Monday, August 5, 2013

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!

6 comments:

Artisan Beads Plus said...

I love the idea of the signature on the button! Great idea.... I have also think that I will never find that ones perfect clasp because finishing a piece is so dependent on the style of the piece. I love the options that you shared.

Kelli said...

Love the stamped button!!

TesoriTrovati said...

Such a great idea to use a stamped button or piece of metal that will become your signature. Even just a stylistic shape, like the tight scroll can be your signature. I love this! I just wish I had more time and more talent at pulling this all together for a signature look. Great tips!
Enjoy the day. Erin

Gaia Copia said...

Super Brilliant! I've been looking for new ways to add my signature touch that are unique. I like this idea. I'm so far behind. Just getting started on my clasps for bootcamp today...too many good ideas in here! Thank You for sharing this one. Done beautifully too I might add.
Emily

Lynn said...

Love your clasps and button closures! Can you share your method of achieving that wonderful deep copper color?

Anonymous said...

I've really enjoyed this boot camp and have gone clasp happy, making button clasps and wire clasps. I've even played with metal clay and made some toggles though they are not fired yet and some polymer clay toggles though they are not finished. Thanks for the great tips and hints.

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