Jewelry Making and Casting Classes near Nelson, BC

CASTING 102 & 103

Cuttlebone & Sand Casting Workshop

Organic Mold-Making and Textural Casting Inspired by Nature
Saturday, October 11 & 18, 2025 | 12:00–3:00 PM (2 sessions)

Advance your casting skills with this two-part workshop series combining cuttlebone and sand casting. Learn how to carve natural molds and press found objects into sand to capture textures, then pour molten metal to create unique, one-of-a-kind objects. This hands-on workshop focuses on skill-building and creative exploration rather than a finished product. Beginners welcome. Returning students will deepen their skills by casting with multiple times.

No experience required. Casting 101: Intro to Metal Casting is strongly recommended.

Tuition: $129 per session or bundle & save!

⚡️Early-bird Bundle: $199 for both sessions | Register by Sept. 28th ⚡️

Maximize your learning with two hands-on sessions. This package gives you extra time to build skills, confidence, and a strong foundation, preparing you for advanced techniques like Lost Wax Casting.

🧠 Learn from Experience

Casting is unpredictable, and mistakes are part of the process. Each casting will be inspected for defects, with guidance on troubleshooting and improving results. Attending both sessions lets you re-cast your work and refine your technique.

Materials & Studio Cost: $20 per session (paid in class). 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.

Location: Ymir, BC

What to Bring

N95 mask
Safety glasses
Hearing protection
Closed-toed shoes
Apron or clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty (optional)

Limited Seats Available. Small Class, Big Creative Growth.

With only 2–6 students per session, you’ll get hands-on instruction and personalized feedback from a professional goldsmith. This small class size ensures you receive the support you need to refine your skills and gain confidence in metal casting. Spaces are extremely limited and fill quickly—don’t wait! Reserve your spot now and take and exciting step in your casting journey.

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.

WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS

🔥 Make Organic Molds— Use cuttlebone & sand to create natural molds, capture textures from found objects, and create unique metal components or small sculptures to use in future projects

✨ Beginner-Friendly — Open to all levels with step-by-step guidance from local goldsmith Samonte Cruz

🙌🏽 Hands-On Experience — Torch training with industry-standard equipment, molten metal casting, and full studio access

🌿 Flexible Learning — Take one session or both, with small class sizes for personalized support

💎 Connect & Create — Build skills, confidence, and connections with fellow creatives in a welcoming space

🤓 Skill-Building Focus

Gain confidence using a casting torch and pouring molten metal into molds. This workshop emphasizes technical skills over finished pieces, helping you grow as a metalsmith.

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!

THE COMPLETE CASTING EXPERIENCE

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.

Casting 104: Intro to Wax Carving – Learn how to carve your own wax models for jewelry or small-scale sculpture simple.

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

What’s included?

Materials Provided

Cuttlefish bones (one per student)
Deft Clay
Up to 15 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

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