Course Info

Date: Sunday 13th Sept

Time: 11 am – 4 pm with a lunch break

Wax Techniques for Jewellery Casting

Discover the creative possibilities of wax in this inspiring one-day workshop exploring sculptural wax techniques for jewellery casting. Working with both traditional Mitsuro Hikime and a variety of contemporary wax processes, you’ll learn how artists and jewellers use wax to create expressive forms that are later transformed into precious metal through the casting process.

This workshop is ideal for makers looking to move beyond simple wax carving and develop a more experimental, process-led approach to designing jewellery. Throughout the day you’ll explore techniques for creating organic textures, building complex forms and reproducing elements for future designs, giving you a versatile set of skills that can be incorporated into your own practice.

Mitsuro Hikime

Originating in Japan, Mitsuro Hikime is a unique wax-working technique that produces beautifully flowing, woodgrain-like textures. The name is often translated as honey, wax, drawing, texture, reflecting both the material and the distinctive linear patterns created as the wax is stretched and folded.

Although the technique appears deceptively simple, Mitsuro requires patience and practice to master. During the workshop, you’ll learn how to:

• Warm and condition Mitsuro wax
• Stretch and fold the wax to create its characteristic flowing texture
• Control thickness and form while sculpting
• Refine organic shapes suitable for jewellery
• Troubleshoot common problems
• Prepare Mitsuro work successfully for casting
• Estimate wax weight and understand how this relates to casting costs

Creative Waxes: Wax Collage & Mould Making

Alongside Mitsuro, you’ll experiment with a range of creative wax techniques designed to expand your design possibilities. By combining mould making, wax collage and reproduction methods, you’ll discover how to quickly generate forms and develop more complex jewellery designs.

Students are welcome to bring along small found objects or existing jewellery pieces to experiment with.

You’ll learn how to:

• Create simple moulds from found objects and jewellery
• Produce repeatable wax components
• Melt and pour wax safely
• Combine multiple wax elements into more complex compositions
• Refine wax models ready for casting
• Understand master moulds and small-scale production methods
• Prepare work for the casting process and know what to expect when your pieces are returned

By the end of the workshop you’ll have a collection of finished wax models ready for casting, along with the confidence to continue exploring these versatile techniques in your own jewellery practice.

Level

Intermediate. This workshop is best suited to students who have some previous jewellery-making experience and are confident using basic hand tools. Some experience of carving blue wax is helpful but not essential.

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What to bring

Everything you need will be provided. Please bring reading glasses if required and wear appropriate clothing for a workshop environment, including closed-toe shoes. Long hair should be tied back.

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Important information

This is a skills-based class. Any pieces you choose to have cast in silver following the workshop will incur an additional cost.

 

Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Please bring your own lidded cup for use in the studio. While we do not have a dedicated lunch area, you are welcome to eat at your desk. We can also recommend nearby places to eat if you prefer.

 

Please note that classes may be cancelled if there are insufficient bookings. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, you will be notified the day before the scheduled class and will receive a full refund.