The Crucible

MOLDMAKING

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OTHER CLASSES YOU MAY ENJOY . . .

Casting Wax to Silver Jewelry (Jewelry)
Entry-level class
Learn the lost wax casting process, an age-old sculptural jewelry-casting process that involves creating a positive model out of wax, using that model to make a mold, then using the mold to cast a form in metal. You’ll carve, cast, and finish at least one pendant or ring in silver, and experiment with different types of wax and their working qualities as you learn the techniques and tools of this process. Bring a your sketches and ideas for jewelry.

Introduction to Rubber Mold Making for Jewelry (Jewelry)
Entry-level class
Want to make multiple copies of your jewelry? With vulcanized rubber molds, you can make wax models for the reproduction of original jewelry. The class will explore the basics of two-part molds, including hot and cold molding methods. You will make at least one vulcanized silicone rubber mold. Bring at least two original small-scale metal pieces to reproduce.

Foundry Fundamentals (Foundry)
Entry-level class
Begin your exploration of foundry work with this hands-on overview of the steps involved in casting metal. This class introduces foundry processes, including wax working, ceramic shell, sand moldmaking, metal casting, and metal finishing. You will use the lost-wax casting method (which begins with sculpting in wax) and the sand casting method (which uses a mold made from sand). You will help pour molten metal and will complete several cast-metal pieces, which can be sculptures or utilitarian objects.

Bronze Casting: Ceramic Shell Process (Foundry)
Entry-level class
Ceramic shell is a mold material used in the lost wax casting method. The ceramic shell process begins with a wax sculpture. You’ll learn basic wax-working techniques, as well as how to create ceramic shell molds. Finally, you’ll cast your piece in bronze or aluminum. The class will also cover basic metal finishing.

Youth Adventures in Sand Casting (Youth)
Entry-level class
Ages 12 - 18
In this introduction to foundry processes, you’ll turn your ideas into cast-metal sculptures as you learn the basics of metal casting. You will make a sculpture, create a mold in resin-bonded sand, and then watch as molten aluminum is poured into your mold. When your piece has cooled, you’ll open your mold to your very own finished sculpture!