This course is now full: please contact us to be the first to hear when the next course date is set.
Suitable for: Everyone is welcome on this fun, relaxing and informal workshop-type course, taking place over two Sundays, on 25 March & 27 May 2012. No experience is necessary and all tools are provided for your use.
Who should take this course: Anyone interested in learning a fascinating and time-saving method of producing collections of jewellery or jewellery components, as the course teaches you how to make wax jewellery models, and then have multiples (or just one copy if you prefer) cast by a professional casting company in silver, using the lost wax casting method.
What you will learn: You'll be introduced to the techniques needed to carve ring shanks, charms and other items from special jewellers' wax, and will work on your own designs. The tutor will explain how to get your pieces professionally cast in silver, and you'll be given details of companies who will do this for you. On day 2, you will return with your cast pieces and learn how to finish them, and use simple soldering techniques to solder on any necessary findings (fittings). (Note that the carving of settings for gemstones is not covered in this course, and there will not be time for complex soldering jobs.)
What you will do: Using professional tools, you will carve, shape and finish your wax to make designs for jewellery pieces, and will then learn to calculate the cost of the silver required for casting them in metal.
You will be supplied with a resources sheet, with all the information you need for you to arrange for your pieces to be sent away to be professionally cast in silver after the workshop.
Bring your cast pieces along to Day 2 on Sunday 27 May 2012, when you'll be shown how to finish and polish your pieces, and solder on any findings or fittings needed.
What's included: A generous supply of various types of jewellers' wax is included in the course fee (enough to make two pieces - rings, earrings, charms or pendants), and silver solder is included, too. Please note that you should budget for any silver findings needed, and for the fee you will pay your casting company direct after day 1 (this covers the casting fee, the cost of the silver for your pieces, and secure postage); it's impossible for us to give you a guide for this until you have made your mode(s) because the cost will vary depending on your choice of casting company, the current price of silver, and the weight of your pieces. Tea, coffee, herb teas and biscuits are provided for breaks, and extra jewellers' wax is available to purchase if needed.
Timings: This workshop runs from 11:00hrs-16:00hrs on each of the two days, with a break for lunch.
Tutor: This 2-day workshop is led by Sarah Jane Whittaker MCSJ Dip MC.
Student numbers: This workshop is strictly limited to five students, to ensure plenty of individual attention.
Can I change or cancel my booking? Please note that, for logistical reasons, we are unable to offer transfers or refunds on this course. Please read T&C page before booking.