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This 3-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 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 ring or more elaborated pendant, 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 10 days 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.
Please note regarding casting costs: Casting and precious metal prices have increased significantly in recent years. If you would like an estimate in advance of the course, we recommend contacting your chosen casting company directly prior to booking.
DAY 3
On the third 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
Katrin Spranger trained and studied in Germany and holds a Masters degree in Jewellery from the Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Sweden. Working as a conceptual jewellery artist, she creates stories that comment on consumer culture, environment and science fiction. Focusing on resources that might become depleted in the future, she explores natural materials including crude oil, water and honey to develop jewellery that is wearable yet ephemeral and interactive.. Her hybrid practice touches upon several disciplines like fashion, food, photography, performance and installation.
Katrin has taught widely both in London and Germany. She has won numerous awards and has exhibited throughout Europe and North America