24 February 2025 - 31 March 2025 ( 18 hours, 6 weeks )
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Waterloo Centre
Have you mastered the basics of wax carving and want to expand your skills with the expert guidance of an award winning tutor? Then this is the perfect follow on course. Join the UK's most experienced wax carving tutor for either guidance with a project of your own or a choice of set projects designed to advance your skills. Waxes will be cast offsite, cost of casting not included.
Wax-carving is like sculpture for jewellery. This is a practical class and you will learn:- , To improve your waxcarving skills., Several ways to transfer a design onto wax. , Which tools to use for wax-carving and how to make carving tools to suit your own individual needs. , The uses of different types of wax , How to carve a 3D design in wax, how to repair it if it breaks and how to make alterations to a carving. , How to finish the carving to a smooth finish in preparation for casting. , Finally how to finish the cast item. , Each stage of the process will be demonstrated both to the group and to individuals as appropriate.
The course is suitable for students with experience of waxcarving, who are keen to develop and to extend their skills. Curiosity and readiness to experiment with tools and materials which may be unfamiliar and challenging to you are an advantage!
Health & Safety information will be given at the start of the course and subsequent lessons where necessary. You may be asked to sign a form declaring that you agree to follow procedures as advised. Some chemicals used may be harmful in pregnancy. Please let the tutor know if you are pregnant and they will advise you as to necessary precautions. , Please note, the casting of your wax will be done off site and there will be an additional cost for this process which the tutor will advise you on. This cost is dependent on the size of your wax carvings, whether you want to cast in silver or bronze and how many pieces you want to cast. An average cost is around £25.
All tools needed to take part in the course are available in the workshop. It would also be helpful to bring: ,• An apron, a fine cd black marker pen, pencil, paper/ sketchbook for drawing on ,• I'll provide a selection of exercises, as this course is part surgery I suggest bringing a design or picture(s) of a project you would like to carve. Although I'd like to emphasize that students should be realistic, given the time. I can turn you into Henry Moore in a couple of hours. Rodin or Michaelangelo will take a lot longer and Antonio Canova could take a lifetime (I'm still working on it). ,• It is not appropriate to wear high heeled shoes or open toed sandals to class. Your shoes should cover your feet in order to provide some protection in the workshop. ,•NOTE: The casting of your wax will be done off site and there will be an additional cost for this process which the tutor will advise you on.
