Wax Carving Course | 25 – 26 Oct & 8 Nov 2025

This 2 day course focuses on the art of wax carving.

You will learn about wax in its many forms and uses, mainly for jewellery making.

The course will cover:

• How to carve detailed designs of your choice in green hard wax; you will also learn about many different waxes, their properties and their benefits

• Using various tools for wax carving

• How to refine and polish your wax carvings

• How to apply wax with a heat pen

• How to fix broken parts or cracks

• How to sprue you own waxes

• All aspects of preparing wax pieces for casting- considering shape, weight and placement of sprues

• Calculating weight conversions from wax to metals and how to forecast costs of casting

• Setting stones into hard wax and creating settings using a wax heat pen

Following the course, you will be given a list of essential tools and stockists, saving you time and money looking.

DAY 1

On the first day you will learn about a range of different types and formats of wax and get to know relevant tools. You will carve a simple pendant or earring design using hard green wax and explore how engrave lines an patterns into the surface of the wax using both cold carving techniques and wax pen and heated processes.

DAY 2

Will cover the principles of the casting including design considerations for the process, practical aspects of working with a casting company and how to calculate and predict costs from wax to metal. You will carve a signet style ring, learn how to adjust the size, and add your own personal style or addition to the design to create an individual piece.

There is a 2 week gap in between Day 1 & 2, and the third and final day to allow sufficient time for you to have your piece cast. The casting cost is not included in the course fee, although all relevant advice and information will be given.

DAY 3

On the second day you will be taught how to polish and clean up your metal castings, add simple additions such as bails and/or work on another wax carving.

What should I bring?

Everything will be provided for the course, so there is no need to bring anything, though you are welcome to bring some sketches / design inspirations and a notepad for note taking.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for makers of all levels. Beginners welcome, some jewellery making experience is an advantage.

About the tutor

Jenny Macdonald is a teacher, maker and artist. She has taught for many years across art and design disciplines: illustration; ceramics; graphic design; life drawing and predominantly jewellery-making. She had worked as a product designer supplying outlets including Harrods, Paul Smith, The Natural History Museum and Sony Records, before returning her focus to creating bespoke precious pieces for her individual clients. Her passion for teaching has remained a constant throughout her creative pursuits.

Meet the tutors here.