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FORGED CONNECTIONS // Handmade Chain

with Shannon Bundschuh

Advanced beginner
FORGED CONNECTIONS // Handmade Chain: a finished piece from the class

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When and where

  1. Tuesday, Feb 2, 2027

    6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Times are MST, the event's local time.

At a glance

Skill level
Advanced beginner. Advanced Beginner // Intermediate
Class type
Technique and project. Project // Technique
Prerequisites
None listed
Total time
3 hours
Room
Announced closer to the event
Class size
14 students

Fees

Class fee
$110
Kit fee
$70, paid to the instructor on class day, not charged online

Payable to instructor at class time. Please bring cash if possible. Precious Metal Pricing: Kit fees that include silver or other precious metals are subject to market fluctuations. Final pricing will be established and locked in on the date the instructor purchases the metals

About this class

Link by link, build a chain with character, movement, and handmade soul. This is a technique-driven three-hour class focused on creating decorative forged links. A true celebration of slow-made beauty. Students will learn how to form, forge, shape, and connect elegant custom links that can stand beautifully on their own or pair perfectly with the Watchful Eye clasp class. Designed to be both skill-building and enjoyable, this class offers a relaxed pace where repetition becomes rhythm, and each connection adds to your confidence. Students may create as many links as time allows, giving you the option to build components for a bracelet, begin a necklace, or gather pieces for future designs. You’ll also learn a few of my favorite unconventional tricks for adding the playful ball details, proof that some jewelry magic is far easier than it appears. Wink wink. Whether taken as a companion class or enjoyed on its own, Forged Connections is a satisfying way to expand your chain-making skills and leave with beautiful handmade elements ready for your next piece.

Contact Shannon Bundschuh

Included in the kit

Covered by the kit fee.

  • ALL STERLING required to complete the project
  • Detailed Handout
  • Sanding Cloth
  • Pro Polish Pad
  • Sheet Solder, flux
  • Logo’d “goodie" bag

Tools the instructor brings

Shared in class. You do not need to pack these.

  • Soldering stations – torches, fuel, solder, platforms, quench bowls, towels
  • Table protection
  • Pickle
  • LOS patina
  • Baking Soda for neutralizer
  • Dawn, paper towels, dishpans for water
  • Flex shaft
  • A few extras of tools on student list

What to bring

Your own tools and materials for the class.

  • PLIERS // Chain Nose, Round Nose, Flat Nose, Flat/Half Round, Bail Pliers (7mm+9mm), Coil-cutting pliers
  • Flush Cutters
  • Miter Jig
  • HAMMERS // Rawhide or Nylon mallet, Chasing hammer
  • Steel Bench Block and rubber base
  • FILES // Cut #2 - flat, half round, Needle files
  • Jewelers Saw & Blades (2/0 or 3/0)
  • Bench Pin & Clamp
  • Cut Lube or Blade Butter
  • SOLDER PICK
  • Tweezers - for detail work and a pair for soldering
  • 3” Honeycomb Solder Board (round)
  • Measuring Tools // Ruler with MM, Digital Caliper (if you have one)
  • Foam sanding pads (3M) - Fine, Superfine
  • Sketchbook and/or pad of paper
  • Pencil and Fine Point Sharpie
  • Magnification / Optivisor
  • Ear plugs
  • Work light and extension cord

Optional supplies

  • Polishing and Sanding wheels to be used with the Flex Shaft

Safety and preparation

Before class
Please note this is a technique focused class. You will likely not walk away with a fully completed necklace or bracelet. Your kit includes a detailed handout with step-by-step guidance to help you finish your piece at home, as well as serve as a helpful reference when you return to your own studio.

Your instructor

More classes at THE DESERT 2027