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    Hesson.cuttle cast jewelry
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    Hesson.cuttle rings with stone
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    Hesson.water cast earring
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    Hesson.stone setting
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    Hesson.casting images with crucible
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    Hesson.water cast pin
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    Hesson.cast cuttle pieces

Basic Setting and Casting Intro Sampler!

Do you have a bit of metal-working knowledge under your belt but not sure what direction you should go next? Try your hand at an array of basic casting and stone setting methods - a sampler of techniques that's sure to leave you feeling satisfied and inspired!

This jam-packed weekend workshop will offer students the opportunity to learn the magic of melting metal and casting, setting stones, and how to take their soldering skills up a notch! We will focus on several basic organic, alternative casting methods including water casting, broom casting, cuttlefish casting, and discussions on casting stones in place; students will also learn how to melt down their own metal / scrap for ingot and sheet making, in addition to how to finesse a crucible with control! This class will additionally focus on how to incorporate stone settings into cast objects, for some extra pizzazz. Throughout the course participants will improve their soldering abilities as they work to make bails, rings, and other finding components for their jewelry pieces. Students can expect to take away small finished silver pieces, depending on skill level and time.

Meet the instructor

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Nicholas Hesson is an art educator, jeweler, enamelist, and CAD designer. His work utilizes a combination of digital and hand fabrication processes inspired by the human form and iconography associated with memento mori, beauty, and the human body.

After receiving his Associate in Fine Arts from Bucks County Community College he worked there as a 3D Arts Lab Technician maintaining the day-to-day operations of the studio. He simultaneously pursued his Bachelors in Fine Arts as he commuted to Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University where he assisted instructors as a teaching assistant as well as took classes. He received his BFA in Metals/Jewelry/CAD/CAM from Tyler in 2020. In the Spring of 2023, he graduated with his MFA in Metal Design from East Carolina University. He now resides in the New England area working as a Silversmith for Tiffany & Co.

Materials & Tools

There is a $110 materials fee for this course payable upon registration. The materials kit fee covers , and other various miscellaneous items needed for course objectives. 

 

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