Asilomar Art and Soul Workshops

Sally Jean Alexander
9-4:00
Monday

A101 - Soldering for Virgins: The Whole Sha-Bang

[back to quicklinks]
 

Whether you’re a virgin or just haven’t been around the block enough...this is the basics class you’ve been looking for. Based upon my actual experience, I will show you everything you need to know about soldering including the tools, techniques, why's and why not's. You’ll learn how to solder basic charms and then the special techniques I have created for my signature Bubbles and dimensional objects. This class will take you from the beginning (glass cutting) through to the finishing touches (charm attachments). Demonstrations will guide you while you try your hand at the soldering process and create your own charms. This is a technique-based workshop and NOT a project class.

Supply List:
--Round-Nose Pliers
--Bent-Nose Pliers
--Chain-Nose Pliers
--Wire Cutters (small)
--Scissors
--Cutting Pad or Work Surface (to protect table-top
--Cookie-Sheet to solder on (at least 8x10 - a cheap one is fine - I prefer a non-stick coating)
--Hand-towel or Apron
--Pencil or Pen
--Artwork (to put between the glass) in assorted sizes from 1/2” x 1/2” up to 2” x 3”. Any prints, photos, etc., should be NON-GLOSSY. (If you do not have pre-made artwork, we will just use plain paper since this is a soldering-technique class, not a project class and there will be not time to create artwork in the class).
--A few dimensional objects you would like to learn how to solder (ie: buttons, ribbons, etc.)

I will have soldering equipment that can happily be shared. However, if you have your own equipment, please bring it. This includes:
--Soldering Iron
--Soldering Iron Stand
--Rheostat
--Solder
--Tips in different sizes
**I will have Flux, Flux Remover, Flux Brushes and Sponges to share ... no need for you to travel with it unless you want to solder in your hotel room :) **

OPTIONAL:
--Soldering Supplies (optional - if you have your own soldering iron, rheostat, solder, extension cord, etc...please bring it).
--Small vice grip or 3rd hand jewelry tool (optional - easier to hold the charms)
--Small Metal Block (optional - to be used as a weight)
--A blank open-link bracelet or chain to attach your charms to (optional).

A $20 materials fee to be paid to the instructor at the beginning of class.

Materials fee includes: Hand-Cut glass in a variety of shapes and sizes, copper tape, shared use of soldering supplies, etc.