Wax Carving Weekend- Two Day class
Saturday 23rd- Sunday 24th August 2025
Available spots
Course Description
Wax carving is a fascinating and intricate art form that involves sculpting and shaping malleable wax into intricate designs and patterns. It is a foundational technique in the world of jewellery making and metal casting. Use specialized tools to carve the wax, and bring creative visions to life in three-dimensional form, and add gemstones to be 'cast-in-place'. The wax models serve as the basis for creating moulds, which are then used to cast metal, such as silver or gold. Wax carving allows for intricate detailing and precise customization, making it a versatile and essential skill cherished by craftsmen in the realm of fine jewellery and artistic expression. The course covers wax carving only and does not include subsequent casting. Completed wax pieces will be sent out for casting with an approximate cost of £15-40 per piece, depending on size and complexity. Learning Outcomes: Participants will learn about the basic principles of wax carving and the subsequent casting process Students will be introduced to the essential tools and materials used in wax carving, such as different types of wax, carving tools, heating equipment, and safety measures. Participants will learn a range of carving techniques, including subtractive carving, adding details, texturing, incorporating gemstones and creating intricate patterns using specialized tools. Discover common challenges faced during wax carving and techniques to troubleshoot and refine their designs to achieve the desired results. Understand how apply finishing touches and polishing methods to bring out the best in the wax-carved piece, preparing it for further processing, such as casting in metal or displaying as a standalone wax sculpture. The fee includes all consumables required, but does not include metal and casting costs. Learners will be advised on the most cost effective way to cast their wax sculptures in their metal of choice. Costs for casting range from approximately £15-35 per piece. Manual dexterity is needed. No prior knowledge of working with wax or silver is needed.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your booking within 14 days of confirming your place without charge (provided your course hasn't started).
About the Tutor
My name is Liz Taylor
I am the owner of The Silver Bird, an artisan, handmade jewellery business based in a semi-rural village in Cambridgeshire. I specialising in bespoke commissions, and customisable pieces, as well as teaching traditional jewellery making techniques.
I have recently retired from an18 year career as a secondary DT teacher, over which time, I have taught hundreds of young people how to design and make novel, beautiful products, by exploring material properties and generating unique forms. I have completed a Masters of Education at Cambridge University, focusing on creative idea generation and development. This gave me a particular passion for biomimicry; using and replicating the nature through product design to make unique textures and forms.
I teach silver jewellery making at evening classes in several schools local to Cambridge and have designed my own teaching room to accommodate up to four aspiring silver-smiths.
Jewellery making with silver is easily the most addictive thing I have ever done. And that's before we talk about the enchanting world of gemstones! Whether you are into contemporary or classic pieces, you are learning for pleasure or you want your own career change, I can help you fall in love with the processes and achieve your jewellery-making potential.
Contact me for an informal chat if you'd like more information of what I can offer. I look forward to making with you.
