Soldering: Basics & Beyond

Gain a toolkit of essential soldering techniques as you create everything from layered pendants to striking bezel settings!

Heat up your handmade jewelry with essential soldering skills! Instructor Gwen Youngblood walks you through the soldering process, starting with how to set up a safe, effective workstation. Then, conquer the torch with Gwen's expert tips and tricks. You'll find out how to hold your torch, control heat levels and use the sweet spot of the flame in a number of fun exercises, including granulation and balling wire. Next, learn how to sweat-solder multiple metals and embellishments to create lovely, layered pieces. Then, dive into a range of bezel fabrication techniques to create the perfect showcase for a cabochon. You'll learn to size and shape your wire, solder a perfectly flush backplate and set your stone securely. Finally, master soldering delicate wire to craft elegant, filigree-inspired creations!

• 7 HD video lessons with anytime, anywhere access
• Class materials, including supply list and soldering guide
• Hours of close-up instruction
• Answers from Gwen in our virtual classroom

• Watch classes on your own schedule: wherever, whenever you want
• Your access never expires
• 100% money back guarantee

1. Introduction to Soldering (13:07)

   Meet your instructor, Gwen Youngblood, who takes the mystery out of soldering right away with a detailed explanation of the process. Receive in-depth instruction on how to set up a workstation and hear Gwen’s recommendations for essential tools and materials.

2. Soldering Jump Rings (16:55)

   Gain the fundamental skills you’ll need to wield a butane torch. Gwen demonstrates how to light the torch safely and where to find the sweet spot of the flame. See how to control heat levels easily before practicing your handling skills with a number of fun and essential exercises. Master the use of chip solder and flux on a soldered jump ring.

3. Sweat Soldering (21:24)

   Add an essential technique to your soldering toolkit with sweat soldering! Gwen breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps. Try your hand at sweat soldering by joining two flat pieces into a lovely sterling silver and copper design and learn how to properly prepare, clean and polish your piece.

4. Advanced Sweat Soldering (26:20)

   Hone your skills with a more advanced multi-step design. Gwen outlines different ways to stage a project properly before giving step-by-step directions on assembling the piece. You’ll learn which embellishment pieces to solder first, as well as what types of solder to use. Plus, discover Gwen’s tried-and-true techniques for forming and attaching a bail.

5. Fabricating a Bezel (34:08)

   Open up a new world of project possibilities with surprisingly simple bezel-forming techniques! Learn to size bezel wire precisely for a round cabochon, then solder and shape with ease. Learn Gwen’s tips and tricks for securely attaching a backplate and setting the cabochon.

6. Soldering With Gallery Wire (22:44)

   Gain more advanced heat-control skills as you learn to solder delicate gallery wire. Watch and learn how Gwen joins elegant gallery wire to sheet metal, then dress up a basic cabochon by forming a gallery wire bezel setting, offering endless design possibilities.

7. Advanced Designs With Wire (30:50)

   Get adventurous with the skills you’ve learned in class by soldering scrolled, silver wire pendants. Gwen guides you through her tips for shaping intricate designs and achieving tight seams. After soldering your wire frame, learn Gwen’s tips for attaching silver granules and bezel cups to your joints!

System Requirements:

• Supported OS: Web Browser