UpcomingMetalsmithing & Jewelry 3

2 Day Workshop with Leah Meleski

May 26 – 27, 2023
Friday: 5:30 – 8:30pm
Saturday: 11:00am – 6:00pm

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 various types of molds and 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, broom casting and salt casting. We will also create more intentional shapes by pouring molten metal into ingot molds and carved cuttlefish bones.

Ingot molds allow you to reuse your scrap silver or gold and convert it to convenient usable shapes that can be rolled into sheet or wire. 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 FEE
Members: $175.50
Non-Members: $195

MATERIALS FEE
(Paid to instructor on 1st day of class)
$15-25

AGES
Adults 18+

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
Thursday, May 25, 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.”

HEALTH AND SAFETY: Masks are optional.

Get 10% off classes and tickets when you become a member.

Register and add class times to your calendar below.