Settings for Every Shape

Class Preview

Learn innovative fabrication and design techniques to showcase found objects in distinctive style.

Riveting Designs

Meet your instructor, Robert Dancik, and get started creating the narrative behind your unusually shaped captures! Robert will review basic riveting techniques and show his “card trick” for getting perfectly hammered rivets each time. You’ll also learn how to file rivets into special shapes.

Artisan Tab Techniques

Use tabs to secure a stone for an artisanal look. Robert reviews a variety of ways to design your unique piece with tabs in mind. Then he’ll show you how to draw, shape and file your tabbed background piece from copper. Find inspiration from Robert’s examples of inner tabs and through tabs.

Fold-Formed Channel Settings

Learn Robert’s fold-forming technique to capture objects without tabs or rivets! You’ll learn how to measure, fold and shape metal into a semicircle using a cross-peen hammer. Then, learn the annealing process to soften the metal and modify the shape and how to cool copper without using ice water.

Box-Form Settings

Make a gorgeous box-form setting to capture objects in a wider space. Use Robert’s forming technique and learn to quickly size, cut and shape the box using rivets or staples. Then, embed objects into the piece using concrete. Finally, get inspired with Robert’s variations to fill the box.

Cold-Setting Faceted Stones

Learn how to set faceted stones a variety of ways. Robert demonstrates easy snap settings and making tube settings to embed into larger objects for added details. Then, learn how to secure these cold settings into larger pieces using drill bits and glue.

Creative Bezel Settings

Create a gorgeous bezel setting to capture unique objects. Learn how to measure and shape the metal to fit your piece perfectly. Then solder the metal to a textured background piece. Finally, give your setting a rich patina and highlight the added texture using a scrub brush and hammer.

Partial Bezel & Prong Settings

Mix techniques you’ve learned to create a partial bezel setting paired with prongs to hold the setting in place. Start with forming the bezel to your object’s shape, then solder to a background piece. Drill and solder prongs in place to stabilize the object and ensure structural integrity. Finally, set the object and polish.