Jewelry Making Classes near Nelson, BC

Casting Fundamentals: Metal Casting For Beginners

Only 4 spots left!

Unleash the magic of molten metal in this hands-on beginner workshop.
Learn essential casting techniques using professional tools and materials — no experience needed, just bring your curiosity and creativity!

Note: This workshop is a prerequisite for Intro to Lost Wax Casting.

Workshop Highlights

🔥 Hands-on learning with expert, one-on-one coaching
🔥 Small class sizes (2–6 students) for personalized support
🔥 Flexible format — take one session or all three
🔥 Explore your creativity and unlock new metalworking skills
🔥 Torch training with professional, industry-standard Little Smith casting torch
🔥 Experience the magic of molten metal casting
🔥 Connect with fellow artists in a welcoming studio community
🔥 Access our studio — no expensive equipment investment needed

🔨 Workshop Dates & Times

Saturdays | 12:00–3:00 PM

Choose your preferred date(s) from the dropdown menu:
(Register for one or more sessions)

• January 31, 2026
• February 7, 2026
• February 14, 2026

💎 Tuition Options

Single Workshop: $145

⚡️ Early-Bird Bundle: $385 for all 3 sessions — save $56!
🕒 Early-bird pricing ends November 30, 2025

Use code SAVE56 at checkout

ALL Materials & Studio Costs Included!
This covers materials, including casting supplies, gases, studio overhead, and up to 15 grams of brass for in-class use. Additional silver or gold available for purchase upon request.

📍 Samonte Cruz Studios
Ymir, BC V0G 2K0

Limited Seats Available. Small Class, Big Creative Growth.

With only 2–6 students per session, you’ll receive focused, hands-on instruction and personalized feedback from a professional goldsmith. Small class sizes means plenty of bench time, guidance, and support to help you refine your skills and build confidence in metal casting.

Spots fill fast — reserve yours now and start your casting journey!

🔥 What You’ll Learn

• Melt, pour, and create using professional casting tools
• Try water, broom, cuttlebone & sand casting techniques (attend all 3 sessions)
• Build torch confidence in a fully equipped studio
• Learn to identify and troubleshoot casting flaws
• Join a welcoming, creative community — no experience needed

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

🔥 Melt, Pour and Create!

Join local goldsmith Samonte Cruz for an interactive, skill-building experience where you'll explore the fundamentals of metal casting. Perfect for beginners and those looking to refine their skills, this workshop introduces you to essential casting techniques in a fun and supportive environment. 

🤓 Skill-Building Focus

You’ll gain confidence using a casting torch to melt metal and try your hand at pouring molten metal with water and broom casting techniques. Rather than focusing on a finished piece, this series is designed to build your technical skills—empowering you to grow as a metalsmith and take your craft to the next level. 

⚡ Learn from Experience 

Casting is unpredictable, and failures are part of the process. Castings will be inspected for defects, with discussions about troubleshooting and improving results. Students attending multiple sessions will have time to re-cast their work and refine their technique.

What Is Casting?

Casting is an ancient metalworking technology that has shaped human history for thousands of years. By pouring molten metal into molds, our ancestors created everything from tools to art and jewelry. This craft weaves together early human ingenuity, skill, and creativity, carrying a rich legacy through the ages.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS WORKSHOP?

Casting safely at home can be challenging, if not impossible—Samonte Cruz Studios in Ymir, BC, offers a fully equipped space for creativity and exploration. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some metalworking experience, this workshop is great for hobbyists, artists, and creatives eager to explore the possibilities of casting. Join a supportive, hands-on environment where you can develop your skills, experiment with techniques, and bring your ideas to life!

CHART YOUR OWN COURSE

Recommended Learning Progression (optional)

Casting Level 1: Introduction to Casting – Torch safety, water casting, and straw casting. (session 1)

Casting Level 2: Cuttlefish Casting – Learn how to carve designs and cast metal using natural cuttlebone molds. (session 2)

Casting Level 3: Sand Casting – Create simple, textured metal pieces with sand mold techniques. (session 3)

Casting Level 4: Lost Wax Casting – Learn to carve detailed wax models, make molds, and cast your designs in metal.

Open Studio Exploration: Explore fabrication & finishing techniques to transform your casting into wearable works of art!

What’s included? 

Materials Provided

• Corn straw brooms
• Cuttlefish bones (one per student),
• Up to 10 grams of brass

Access to Studio Tools & Equipment

• Casting Equipment: Casting station, ventilation, Little Smith torch (oxygen/acetylene), crucibles, sand casting flasks
• Protective Gear: Shade #3 green welding glasses and leather aprons
• Shaping & Carving Tools: Carving tools, burs, hammers, pliers, sandpaper
• Cutting & Filing Tools: Jeweller's saw, saw blades, flexshaft machine, hand files, needle files

What to Bring:

• N95 mask
• Safety glasses
• Closed-toed shoes
• Hair tie for longer hair
• Apron or clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty (optional)

Class Cancellation and Refund Policy

No Refunds: Refunds are not issued for any reason including missed classes, failed castings or incomplete projects.

Sick Policy: If you're sick, please notify the instructor at least 24 hours in advance to receive a credit for a future class.

Class Cancellation or Weather Closures: If a class is canceled due to instructor illness or inclement weather, a make-up class will be scheduled, or a credit will be issued for a future session.

Metal Use & Safety Guidelines

For everyone's safety, only metal purchased from Samonte Cruz Studios or another reputable supplier can be cast, heated, or soldered in the studio. If you'd like to use your own metal, please contact the instructor to book a private session at their discretion.

Available for purchase

• Ear plugs
• N95 masks
• Silicone polishing wheels
• Misc burs & cutting wheels
• Gold and silver upon request
• Additional cuttlefish bones for casting