Sunday Funday in the studio

It's Amnesty Day today! The studio hosts this day a couple times a year, for students to get some extra (and free!) benchtime outside of regular class hours.

Lots of fun and creative projects are taking form before my eyes. Here are some images of our amazing students hard at work:

  Using the flexshaft and a ring clamp like a pro

Soldering an earring with a bit of third-arm help

 Forming some very special bezels for some very gorgeous stones

We teach a variety of one-day and 8-week workshops here at Jewel Envy. Whether you are looking to build a foundation of goldsmithing skills, or walk away with a handmade piece of jewellery (or both!), we can help you out. Take a look at our calendar of upcoming classes and get in touch!

Come cast with Jewel Envy!

Hello friends! I am going to be teaching our next casting class, starting Wednesday August 12th. I thought I would go over the process with you, and show you what you can learn.

 Our first project is a ring. I will show you how to size, shape, and add texture, pattern, and detail to a slice of wax. Once the wax has been carved, I will walk you through the lost wax casting process. This involves: investment, a hot kiln, a big torch, molten metal, and centrifugal force. Voila! Your ring, in all its sterling silver beauty.

The next project is a cuttlefish casting. A cuttlefish is a squid-like fish, that has a bone with very unique properties. Birds like to peck at these bones, and goldsmiths like to cast with them. (We will be casting, not pecking.) The inside of the bone is very soft and has a great texture. I will show you how to use tools to carve into the bone, to create a mold (essentially negative space), for your piece. Once complete, we will pour molten metal into this mold using gravitational force. Very fun!

The last project is one of your choosing, so it is a great time to stretch your creative muscles and use your imagination. Casting is a very sculptural process, and lends itself well to three-dimensional designs. Join me for this next class, and show me what you've got!

See you soon!

~sash