• $167 or 2 monthly payments of $90

PinUp Poster Child

  • Closed

Got beads sitting around from your days as a stringer?  Want to make more interesting, dynamic connections in your work? In this course, you'll learn to use a tiny torch and fine wires to create connections, trap beads, embellish chains and more.

ALL Project-Based Courses Open for Registration Oct. 28th - 30th

About this Course:

Jars of them.  Drawers of them.  I started off my jewelry design journey like so many others... as a beader.  Now that my tool box is a bit more complex and my skills a bit more advanced, I no longer string and wire-wrap like I used to.  But what to do with all the beads leftover from the good ol' days? 

Pin them.

Maybe you're not fond of pick soldering, but dislike leaving jump rings open given the quality and craftsmanship you aim to incorporate into each piece of work.  What to do about making those connections, suspending elements from chain and wire, or trapping components within your design?

Pin them.

Pinning is a technique that's simple in theory, but not always so easy to execute.  This is why I'm offering this course- to help demonstrate the various applications of this skill, as well as provide for you clear-cut, reliable methods of execution.  

Grab your torches.  Tap into those fuzzy feelings that beading brought you when you first discovered it, and let's get pinning... adding new life to an old love.


Dynamic Learning

Follow along to make what I make, or use the techniques in this course to create something completely unique.  Pre-made kits are also available for your convenience.  

FAQs

What's included in this course?

  • 26 instructional videos breaking down this project step by step 
  • detailed printable PDF instructions for benchside reference
  • a complete list of direct links to resources for raw materials and tools
  •  access to a private community group for sharing questions, progress and tips
  •  a direct communication line with me throughout the process

Do I need a particular type of torch for this course?

Yes.  For the creation of a setting, you'll be able to use a variety of torches- including but not limited to Smith Brand torches, Bernzomatic torches, butane torches, and micro torches; however, for the pinning portions of this course- you will need a Smith Little Torch or a generic alternative.  The reason for this is the necessity to achieve a very tiny, intensely hot pinpoint flame to quickly access tight recesses without exposing other elements of your design (bead, chain, etc) to excessive heat.  

What other primary tools will I need?

You will need the ability to drill holes.  This can be done with a dremel, a flexshaft, or an economy drill press.  All other tools are standard bench tools that you likely already have or can inexpensively acquire.

Do I have to complete this course within a certain timeframe?

Absolutely not.  Once purchased, this course and all included contents are yours, permanently.  Even if registration closes to new students, you'll retain full access to all the written materials, supplemental resources, video demonstrations, and private community page.

What if I forget my login information?

No problem.  Just shoot me a note via email or through our community group, and I can reset your password.  You'll then be able to change it at any time.

Will you be available to assist me along the way?

Absolutely.  Students can contact me through the FB community page or directly via email.  I'll be in and out checking on student progress, answering questions, and sharing points of interest.

Contents

Hi + Welcome!

I'm so glad you're here!
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Helpful Tips & Quick Links:
Link to The Student Community Group on Facebook

Before You Begin

DISCOUNT CODES:
Notes on Safety.pdf
Let's Talk Raw Materials
Raw Materials List (with shopping links):
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Note on Torches.pdf
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Recommended Tool List (with shopping links):
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Setting Up a Smith Silver Smith Torch
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The Focal Point

Focal Point: Forming a Gallery Wire Bezel
Focal Point: Soldering the Bezel Closed
Focal Point: Shaping and Refining the Bezel
Focal Point: Soldering the Bezel Down
Focal Point: Adding Connection Points
Focal Point: Adding Embellishments
Focal Point: Piercing the Setting
Focal Point: Filing and Refining
COURSE COVER.pdf
Part One- The Focal Point (Benchside Reference)

Accent Wires

Accent Wires: Measuring and Prepping
Accent Wires: Soldering the Rings
Accent Wires: Adding Casting Grain
Accent Wires: Final Adjustments
Part Two- The Accent Wires (Benchside Reference)

Pinning

Pinning: What is a Frame
Pinning: Cutting + Hammering the Frame
Pinning: Filing and Marking
Pinning: Drilling
Pinning: Forming the Frames
The Basic Balled Pin
Studded Chain: Considerations
Studded Chain: Setup and Bead Drawing
Part Three- Pinning (Benchside Reference)

Connections: Bringing It All Together

Connections: The Bail
Connections: Accent Dangles
Connections: The Beads
Final Finishing and Considerations
Part Four- Connections (Benchside Reference)
Finishing & Stone Setting (Benchside Reference)

Thank You + Credits

Thank You
Kevin Kolbe Media Sampler
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Bloopers
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Silversmith || Storyteller || Creative Performance Coach

If it matters, I hold a Bachelor of Art & Design from NCSU's College of Design, am a trained Creative Performance Coach through an ICF-accredited program, have taught thousands of students over the span of thirteen years, and have been a full-time, self-employed metalsmith since 2007.

More importantly, I don't subscribe to the idea of the starving artist. I believe we design our lives and ourselves as much as we do our work. In addition to project-based technique courses, I create immersive coaching programs and provide 1:1 containers for highly motivated, action-oriented creatives who want nothing less than intentional design, authentic expression, smart structures and studio systems, and full alignment between who they are and what they do. You build durable, valuable, expressive art. You ARE durable, valuable, expressive art. To speak with me about coaching and learn more about how I can support you, schedule free a Connection Call below.

POLICIES:

  1. Due to the immediate access to written instructions, video demos, templates and other resources, I do not provide refunds for online courses under any circumstances.  Please make your course selections carefully.
  2. Online courses are a privilege to teach and take.  Ethical behavior is non-negotiable.  Sharing passwords, downloads and other materials with anyone who has not paid for this course will result in your immediate removal from the course, nor will you be permitted to register for a future course of mine.  Please note that this website tracks login geography- if you log in to your account from North Carolina in the morning and log in from California an hour later, the system will notify me of potential user abuse.
  3. I reserve the right to dismiss any student at any time from this course if the above ethical guidelines are in question or not met.  Other reasons for dismissal from this course and/or future courses include rudeness/disrespect to fellow students, to me, and teaching this course as your own.