2:30pm
Instructor: Pamela Kearns
Do you want to create jewellery for yourself but have no idea where to start? Join us for this 'newbie' course and discover just how easy creating jewellery can be. Participants will be able to create up to three of pairs of earrings and a bracelet. You'll learn how to use headpins, open and close jump rings, create wrapped and simple loops, and discover out how to use crimps. Prepared projects are not used - you will create your own designs using your own assortment of beads brought to class; time will be available during the class to select beads. Silver-plated findings are included as part of the kit fee.

Metal Clay Play Day
Sunday, April 21
11:00am - 4:00pm
Facilitator: Jennifer Tough
Would you like to work on your metal clay projects in a fun, social and supportive environment? Join us during our periodic play days. We will provide access to basic tools and texture plates, but you are required to either bring or purchase your own Art Clay and supplies. You may also peruse our extensive library of videos and books during the day.  Kiln time will also be available for a nominal fee. A facilitator is on-hand to help with tips and answer questions. Note: This is not a class, and is intended only for those that already have some experience with metal clay.

Key to My Heart Peyote Necklace and Bracelet
Thursday, April 25
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Pamela Kearns
Peyote is one of those basic stitches that, when learned, it opens doors to lots of ideas! Learn how to do flat even-weave peyote and learn how to read patterns to create beaded beads. Wire-wrap the beaded beads and combine with wire shapes and charms to create a necklace or bracelet (or both!). As the peyote stitch takes time to learn and do, students will be able to start the project during class time but complete it at home.
 

Twinkling Twins Bracelet
Friday, April 26
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Stephanie Dixon
Have you been lusting after the beautiful colours of Twin and Superduo beads, but not sure how to use them? In this class you will create an embellished right angle weave bracelet using seed beads, two holed beads and Swarovski bicones.

Soutache Lesson #2: The Harp Module
Saturday, April 27
9:30am - 12:30pm
Instructor: Angela Peace
This class teaches The Harp Shape Module and will expand on the skills learning the Basic Module class. Techniques to be covered include how to handle the soutache braid, manage tension, place stitches correctly, maintain the curve, and add multiple beads. These techniques will be used to make a pair of Harp Shape earrings with design options.

Hot Connections Bangles
Saturday, April 27
10:00am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Iris Rogers Melamed

In this class you will learn how to successfully create 3 sterling silver bangles from different types of sterling silver wire. We will start by twisting round wire. Next we will measure and form the twisted wire, half-round wire and round wire into "D shapes", making sure that the joins fit perfectly. We will solder our shapes closed and then form the bangles on a bracelet mandrel. Finally we will texture, finish and polish the bracelets.

Intro to Bead Embroidery

Sunday, April 28

11:30am - 2:30pm

Instructor: Stephanie Dixon

Learn the basics of bead embroidery including how to bezel a cabochon, even count peyote, beaded backstitch and how to professionally finish the edges.  Choosing cabochons and basic color theory will be discussed. A small pendant is the beginning project which will not be completed in class.

Also, join BeadFX at the 

15th Annual Knitter's Frolic

Saturday, April 27 - Sunday, April 28, 2013 Frolic Marketplace: Saturday only, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission $5.00 at the door. Frolic Workshops: Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre; 6 Garamond Court, Toronto (near Wynford Drive and Don Mills Rd.)