Sand Casting Masterclass - Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th June 2024
Learn the wonderful technique of sand casting in this two day masterclass.
Sand casting is one of the oldest metalsmithing techniques, and can be traced back to the Bronze Age in China. It is still used all around the world for industrial purposes - and of course for beautiful jewellery!
The Sand Casting Masterclass is suitable for beginners upwards as it will take you from the basics, teaching you how to set up a mould using both the top-pour and side-pour methods and also how to prepare a crucible and safe working area for melting and casting the metal.
The topics that we will cover include:
- creating side-pour and top-pour moulds
- preparing a crucible and casting area
- adding textures and patterns to the mould
- casting rough sapphires and rubies and faceted cubic zirconia in place
- casting just the front of a thick item to reduce the weight
- casting multiple items on one mould
- casting with silver and copper together using the twice-cast method
- finishing cast pieces
- safety and equipment
You will have time to make multiple items. A wide (and growing!) collection of buttons, charms, shells, twigs and other objects are available for you to use and you are welcome to bring your own items as well.
Previous experience of soldering and sawing is a requirement of the workshop to ensure that you are already confident with a torch and saw blade..
Please note that we may not have time to create finished pieces from all of your castings, but you will have all the information you need to finish them at home.
Only 6 places are available to ensure that everyone gets the help and attention they need and so that everyone gets enough time using the equipment. This class is not suitable for under 18 year olds.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are included in the workshop fee, but please bring a packed lunch.
The workshop fee can be paid in two equal installments by arrangement, with the second installment due no later than four weeks before the class.
Date and Venue
10am-5pm Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th June 2024 at Fairways House, Mount Pleasant Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 0QB. Full directions will be emailed.
Materials
Silver and copper are available for casting. The workshop fee does not include metals as everyone uses different amounts. To give you an idea of approximate costs at current prices, the pictured ammonite with a background pendant used £5 worth of silver, the textured flower pendant £4, the twig £13, and the cast piece of sea glass £10.
Rough and faceted stones suitable for casting in place are also available to purchase for use in your designs. If you wish to bring your own, only heat-resistant cubic zirconia and sapphires, rubies and diamonds are suitable.
You are welcome to bring your own scrap but it must be clean and free from any contaminants. Fresh casting grain and solder-free off cuts of sheet and wire are perfect. Small pieces of gold are perfect for adding that little extra touch to your projects too!
Tools and Equipment
The workshop fee includes use of all the tools and equipment needed. All workshops include worksheets to take home with you and discuss tools, equipment, materials and health and safety considerations.
Cancellations
Cancellations of workshop places and private tuition bookings within four weeks of the event will forfeit the workshop fee/private tuition deposit unless I am able to find someone to take your place. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.
