Jewelry Making Classes near Nelson, BC
🛠️ LOST WAX CASTING INTENSIVE+ WORKSHOP
📅 Friday–Sunday, June 6–8, 2025 | 12:00–5:00 PM daily
📍 Samonte Cruz Studios, Ymir, BC
No experience? No problem — first-timers are welcome.
👉 Use the drop-down menu to select a package that suits your skill level and goals.
✨ Choose a package and save while getting the most from your time in the studio!
🎨 Fast-Track Your Jewelry Skills in This Immersive 3-Day Deep Dive
🔥 Only a few spots left – early bird pricing ends May 15, 2025!
Curious about lost wax casting or ready to level up your skills?
In this hands-on, 3-day intensive, you’ll learn how to shape wax and pour molten metal to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether you're a total beginner or looking to refine your casting technique, this creative deep dive will spark your confidence and give you skills you can build on.
💰 Tuition & Cost
🛠️ Main Workshop: Lost Wax Casting Intensive (15 hrs)
🌟 Early Bird Tuition: $475 CAD
💸 Regular Price: $518 CAD
🕓 Save $43 — Register by May 15
💡 Materials & Studio Cost – $75 CAD
Includes everything you need to cast safely and successfully:
🔸 Studio access, wax, investment powder, torch fuel, kiln time
🔸 Use of hand tools & flex shaft machine
🔸 Up to 20g of brass for in-class use
👉 Click here to add to cart and pay the Materials & Studio Cost online with your registration, or bring cash to the first class
🔹 Total Cost (Tuition + Materials): $593 CAD
🌟 Early Bird Deal: $550 CAD — Save $43 (Register by May 15, 2025)
📌 Sterling silver or gold available for purchase — please contact in advance to arrange.
🧰 Optional Packages – Customize Your Experience & Save
Want extra support or studio time? Add an intro session, a bonus work day — or both! These curated packages help you get the most out of your learning.
🧰 Beginner / Refresher Package
Casting 101: Intro Class (1.5 hrs) + $45 (Reg. $60)
📅 Thursday, June 5 | 6:00–7:30 PM
👉 Learn torch safety, melting, and pouring basics
✅ Ideal for beginners, nervous first-timers, or anyone needing a skills refresh.
✨ Finish & Finesse Package
Bonus Work Day (3 hrs) + $90 (Reg. $125)
📅 Monday, June 9 | 12:00–3:00 PM
👉 Extra studio time to refine, finish, or recast with support
✅ Perfect for students wanting more time to polish, explore, or perfect their work.
🔥 All-Inclusive Bundle | 5 Days, 19.5 Hours
Everything included in one simple price:
✔️ Lost Wax Casting Intensive (15 hrs)
✔️ Casting 101: Intro Class (1.5 hrs)
✔️ Bonus Work Day (3 hrs)
✔️ Materials & Studio Cost
🎯 Bundle Price: $649 CAD
(Reg. $799 | Save $150+)
💬 Best for students who want the full experience — from safe start to refined finish.
Small Class, Big Creative Growth. Limited Seats Available.
With just 2–6 students per session, you’ll receive personalized instruction and one-on-one feedback from a professional goldsmith. This intimate setting gives you the space, support, and attention you need to grow your skills and gain confidence in metal casting.
Spots are extremely limited and tend to fill fast — secure yours today and start your casting journey with expert guidance.
🔍 What Is Lost Wax Casting?
Lost wax casting is a time-honored technique used to create intricate jewelry and small sculptures. Artists carve or sculpt a design in wax, then use heat and molds to transform it into metal. Practiced for thousands of years, this process remains a cornerstone of metalsmithing—perfect for turning detailed, one-of-a-kind ideas into lasting works of art.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
🔥 Hands-on Learning – Get expert guidance as you carve, mold, and cast your own designs. Hands-on learning with expert guidance – Develop lost wax casting skills in a supportive environment.
🛠 Professional Tools & Materials – Work with high-quality casting equipment in a fully equipped studio. 🔥 Work with professional casting torches & equipment – No expensive setup required!
✨ Freedom to Explore – Learn at your own pace and experiment with techniques to refine your skills.
🎭 Embrace the Unexpected – Casting is unpredictable, and every attempt—successful or not—is part of the creative process. Embrace the process, not just the product – Every attempt builds skills, whether or not you create a finished piece.
🔍 Skill-Building Focus – Develop a strong foundation in lost wax casting, from wax carving to mold-making and finishing.
⚒ Small Class Size – Enjoy personalized instruction and one-on-one support in a welcoming learning environment.
🔥 Play with fire! – Safely work with molten metal and discover the magic of casting.
💎 Comprehensive Learning – Learn everything you need to transform your wax models into unique wearable art or miniature sculptures.
🎯 Who Is This Course For?
This workshop is a great fit for:
🎨 Total beginners – no experience needed (just choose the Beginner Package)
🔥 Curious creatives who want to play with fire (safely!)
💍 Jewelry lovers ready to turn ideas into wearable art
🛠️ Emerging metalsmiths looking to build skills & confidence
🎓 Former students wanting to expand on previous classes
🌈 Artists & makers seeking a new medium or technique
✨ Anyone excited to create something totally unique
Join a small group of supportive learners and explore your creativity with expert guidance!
COURSE DETAILS
Step into the exciting world of lost wax casting and bring your jewelry designs to life! In this hands-on, 3-day intensive, you'll learn the ancient technique of turning hand-carved wax models into stunning, one-of-a-kind metal pieces. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to build on existing skills, this course offers step-by-step guidance through each phase—from wax carving to mold-making to casting in brass.
You’ll have full access to tools and materials, plus personalized support from a professional goldsmith. This is a space to experiment, refine your technique, and gain the confidence to continue your casting journey.
Casting is as thrilling as it is unpredictable—no two pours are ever the same. Mistakes and surprises are part of the learning process, and this course is designed to help you embrace that, troubleshoot creatively, and discover the magic in the process. Finishing a piece is a great goal, but our focus is on building skills, confidence, and creative momentum. Let go of perfection, and dive into the alchemy of molten metal and imagination.
SKILLS & TECHNIQUES TO EXPLORE
- Wax carving for jewelry and small sculptures
- Creating detailed molds from wax models
- Torch safety and metal pouring techniques
- Casting using the metal of your choice
- Finishing and polishing techniques
What to Bring
- N95 mask
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- Closed-toed shoes (leather preferred but not required)
- Respirator (if you want to participate in the molding process)
- Apron or clothes you don’t mind getting dirty (optional)
Recommended Learning Progression (optional)
Casting 101: Introduction to Casting – Torch safety, water casting, and straw casting.
Casting 102: Cuttlefish Casting – Learn how to carve designs and cast metal using natural cuttlebone molds.
Casting 103: Sand Casting – Create simple, textured metal pieces with sand mold techniques.
Casting 105: Lost Wax Casting – Learn to carve detailed wax models, make molds, and cast your designs in metal.
Open Studio: Explore fabrication & finishing techniques to transform your casting into wearable works of art!
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Materials Provided:
✔ Wax & mold-making supplies
✔ Up to 10 grams of brass for casting
✔ Casting equipment & tools
Access to Studio Tools & Equipment:
🛠 Casting station, kiln, professional torches, and ventilation system
🛠 Molding tools, wax carving tools, and polishing supplies
🛠 Protective gear: Shade #3 green welding glasses and leather aprons
Class Cancellation & Refund Policy
No Refunds: Refunds or credits are not issued for missed classes, failed castings or incomplete projects.
Sick Policy: Notify the instructor 24 hours in advance if you're sick to receive a credit for a future class.
Class Cancellations: If a session is canceled due to instructor illness or extreme weather, a make-up class or credit will be offered.
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
- Miscellaneous burs & cutting wheels
- Gold and silver (available upon request)
- Additional casting wax for carving