August4
I’ve always been fascinated by Cold Connections. Using things like rivets, snaps, eyelets, grommets, brads, screws or just a piece of wire can be a creative way to connect two pieces together to make an interesting jewelry statement. Wire wrapping is also considered a cold connection. A simple jump ring or a head pin with a loop on the end – Yes – they are a cold connections, too.
I consider Connie Fox an expert on cold connections. Her work is innovative and creative. And she has a wonderful web store full of tools and supplies that are irresistible .


Another authority on cold connections is Susan Lenart Kazmer. She has a fabulous book you might want to check out called “Making Connections” . (Note* – I think the publisher is going out of print on this book) There is a lot of info at your fingertips and a must have for your jewelry making library. It retails for $48, but follow this link to Fire Mountain Gems and get it for only $25.70, plus $5 flat rate shipping with FedEx. Susan also has a DVD named Metalwork: Making Cold Connections with Rivets available from Interweave for $24.99


Susan’s Blog for those of you who would like to follow her work.
Tim McCreight, the overall master of metalsmithing, also has a DVD that should be very helpfull. I haven’t seen it, but come on ! It’s Tim McCreight
It’s called Cold Connections and the Power of Found Objects

Goodness, I nearly forgot about Mary Hettmansperger !!! How I don’t know when I own 3 of her books.



Cold connections is one of her specialties and how I initially got interested in the subject. I saw Mary on several episodes of Bead, Baubles & Jewels and her work intrigued me. My favorite book is called Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet: Making designer Metal Jewelry. It’s full of interesting projects and fun ways to connect pieces together. I also love Fabulous Woven Jewelry: Plaiting, Coiling, Knotting, Looping & Twining with Fiber & Metal.
I rounded up a list of links to give you some ideas and inspiration.
Tutorials
ColdRivet
Techniques for Riveting
Setting a stone with no soldering
YouTube video
another YouTube video
Riveting video
Setting Wire Rivets
Inspiration
The Cold Connections - Metal Jewelry Sans Flame
Art Jewelry Magazine forum
doxallodesigns.blogspot.com