Intro to Jewelry: Lost Wax Casting

In this four week class learn the basics of the lost wax casting technique. 

This bronze-age process is still how most contemporary commercial jewelry is produced. First we build a plaster mould around wax or a found object. Next we burn the wax or object out of the plaster mould, using a kiln reaching temperatures around 1250 degrees F – thus “losing” the wax. Then we pour metal into the hole in the plaster where the wax or object used to be. Finally we remove the metal from the plaster, destroying the mould in the process, and use metal finishing techniques to create a beautiful wearable piece or small-scale sculpture.

• Session 1: Introduction and discussion of samples. Invest the found objects. Begin carving wax pieces.
• Session 2: Cast metal into the found object moulds. Finish carving the waxes, and invest them into a plaster mould.
• Session 3: Cast the carved wax pieces, and discuss finishing techniques.
• Session 4: Finish both the found and carved objects.

Note: $350, includes all materials (we cast in bronze, students may also purchase silver in addition to this charge if they choose).