Jewellery: Wax Carving with Russell Lownsbrough

Wax-carving is like sculpture for jewellery. This is a practical class and you will learn:- 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 An overview of the casting process. 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.

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 £15. Covid Advice and Precautions: Please do not attend the course if you are feeling unwell or showing any of the symptoms of Covid 19. The classroom has been adapted to be a Covid safe working environment, tables and chairs will be sanitised and your tutor will be wearing a face visor. Students are asked to wash their hands or use the provided hand sanitiser / gloves before and after using shared equipment. You will be expected to comply with physical distancing guidance. Please bring an apron to wear and wash between sessions and glasses for close work and to observe tutor demonstrations. Very close up observation may not be possible under social distancing guidelines. Please bring a mask- you may be asked to wear this in your class and you will need to wear one around the college Appropriate health and safety guidance will be given as each new technique is introduced.

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 simple designs/exercises, but if anyone would like to do something more individual I suggest bringing a design or picture(s) of sculpture. 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.

Morley offers Jewellery classes day, evening and weekends for students at all levels of experience. Additionally, specialised short courses are provided which focus on specific skills and techniques. If you have enjoyed this course you may want to develop your jewellery making skills on VJE155A- An Introduction to Stone Setting.