A hand-crocheted silver or gold chain is one of the most beautiful chains which a metalsmith can produce. Learning how to make these elegant chains is a valuable addition to any jewellery maker's repertoire.

The Kitiki Studio is happy to welcome Michael David Sturlin, the acclaimed American goldsmith, for two masterclasses in silver crochet work. To learn more about Michael's work, use the gold crochet link above the menu bar.

Michael David Sturlin will present two two-day masterclasses on the fabrication of his signature-style hand-crochet chain, using just a needle and fine silver wire. The workshops are process oriented and suitable for any level student. No previous experience in crocheting, metalsmithing, or jewellery making is needed.

Students will make a length of silver crochet chain, suitable for use as a bracelet or necklace, and ready for a clasp. The workshop will include written handouts, tools, materials, and instruction in the fabrication, annealing, straightening, drawing, and finishing, of the crochet chain.

We'll discuss attaching terminations, clasps, and findings to the chain; soldering; calculating and ordering materials; record keeping; and tips on studio organisation.

Michael’s skill as a master craftsman has received international recognition, and awards from the World Gold Council and the American Jewelry Design Council.

His jewellery has been featured in a number of publications, and his hand-crocheted necklaces are displayed in select galleries across North America.

In addition to his work as a studio jewellery artist, Michael writes technical articles, teaches specialty goldsmithing, holds jewellery making workshops, and runs professional development seminars.

In his own words:

Working in my studio is a passion as much as a vocation. It's a meditative process that's both compelling and sustaining. My minimalist jewellery isn’t influenced by trend or fashion: quality and design make it enduring and collectible. I create jewellery that is beautiful, engaging, sophisticated, and well crafted.

These courses are not in the Kitiki on-line shop. There are just 10 places on each course, so you need to call, rather than book on-line, to reserve your place.

There are two two-day masterclasses: the first is on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th May 2007; the second is on Sunday 20th and Monday 21st May 2007. Both run from 10:00 to 17:30.

The Kitiki Studio also provides a comprehensive Art Clay educational programme as classes, masterclasses, workshops, and Art Clay Level 1 and Level 2 teacher-certification courses.

The chain can be fired with Art Clay or PMC metal clays, so you can design and make your own unique necklaces, bracelets, earrings, charms, keepsakes, rings, brooches, anklets, ornaments, and seasonal decorations.