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THE DESERT 2027: registration for everyone opens Oct 17 at 11:59 am (Phoenix time)

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No Heat Required: Creative Cold Connections

with Kristin Mitsu Shiga

All levels
Captured druzy rose necklace with a petrified walrus tooth
Student and instructor work from past Vivi Magoo retreats

When and where

  1. Tuesday, Feb 2, 2027

    8:00 am to 12:00 pm

Times are MST, the event's local time.

At a glance

Skill level
All levels. All Levels (No Prerequisite)
Class type
Technique
Prerequisites
None listed
Total time
4 hours
Room
Announced closer to the event
Class size
15 students

Fees

Class fee
$145
Kit fee
$60, paid to the instructor on class day, not charged online

About this class

Discover the many ways there are to attach components without a torch! Cold connections offer metalsmiths an incredibly versatile toolbox for joining materials without soldering - opening the door to combinations that simply aren't possible with heat. In this fast-paced demo-based workshop, students will explore a range of useful mechanical connections, including wire rivets, tube rivets, staples, tabs, and tiny threaded connections. We'll look at how each method works, when to use it, and how to make the connection an intentional part of your design rather than something to hide. These techniques are great for joining metal to metal, but their real superpower is allowing you to incorporate materials that can't withstand the heat of soldering - wood, leather, paper, plastics, found objects, and more. They're also invaluable when working with finished, patinated, enameled, or otherwise heat-sensitive components. Whether you want to expand your metalsmithing vocabulary, incorporate mixed media into your work, or simply find smarter ways to put things together, you'll leave with a new toolbox of practical connections and creative problem-solving skills you can put to work immediately.

Contact Kristin Mitsu Shiga

Included in the kit

Covered by the kit fee.

  • Assorted Base Metal Sheet, Wire, Tube & Rod for Samples
  • 3/8in x 0-80 Brass Nut, Bolts & Washers
  • Hand Plug Tap #0-80
  • T-Handle Tap Wrench, 0in-1/4in, 3.0-6.0mm
  • 4 Drill Bits
  • Tap Magic 30004P ProTap Cutting Fluid, 4 oz. Size
  • 2 Pack Thread Lock Medium and Strong Strength for Nuts, Bolts, and Metals
  • LYNX Tungsten Vanadium Round Bur, 4mm
  • LYNX Tungsten Vanadium Cup Bur, 4.5mm

Tools the instructor brings

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

  • Tap Magic 30004P ProTap Cutting Fluid
  • Medium and Strong Strength Thread Lock
  • 0-80, 3/8in Brass Nuts, Bolts & Washers
  • Riveting Hammers
  • Dapping Punches
  • Tube-Cutting Jig
  • Precision Mitre Vise
  • Riveting Spacers
  • Small clamp-on vises (6?)
  • Desktop Drill Press (if possible)
  • 1 per student if possible: Flex Shaft, Bench Pin, Steel Bench Block

What to bring

Your own tools and materials for the class.

  • Jewelers' Saw Frame
  • 2/0 and 4/0 Sawblades
  • 2-Cut, 6in Hand File
  • Needle Files
  • Bur Life or similar lubricant
  • Flat-Nose Pliers
  • Round-Nose Pliers
  • Tube-Cutting Jig or Precision Mitre Vise
  • Diamond Drill Bits
  • Tweezers
  • Chasing Hammer (or other small Ball Peen)

Optional supplies

  • Riveting Hammer (or other small Cross-Peen)
  • Alternative materials you would like to learn to connect to your work
  • If you prefer to work in precious metal for your samples, bring an assortment of round wire (12-18ga), thin-walled tubing (3+mm OD) and sheet (18-24ga)
  • Optivisors or other magnifiers if needed

Your instructor

More classes at THE DESERT 2027