Patrik Kusek – Master Muse Challenge #5

Patrik shares with us a brief synopsis of the steps he takes to create his incredible clasp. Patrik adds that “making custom clasps can add the perfect finishing touch to all of your jewelry designs. Never be limited by store bought options again! In this advanced project, you’ll make a fun peek-a-boo clasp and add to it a spectacular dome bracelet.”

Patrik shares with us a brief synopsis of the steps he takes to create his beautiful clasp here in this Master Muse blog. If you are interested in the full step-by-step tutorial it is available.  The tutorial is in a handy bench format, easy to follow, one step at a time, at your pace!  This tutorial is 6 full pages with 50 pictures, 45 steps and tons of detail! 

• How to make a custom texture from a found object
• How to make hollow half-lentils with custom wire attachments
• Complex construction (bevels, joins, slab additions and more!)
• How to make a hinge catch
• How to apply gold 22K to the surface of silver
• How to finish and patina your beautiful pieces

Patrik’s full tutorial is available at Whole Lotta Whimsy.  Click on the link to get to that page.

Roll out a strip of PMC four cards thick and at least 3/4 inch wide or thicker and long enough to wrap around the ring mandrel. The strip of clay should be cut parallel.

Roll out two pieces of PMC approximately 6 cards thick each and dry. Each piece should be large enough to accommodate the size of the ring.After it’s dry, use the ring as a guide to trace the front and back shapes of the clasp. Cut out the front and back piece with a craft knife. Using a sanding board, refine the shape of the bone dry piece to create a circle that matches the shape of the ring.

Mark the ring on the left and right sides, then cut the ring in half. Sand the shape with a finer sanding board. This “C” shape will be the bottom of the clasp.

Assemble the two pieces using slip or PMC3 Paste and set aside to dry.

Roll out a slab of clay 6 cards thick on top of a texture. Use the circle template and needle tool or craft knife to cut out the correct size disc.

 

Next, assemble the front of the clasp in the same manner as the back making sure that the “C” shape aligns properly. Use slip or PMC3 Paste to secure the joint. Set aside to dry.

Extrude a tube. Attach the tube to the top of the back of the clasp with slip. Next, make a small ball of clay. Set aside to dry. This ball will be attached to the front of the clasp and used to secure the hinge.

Find the center of the front of the clasp by using the circle template. To make the peek-a-boo window, use the tip of a craft knife as a drill to make a hole. Do one final inspection of all the pieces, filling in any cracks and sanding accordingly. Fire according to manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to support the piece in the kiln with vermiculite or a fiber blanket.

 

Patrik’s clasp is innovative and unique.  I just had to try it out to see how difficult it would be to get on and off.  Surprisingly easy and efficient design.  I think it’s an incredibly thoughtful design.

Remember for leaving a comment on any of the blog postings, you’ll be entered to win a give-away. The drawing will be held soon. We’d love to hear from you!

We’d love to see you take the challenge as well to make an incredible clasp. Can’t wait to see your pieces. Send them and we’ll post pictures in a future Challenge Gallery. No toggle or c-clasps. Challenge yourself!

Patrik Kusek has been in the design and fashion industry for over 20 years and currently teaches metal clay classes and workshops in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as nationally. He is a senior PMC® instructor who teaches for Rio Grande and his work has appeared in numerous publications including Art Jewelry, Lapidary Journal, MJSA, and various books. He is a member of SNAG, ACC and the PMC Guild. Patrik is the 1st place Saul Bell winner of the 2007 PMC category.

Check out Patrik’s work at www.PatriksStudio.com. You can purchase his work online. He will be teaching at Aftosa, an intermediate PMC Class on March 13th and on March 14th, a custom texture making class. Catch him on April 19 & 20 at Art At the Ranch, in Snohomish, WA, teaching his Saul Bell award winning Botanical Bracelet class.

Photo credit: final piece Drew Davidson; step-by-step Patrik Kusek