Download The small size of the nichos engage the viewer in an

Marlene True
Jewelry Enshrined
Longer Course Description
Shrines come in all shapes and sizes and are used to celebrate,
commemorate or pay homage to everything from nature to saints or
someone special in your life. In our class we will create jewelry and
objects that are meaningful to you as well as nicho enclosures to
contain them. Our primary materials will be tin, iron wire and other
found objects. Because they are colorful, contain imagery, text,
cultural identity, and bear the marks of history and use, these
materials are well suited for our purposes. Tin is especially ideal for
jewelry because it is strong, lightweight and allows for large, sculptural
pieces that would be bulky and un-wearable if made from other
materials. This class will include group discussions on inspiration, idea
generation, design development as well as time for individual
discussion and technical assistance.
Demonstrations will include but are not limited to:
1. Tin can deconstruction methods including different types of snips
and use, shears, and jeweler’s saw for precise cutting and
piercing.
2. Iron wire forming, forging and silver soldering.
3. Iron wire finishing and polishing.
4. Low temp soldering of tin to alter and create uniquely shaped
enclosures from tin containers. Low temp allows for
preservation of painted surface.
5. High-temp silver soldering of tin.
6. Tin hinge making.
7. Cold connections: wire and tube rivets, blind rivets, fancy rivets
including tube-set stone rivets and tabs.
8. Forming tin using the hydraulic press: includes making custom
plexi die forms for jewelry and shrine customization.
9. Fabrication of jewelry findings such as pin backs, necklace
hooks, chains, and French wires for earrings and post soldering.
10. Tin alteration to include images transfers, texture and patina.
11. Studio and materials safety and handling.