Introduction to Wax Carving
Did you know that most of the jewelry that you see started out as a piece
of wax? Lost wax casting utilizes special jeweler’s waxes to create
a design, which can then be cast into any precious metal. We offer three
sections of wax carving classes, each one suitable for beginners; students
should feel free to start with any section.
Wax A teaches basic techniques used to pierce,
shape, and hollow, and includes a “stack” ring project
carved from round wax tube. Students will also be introduced to using
a wax pen for "build up" techniques.
Wax B introduces a layered pendant and mirror
image earrings, with the focus on build up and hollowing.
Wax C explores the use of D shaped wax tube
to create a "D-Blank", which will be continued to other ring
designs. Students will also experiment with engraving and texturing
techniques using cold carvers and the wax pen.
Wax D will take students from a pre-made D-Blank to a gypsy ring for a faceted stone. This class does not include creating the actual D-Blank, which is covered in Wax C.
Classes are completely independent and may be taken in any order; many students
choose to repeat the sections that are of particular interest in their work.
(This class does not include casting)