Upcoming Alternative Casting

3-Day Workshop with Leah Meleski
Wednesdays, May 7 – 14, 2025
Most jewelers fall in love with making jewelry at first light of the torch. Often, it’s when they’re soldering that they accidentally turn their project into a beautiful, glowing molten puddle of metal. Did you know that it was possible to intentionally melt metal and cast it into a mold to create usable shapes?
In this workshop, students will learn to create both intentional and unintentional shapes by casting molten metal into cuttlefish bones and a variety of materials. These molds will completely transform the molten metal. Students start class by getting comfortable with a jeweler’s torch and playing with ideas around alternative casting. Alternative casting techniques will include: water casting, and broom casting. We will also create intentional shapes by pouring molten metal carved cuttlefish bones.
Cuttlefish casting uses cuttlefish bones to create a mold for casting. The cuttlefish bones are a porous material that can be easily indented by pressing a model or simple shape into it. Cuttlefish casting doesn’t lend itself to fine details, but the complex texture of the bone leaves a beautiful surface to any item that is cast with this technique.
CLASS FEES
$155
*Those with Memberships expiring on or before January 2, 2026 may use their code at checkout.
MATERIALS FEES
Paid to instructor on 1st day of class
$20
AGES
Adults 16+
PREREQUISITES
This is an intermediate class, you must have taken Metalsmithing & Jewelry 1 and 1-2 other jewelry classes. This class is not suitable for beginner students.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Tuesday, May 6, at 12:00pm
MATERIALS TO BRING
Students are encouraged to bring a pencil and a sketchbook/notebook.
Must wear closed-toed shoes, pants and be able to tie long hair back for safety.
Encouraged to bring in a ring or other simple shape that they can press into the cuttlefish to make their mold. The instructor will have several simple shapes and rings available to use.
Bronze will be included in the materials fee, however students are welcome to bring in scrap silver or purchase silver casting grain to work with during class.
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Day 1
May 7, 2025
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm -
Day 2
May 14, 2025 - May 15, 2025
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Venue: Jewelry Studio
Address:
Description:
The Jewelry Studio at the Jansen Art Center is located in the SE side of the main floor: