This class is sold out. Please contact us to get on the waitlist, and please specify this class.
In this weekend intensive class, you will learn, step-by-step, how to create 2 one-of-a-kind designs out of wax which will then be cast into sterling silver. Then, you will learn how to clean up their castings, and , if you have prior stone setting experience, you will set the stones. If you do not have any stone setting experience, then your designs will not incorporate stones.
A large part of the allure of creating wax carvings to be cast is the organic aspect. Hand carved wax can either be cast once and become true one of a kind pieces of art, or a mold can be made from them and cast over and over for production pieces.
Day 1:
The first day students will be guided through the process of creating custom wax carvings. We will spend the greater part of the day designing our wax pieces to be cast. Two methods will be presented: wax carving and wax build up. The following topics will be covered in class:
- Different types of waxes
- Wax tools and equipment
- Carving and building techniques
- How to professionally finish the wax pieces for successful casting
In the afternoon, we will begin the casting process by investing our pieces and preparing our flasks for casting.
Day 2:
Pieces will be in the kiln when students arrive. We will go over the casting process in detail (including equipment identification & safety) and then each student will cast their own pieces. Then student will have time to clean up at least one of their pieces, and will have the second piece to clean up on their own, or if time allows, to clean up the second piece in class.
Class is 12 hours, both Saturday and Sunday, with a 30 minute break for lunch each day. We have a mini fridge and microwave, a separate lunch room and a deck with a mountain view where you can relax on your break. We also have Nespresso coffee, tea, and snacks available for purchase.
Prerequisite: none, although if you wish to set a stone, you need to have prior stone setting experience.
You must be able to attend both days; no make-up classes will be available. No exceptions.
The last day to cancel for a full refund or credit is January 19, 2024. After this date, no refunds or credits will be given. Please review our FAQ page for directions and dress code. By registering for the class you agree to our policies and dress code.
Tools and Materials:
Materials kit is $50 (cash/check/Venmo to instructor) and includes wax bundle, carving tool kit, polishing pads & class handout. We will be casting in sterling silver and that additional cost will be determined in class after weighing each piece (approx. $1.50/gram).
About the Instructor, Cheyenne Hughes
Cheyenne is a Denver native who's been practicing jewelry making since 2009. Over that time he's been fortunate enough to have apprenticed under the accomplished jeweler/blacksmith Ira Sherman. That 6 yearapprenticeship landed him a job as a bench jeweler working for platinum and gold expert John Sholl of J.F. Sholl Fine Jewelry in Littleton, CO.
Cheyenne is currently running his own jewelry studio in Denver where he offers casting and other jewelry production services to the general public as well as other jewelers.