Art Jewelry Boot Camp: Clasps that identify

by Barbara Bechtel

Once you become comfortable making clasps you may find yourself returning to your favorite, time after time. It can become synonymous with your work, with people identifying your pieces through the way you construct and finish your pieces.

My favorite and most often used type of clasp.

Because the clasp is usually the last piece added, although you may have planned the piece out in its entirety, the clasp is usually the finishing touch becoming the signature, much as a painter signs his piece at its completion.

Adding different closures with a standard clasp can help you switch up the look while still maintaining a signature style.

Many artists sign their work with a personalized tag or hallmark when their finished and often this is found near the clasp. Your signature can even become part of the toggle. I often do this when I use a button type clasp or toggle where I have more room for stamping.

I often combine this clasp with signed buttons as a secure hook for bracelets and necklaces.

When used with leather, this signed button closure adds a finished look to even simple bracelets.

Next MONDAY is our BLOG HOP and we can't to see what types of clasps you've been creating! Make sure to come back next week to join in on the fun!