Introduction to Wax Working of Jewelers

Introduction to Wax Working for Jewelers
Instructor: Maru Almeida
April 24 - June 12, Six Monday nights 6:00pm - 9:30pm (no class May 29 and June 5)
Class Fee: $590 | Basic materials included

Class format: in studio at Danaca Design

Prerequisites: none, basic metal working helpful

The ancient technique of lost wax casting is widely used today for mass production of jewelry and jewelry components. However, it is also perfect for creating exceptional, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Join this informative and inspiring class in which students will learn to carve, texture and manipulate wax to create models to be casted in metal. Wax is a wonderfully versatile material that can be shaped with simple hand tools. It can also be melted opening up fantastic design possibilities different from working directly in metal. The class will cover how to carve and size rings, how to draft and lay out three dimensional models as well as other exciting ideas. After four classes of wax working, your models will be casted and then returned to be cleaned and finished in our last 2 sessions.

Techniques covered include:
Sawing the wax
Transferring your designs accurately on to wax
Filing and sanding your wax pieces
Building up with wax
Texturing wax
Sizing a ring
Creating a wax carved chunky ring
Carving out a designed shape in your wax
Sizing and measuring your designs for casting
How the casting process works
Cleaning up your pieces after casting
Filing and refining your final silver pieces

Materials INCLUDED:

• Carving and forming wax
• The use of wax saw blades and carving tools
• 20 grams sterling silver for final castings
• 1oz Bronze for final casting
• If students want to exceed the 20 gram sterling allotment, additional material cost will be calculated based on current metal prices at the time of class. The additional fee will be based on the combined weight of the final products as well as any additional flask fees incurred.

Students MAY Bring:

• Project design ideas
• Additional magnification (available in studio store)
• Hot wax pen or Soldering Iron with dimmer switch
• Dental tools
• Xacto knife (very useful to bring your own)
• Carving tools

Instructor Bio:

Maru Almeida was born and raised in Mexico growing up surrounded by a rich silversmithing tradition and the work of local artisans. Her curiously of the artistic transformation of metal guided her to pursue both a BFA and an MFA in jewelry and metalsmithing from the University of Texas at El Paso and the University of Oregon, respectively. Through her education she learned the necessary skills for working with precious materials as well as exploring non-traditional materials to incorporate on her one-of-a-kind work. In her work she develops ideas exploring movement, tactility and discovery through the senses; always looking for a true connection to the work through the body. Maru has been working as an artist and professional jeweler for more that 15 years and has taught at several institutions including the University of Oregon and the Seattle University. She also teaches private lessons at her Seattle studio. Maru’s work has been featured in Metalsmith Magazine and is part of the jewelry collection of the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland, Oregon. Her wedding rings have been published in the book "500 Wedding Rings" by Lark Books.

Click HERE to read more about Maru.

"Great instructor and a very fun class!" -Morgan 6/22

Review our class cancellation policy HERE.

All students must fill out and electronically submit the Danaca Design COVID-19 Studio Safety Protocol and Waiver form before attending class.