Here is a sampler of some of the toggle clasps I have been making as a result of taking Deryn Mentok's on line class The Art of Closure. I have been learning how to use the Lenk small torch which has a flame that is hot enough to put a nice ball end on heavy gauge copper wire.  First I had to overcome torch anxiety and then to learn the art of finding that special spot where the flame is really hot.  I have spent quite a bit of time on this part of the course but now after several weeks of making myself turn the torch on each time I am in my studio, I feel confident and comfortable loading it with fuel, turning it on, and in finding the hot spot.  Best of all, I just love using it.  Another good thing...I am just half way through the course and have all of May to work on the last 2 sets of video tutorials about wraps and other kinds of closures!!
At the bottom of this photo you can see my first attempts at making earwires  (not actually part of the course but Deryn has a wonderful tutorial on making them on her blog.)   I am going to practice some more with the copper and then I will dig into my sterling silver wire that I bought for the course and begin making my own ear wires.
Although the registration for this course is closed, I see that she is offering her Boho Bliss  Hoops course in June. You can find out more about it here.  You can be sure I will be taking that one too.  Deryn rocks as a teacher!!  And her jewelry is sooo beautiful!!

                                              a close up shot of some of the clasp bars