CASTING 101 & 102 | CASTING FUNDAMENTALS: 🔥 METAL CASTING FOR BEGINNERS

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 is a prerequisite for Intro to Lost Wax Casting & the Lost Wax Casting 3-Day Intensive Workshop in May & June 2025.

Tuition: $199
Early Bird Price: $149 (Save $50!) Register by April 30, 2025 to get this special rate! Use code: SAVE50 at checkout.

📍 Samonte Cruz Studios
7012 1st Ave, Ymir, BC V0G 2K0

Choose your preferred dates from the dropdown menu:

Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 12:00–4:00 PM

OR 

Saturday, May 10 & 17, 2025 | 10:00–12:00 PM

Required Materials & Studio Fee: $45— 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
This covers consumable supplies, gases, studio overhead and up to 10 grams of brass or copper for in class use.  Sterling silver and gold are available for purchase upon request.

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 the first 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

🔥 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. 

🤓 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.

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 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

• 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

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