Jewelry Making Classes near Nelson, BC
CASTING 103: Experimental Sand Casting for Artists & Makers
Discover the magic of turning everyday textures and found objects into solid metal forms! In this playful, hands-on 1-day workshop, you’ll dive into the ancient technique of sand casting—no experience needed. Designed for interdisciplinary creatives, textile artists, curious crafters, and aspiring jewelers alike, this class invites you to explore texture, form, and transformation in a whole new way. You’ll leave with one-of-a-kind castings, new skills, and fresh ideas to inspire future work and fuel your creative practice.Â
Sunday, May 4, 2025 | 12:00–5:00 PM
Tuition: $229
Early Bird Price: $199 - Register by Friday, April 30, 2025, and save $30! Use code:Â SAVE50Â at checkout)
Required Materials & Studio Fee: $45 per session— Pay cash at the beginning of class OR add the required fee to your cart before checking out. 👉 Click here to add it to your cart.
**IMPORTANT** Please Bring a Few Objects to Experiment with Molding: For the best results in sand casting, objects should be small, with simple shapes and moderate thickness. This allows the molten metal to flow smoothly into the mold, capturing intricate details without issues. Below is a guide to help you select objects that will work well for the casting process.
Ideal Object Size for Sand Casting
Objects for sand casting should fall within the following size range:
- Dimensions: Approx. 1–5 cm (0.4–2 inches) in any direction
- Thickness: 1–10 mm
Recommended Objects:
- Natural textures: seed pods, bark, bones, shells, coral
- Small items: keys, coins, buttons, found metal bits
- Custom wax forms or carvings (must be firm enough to press into sand without distortion)
Avoid:
- Extremely detailed or undercut shapes
- Hollow or overly large objects that may cause issues with metal flow
- Very flat pieces unless you are focusing on surface texture
Students Must Bring
- N95 mask
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- Closed-toed shoes (leather, if possible)
- Apron or clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty (optional)
- Hair tie or elastic for long hair, if applicable
- A willingness to experiment and have fun!
What is Sand Casting?
Sand casting, using Delft Clay, is a time-honored technique where molten metal is poured into a mold made from compacted sand. This process allows you to capture intricate textures and forms, perfect for creating unique jewelry pieces or small sculptures.
Workshop Highlights
🌱 Explore a Versatile Casting Technique – Learn sand casting with Delft Clay, an oil-based medium known for capturing fine detail.
🎨 Perfect for Artists & Makers of All Kinds – Whether you work in textiles, sculpture, or jewelry, this process opens up exciting creative possibilities.
🌿 Cast Organic & Found Objects – Make molds from shells, fabric textures, twigs, or small metal pieces—anything that inspires you.
🔥 Pour Molten Metal by Hand – Experience the thrill of pouring your own metal and learning the fundamentals of safe and successful casting.
💎 Create Unique, Textural Pieces – Craft original jewelry components, small sculptures, or embellishments using your castings.
🛠️ Learn to Troubleshoot & Refine – Gain expert tips on navigating the casting process and how to finish, polish, and integrate your pieces into future work.
✨ Inspire Your Interdisciplinary Practice – Take home new techniques and one-of-a-kind castings to incorporate into your next creative project.
🎉 No Experience Needed – Come with curiosity! This workshop is open to artists and creatives from all backgrounds.
Workshop Overview
In this 1-day intensive, you’ll get a full overview of sand casting with Delft Clay, from mold creation to metal pouring. The workshop covers:
- Creating a mold with found objects using sand (Delft Clay)
- Cutting sprues and vents for proper metal flow
- Pouring molten metal into your mold
- Cooling, removing the cast, and refining the surface
Who Should Take This Workshop?
This workshop is perfect for textile artists, interdisciplinary makers, and creatives eager to explore metal in a fresh, tactile way. Whether you're a jeweler expanding your skills or an artist curious about casting, you’ll discover how to transform textures and found objects into striking metal forms. Dive into a hands-on process that bridges materials, techniques, and imagination—ideal for anyone ready to push their creative practice in bold new directions.
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?
- All tools and materials for casting
- Full access to professional equipment
- Expert guidance throughout the workshop
Materials Provided
- Deft clay (sand)
- Up to 10 grams of brass for in class use
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
