Jewelry Making Classes near Nelson, BC
CASTING FUNDAMENTALS: 🔥 METAL CASTING FOR BEGINNERS
Unleash the magic of molten metal and explore essential casting techniques in this hands-on workshop—no experience needed, just bring your curiosity and creativity!
This workshop is a prerequisite for CASTING 105: Lost Wax Casting coming in Spring 2025.
Workshop Dates & Times (register for one or multiple sessions using the drop down menu)
Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Samonte Cruz Studios in the Ymir Studio, 7012 1st Ave, Ymir, BC V0G 2K0
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
🔥 Hands-on experience with expert guidance
🔥 Small class sizes for personalized, one-on-one support
🔥 Flexible learning—take one session or all three
🔥 Creative exploration to unlock your artistic potential
🔥 Torch training with industry-standard equipment
🔥 Molten metal magic will mesmerize your mind
🔥 Build connections with fellow creatives in a welcoming space
🔥 Get studio access—no expensive investment 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.Â
🤓 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, your first workshop is designed to build your technical skills—empowering you to grow as a metalsmith and take your craft to the next level.Â
🔎 Explore and Expand – Register for multiple sessions to explore more complex casting techniques and build skills, progressing at your own pace. Additional sessions unlock cuttlefish and sand casting, giving you more experience pouring molten metal and the chance to carve and create molds. Attending all three sessions builds a strong foundation in casting—setting you up for success in more advanced techniques like lost wax casting.
⚡ 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.
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 the first step in your casting journey.
OPTIONS & PRICING
How It Works
- First-time students begin with torch training, water casting, and broom casting.
- Returning students can advance to cuttlefish and sand casting with personalized guidance, refining their skills at their own pace.
- Every session includes hands-on practice, skill-building, and individualized instruction in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Casting 101: Introductory Workshop | 1 Session (choose any date)
Regular Price: $169 per session
✨ Early-Bird Price: $129 – Get $40 Off!
Register before March 1, 2025 and save! Use code SAVE40 at checkout.
In your first session, you’ll start your casting journey by learning the essentials of metal casting: torch safety, molten metal pouring, and explore water and/or broom casting techniques. It’s the perfect introduction for beginners looking to explore casting without a big time commitment or financial investment.
Materials & Studio Fee: $15 per session
This covers materials, including casting supplies, gases, and studio overhead.
Casting 101, 102, & 103: Explore & Expand Bundle | 3 Sessions
Regular Price: $457
✨ Early-Bird Price: $299 – Save $158!
Register by March 1, 2025 and save!
This package includes three sessions, giving you the opportunity to dive deeper into four dynamic casting techniques utilizing organic materials: water, corn/straw (broom), cuttlefish bone, and/or deft clay (sand). With each session, you’ll gain hands-on experience, refine your skills, and tackle new challenges, all while building the confidence to bring your creative visions to life. The more time you spend, the stronger your foundation becomes—setting you up for success with more advanced techniques like Lost Wax Casting and unlock your full potential as a metalsmith!
Materials & Studio Fee: $15 per session
This covers materials, including casting supplies, gases, and studio overhead.
Limited seats available — only 2 to 6 students per session. Secure your spot today!
SESSION BREAKDOWN
Recommended Learning Progression
Session 1: CASTING 101 | Introduction to Metal Casting
Fire up the torch and experience the magic of molten metal as you pour red-hot liquid metal into water and/or a bundled (corn) straw broom. Water Casting creates a variety of organic, cup-like forms, while broom casting produces delicate, tube-like textures. Perfect for beginners—no experience needed!
Session 2: CASTING 102 | Cuttlefish Casting
Learn to create your own organic molds by carving designs into cuttlefish bones and transform molten metal into textured, fossil-like forms, creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Session 3: CASTING 103 | Sand Casting
Explore this ancient casting method by pressing objects into compacted sand to create detailed impressions, then pouring molten metal into the cavity to produce unique, textured replicas with organic, one-of-a-kind results.Â
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!
What’s included?Â
Materials Provided
- Corn straw brooms
- Cuttlefish bones (one per student),
- Deft clay for sand casting
- Up to 20 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
- Hearing protection
- Closed-toed shoes
- Apron or clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty (optional)
Class Cancellation and Refund Policy
No Refunds: Refunds are not issued for failed castings or missed classes.
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 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
