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Natural Object Casting
Many natural and found objects can be cast in metal using the “lost-wax” method, capturing incredible detail and preserving the intricate textures found in materials such as seed pods, paper and cardboard, fibers, bugs, flowers, and some hard plastics. This demo-focused virtual workshop will demonstrate how to prepare the materials for casting, give an overview of the casting process, and then show how to clean and finish the metal castings for use in jewelry.
If students want to cast their own natural object models, they will need access to casting equipment in their home studio or through studio rental.
Meet the instructor
April Wood is a metalsmith and jeweler living and working in Baltimore, MD. She is a co-founder of the Baltimore Jewelry Center, a metals + jewelry community education space in Baltimore city, where she worked as Studio and Program Manager, Exhibitions Director, and an Instructor. She received her BFA in Studio Art, concentrating in Metals/Jewelry, from Texas State University – San Marcos and her MFA from Towson University. She has taught at the Maryland Institute College of Art, the Corcoran College of Art and Design, Penland School of Crafts, Idyllwild Arts Academy, and Towson University. Her work has been featured in Metalsmith, Surface Design Journal, and Sculpture. She exhibits her work nationally and internationally, including a solo exhibition at the Austin Museum of Art and SIERAAD International Art Jewelry Fair in Amsterdam.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can view the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not required - observers are welcome.
Metal/raw materials:
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1 x hardcoat modpodge (Amazon)
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1 x box of sprue wax - medium red (Rio Grande)
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1 x box of sprue wax - bulk extruded (Rio Grande)
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1 x denatured alcohol (Amazon)
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1 x super glue (Amazon)
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bronze casting grain (Rio Grande)
Hand tools:
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1 x round nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x chain nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x flat nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x snips / flush cutters (Rio Grande)
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1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack saw blades - #2/0 (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack saw bladed - #2 (Rio Grande)
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1 x burlife / bee's wax (Rio Grande)
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1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
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1 x half round hand file - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
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1 x rotary tool - flex shaft, micro motor, etc. (Rio Grande)
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1 x set of needle files - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
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1 x sheet of sand paper - 220 to 600 grits (Rio Grande)
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1 x alcohol lamp (Rio Grande)
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1 x alcohol lamp wicks (Rio Grande)
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1 x paint brush (Blick)
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1 x pack heatless mizzy wheels (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack screw mandrels (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack snap on sanding discs - 220 grit (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack snap on mandrel (Rio Grande)
Torch setup:
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1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
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1 x torch - Smith mini, Silversmith, or butane (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
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1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (Rio Grande)
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1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
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1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (Rio Grande or Amazon)
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1 x brass bristle brush (Rio Grande)
Other/miscellaneous materials:
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hard work surface
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fan and open window or ventilation system
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safety glasses
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pencil, Sharpie, notebook