Ancient Techniques - Sand Casting for Jewellery
Description
Ancient Techniques - Sand Casting for Jewellery
When: Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Duration: One Day (7 hours)
Class size: Maximum 6 people
Cost: $495 (Materials included)
ABOUT THE COURSE
Using the ancient silversmithing process of sand casting, you will learn how to produce small scale jewellery and objects with precious metal & take home a personalized, ready-to-wear sterling silver ring &/or pendant jewellery.
Sand Casting uses a special type of sand that has a clay-like consistency to create a mould into which molten metal is poured. This is a fast and easy way to create your own items from non-precious materials such as metal, wax, wood, or plastic models.
You will feel inspired by this class which will provide you with new possibilities to design and create your very own sand-cast precious metal jewellery.
We know you’re going to enjoy this exciting class and leave with something uniquely yours!
Prerequisite
This class is designed for all levels. The ABSOLUTE BEGINNER with no previous experience and the MORE ADVANCED JEWELLER who is interested in growing their skill set. You do not need to be artistic or creative - you’ll be surprised what you can create under the guidance of our expert tutors.
Course Objectives
You will be guided through the following techniques:
- Create a mould - by placing a pattern in sand and incorporating a gating system.
- Gate and vent - preparations to get the best metal flow during the pour.
- Pour molten metal - into the mould cavity through the gating system.
- How to best select "master objects" - skills to build a pattern of the object to be produced, using wood, metal, or a plastic such as expanded polystyrene.
- Cast a Variety of Objects - Use found natural objects, custom models to create your own silver ring &/or pendant.
- Types of pattern and materials - like polymer clay, Perspex, and found objects which can be used to make them.
- Limitations of the pattern - and what to avoid in the design or selection of a pattern
- Calculating specific formula - to find the casting weight of non-conventional materials and how much metal will be needed.
- Cast in Place - How to add a sparkling touch by setting stones directly in the casting process.
- Work Sustainably - Utilize recycled silver offcuts or fresh casting granules for your creations.
- Advantages & disadvantages - applications of sand-casting.
- Learn the problems - with gravity casting and how to overcome them.
- Methods used - to reduce porosity and turbulence on pouring the metal
- Discuss - the pouring gate and gas vents and their optimal size and positioning
- Finishing Techniques - Discover new ways to hold work and create finishes while preserving the original look and texture of your ‘model’.
Course Outcomes
Students can expect to learn the fundamentals of sand casting and understand what an extremely useful, rapid, and versatile studio practice the sand-casting technique can be! Students will be able to demonstrate and discuss the sand-casting process, identify the limitations of the sand-casting process, discover how sand-cast materials can have defects and small voids that are not visible on the surface and be able to determine how properties of a metal can be altered through the casting process.
With guidance you will make a sterling silver ring with or without gemstones cast in place &/or a sterling silver pendant / flat object with or without gemstones. (The materials provided will allow you to make up to 3 take-home pieces of jewellery).
We have an assortment of ‘models’ for you to select from however, you may bring in items you already have (see instructions below).
The list of items you can use to create moulds in the sand is almost endless - small hard objects such as a shell, coffee bean, Lego, twigs, acorns, buttons, small toys, beads, wax carvings and more. You can create a reproduction of the item used to create the mould, or adapt it by reshaping, adding textures or adding stones.
Discussion between tutor and the students as a group and as individuals, to guide you to improve your skills.
MATERIALS KIT What’s Included
30 grams Sterling Silver casting granules (The materials provided will allow you to make up to 3 take-home pieces of jewellery).
Delft clay
Studio equipment
Consumables
Extensive course notes (including supplier information)
Personalised instruction
The course is conducted in an unhurried supportive happy and friendly environment.
We provide a choice of pre-made rings & ‘models’/ objects for you to use as your first sand cast item (these are returned). If you wish to bring in your own carved wax, stones, metal model or non-precious item such as a shell, you must contact Erin Keys immediately after you have enrolled. The suitability of these materials will be discussed with your tutor.
High temperature resistant stones - semi precious naturals & Nano (raw and faceted).
A selection of additional materials will be available to buy in addition to what is provided from your tutor. The suitability of these materials will be discussed with your tutor.
If you wish to bring in your own model you will need to contact The Bench no less than 14 days before the course start date for this to be approved.
If you wish to bring in your own carved wax or non-precious item such as a shell, you must contact Erin Keys immediately after you have enrolled.
If you wish to bring your own stones - the suitability of these materials will be discussed with your tutor.
If you wish to bring additional metal for casting such as your Lemel, you will need to contact The Bench no less than 7 days before the course start date for this to be approved - Bringing your own Lemel and scraps will not affect nor change the course fee.
Additional notes
All the tools, materials and consumables you need for the course will be available at the venue, including an apron. You may want to buy further materials from our metal suppliers – your tutor will provide you with supplier information.
For health and safety reasons, please bring along with you the following:
Hair tie: If you have long hair, please bring along something to tie it back with.
Closed in shoes: We will be working with hot, sharp and heavy tools, so please wear shoes, which will protect your feet. Avoid wearing loose flowing garments.
Sketch book/notebook/ pen and/or pencil: Please bring along a notebook for your own notes and design ideas. Notes will be provided to complement the techniques you will be learning but you may wish to make your own notes.
Remember: If you use glasses for reading and /or close up work please remember to bring them along.
Please read our Terms & Conditions and Refund and Cancellation Policy carefully prior to enrolling.
What you will learn
- Using the ancient silversmithing process of sand casting, you will learn how to produce small scale jewellery and objects with precious metal & take home a personalized, ready-to-wear sterling silver ring &/or pendant jewellery. Sand Casting uses a special type of sand that has a clay-like consistency to create a mould into which molten metal is poured. This is a fast and easy way to create your own items from non-precious materials such as metal, wax, wood, or plastic models. You will feel inspired by this class which will provide you with new possibilities to design and create your very own sand-cast precious metal jewellery. We know you’re going to enjoy this exciting class and leave with something uniquely yours!
What you will get
- Students can expect to learn the fundamentals of sand casting and understand what an extremely useful, rapid, and versatile studio practice the sand-casting technique can be! Students will be able to demonstrate and discuss the sand-casting process, identify the limitations of the sand-casting process, discover how sand-cast materials can have defects and small voids that are not visible on the surface and be able to determine how properties of a metal can be altered through the casting process. With guidance you will make a sterling silver ring with or without gemstones cast in place &/or a sterling silver pendant / flat object with or without gemstones. (The materials provided will allow you to make up to 3 take-home pieces of jewellery). We have an assortment of ‘models’ for you to select from however, you may bring in items you already have (see instructions below). The list of items you can use to create moulds in the sand is almost endless - small hard objects such as a shell, coffee bean, Lego, twigs, acorns, buttons, small toys, beads, wax carvings and more. You can create a reproduction of the item used to create the mould, or adapt it by reshaping, adding textures or adding stones. Discussion between tutor and the students as a group and as individuals, to guide you to improve your skills.
Entrance to Joynton Avenue Creative Centre is via Hansard Street. If you are driving, there is plenty of parking located on and around Portman Street and Hansard Street.
Please note that there is NO PARKING on Joynton Avenue.
The Bench at JACC is close to train and bus. The closest train station is Green Square, and is only a 10 minute walk. There are buses travelling to and from the Eastern Suburbs, the Inner West and Sydney CBD. Please use Tripview or Google Maps to find your best route.
Alternatively contact The Bench for assistance.
What to bring
- MATERIALS KIT30 grams Sterling Silver casting granules (The materials provided will allow you to make up to 3 take-home pieces of jewellery).Delft clayStudio equipmentConsumablesExtensive course notes (including supplier information)Personalised instruction The course is conducted in an unhurried supportive happy and friendly environment.We provide a choice of pre-made rings & ‘models’/ objects for you to use as your first sand cast item (these are returned). If you wish to bring in your own carved wax, stones, metal model or non-precious item such as a shell, you must contact Erin Keys immediately after you have enrolled. The suitability of these materials will be discussed with your tutor. High temperature resistant stones - semi precious naturals & Nano (raw and faceted).
What to wear
Sand casting can be messy so please don't wear your best clothes! For health and safety reasons, please bring along with you the following Hair tie: If you have long hair, please bring along something to tie it back with. Closed in shoes: We will be working with hot, sharp and heavy tools, so please wear shoes, which will protect your feet. Avoid wearing loose flowing garments. Remember: If you use glasses for reading and /or close up work please remember to bring them along.
Appropriate for
This class is designed for all levels. The ABSOLUTE BEGINNER with no previous experience and the MORE ADVANCED JEWELLER who is interested in growing their skill set. You do not need to be artistic or creative - you’ll be surprised what you can create under the guidance of our expert tutors.
The Bench is a modern, industry standard workshop focusing on education and training for the industry and community. Director and principle tutor Erin Keys established The Bench because she wanted a place for a community to grow together and share their knowledge and experience. With little start up money and no regular funding, we raised funds to build a relaxed and friendly place to learn traditional and contemporary jewellery techniques, a space to develop ideas and projects such as ring making, silver jewellery and stone setting gems. We provide concept based jewellery classes to the absolute beginner, the aspiring maker and to the professional jeweller.
The Bench offers the community the following:
Jewellery Classes, jewellery specializations, professional jewellery development, private jewellery lessons, corporate team building and jewellery related activities.
Why learn to make jewellery at The Bench?
When you become a student at The Bench you are contributing to the viability and sustainability of our workshop, including the general maintenance. By learning to make jewellery at The Bench, you are supporting the establishment of a creative community, and are helping The Bench to evolve & experiment with new programs.
The Bench Jewellery School and Workshop is dedicated to building an unparalleled jewellery centre that delivers quality programs for the betterment of the community and the jewellery industry. The Bench is an open window to learn, design and share by creating experiences and fostering the next generation of makers. It is a place to learn, work, and discuss ideas and share knowledge, a laboratory for the creation of jewellery.
The Bench is a safe working and learning environment, complete with a wide inventory of tools and equipment. The Bench cultivates inclusive, creative and accessible spaces for everyone to have the opportunity to feel safe and welcomed. Our programs and activities offer opportunities for artists and audiences with disability to engage and participate.
Established in 2020, The Bench is located at the exquisite historic site, Joynton Avenue Creative Centre in Green Square. The former South Sydney Hospital comprised a group of brick buildings dating from 1911. Within the precinct, the Joynton Avenue Creative Centre occupies the Esme Cahill building, which was the nurses’ accommodation block, opened in 1938. The Joynton Avenue Creative Precinct by Peter Stutchbury Architecture (PSA), in association with Design 5 – Architects as heritage consultant, completed for the City of Sydney. Easily accessed by Bus, Train, Ride, Walk and with Wheelchair accessibility.
Your Teacher
Erin Pearce is an award-winning Jeweller, who began her career almost 20 years ago with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Practicing across multiple artistic disciplines allowed her the opportunity to pursue an increasing motivation to explore concepts through jewellery making. Erin expanded her skills through a number of roles and jewellery courses within the industry, before undertaking an apprenticeship in Jewellery Manufacture.
In 2020 Erin formally launched her own jewellery manufacturing business, Mill Foundry, with a personal focus on further exploration of technique and a desire to learn through every piece she creates. Her work is influenced by mid-century modern design and a constant consideration of the placement of both herself, and her work, between the worlds of Contemporary Art and traditional jewellery manufacturing.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 14 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$56.00 applies.
- A transfer can be requested 14 days before the class starts. An admin fee of AU$32.00 applies.
- A credit note can be requested 14 days before the class starts. An admin fee of AU$16.00 applies.
No changes will be allowed after these times.
We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.
Terms & Conditions
SECTION 1 Terms and Conditions / POLICIES
1.1 LIABILITY WAIVER
I acknowledge I have read and understand the following;
I acknowledge and understand that participation in classes and/or events organised by The Bench Sydney may involve certain risks which include but are not limited to physical injury and property damage.
I acknowledge these risks and voluntarily agree to participate in the event noting I am responsible for any injury, harm or loss resulting from my actions.
I confirm I have reviewed and agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions as detailed upon the website or separably by The Bench Sydney. I specifically acknowledge the safe operating procedures detailed therein and will not touch or operate any equipment in which I have not received training or have been instructed not to use.
I declare that on the date of this activity I am not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and am physically able to participate in the activity. I agree to disclose any medical conditions or other health-related concerns which could potentially affect my participation.
In the event of an emergency, I authorise The Bench Sydney to arrange medical treatment on my behalf if necessary. I agree to assume the costs associated with the medical treatment received.
In consideration of the above, I hereby release The Bench Sydney from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury that I may incur during the activity, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage or death.
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Bench Sydney from any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including legal fees) arising out of my participation in the event.
1.2 REFUNDS
The Bench has a strict no refund policy if less than 14 business days’ notice is given. (3.2 Refunds, Rescheduling and Cancellations).
1.3 HOW TO REQUEST A REFUND
● Contact our The Bench Sydney customer service team to request an exchange/refund no less than 14 business days from your course start date. Please include your full name, order number and reason for refund.
● If approved, our customer service team will process your refund or credit note. Fees may apply.
SECTION 2 Non-refundable fees
2.1 TAX & THIRD-PARTY BOOKING FEES
All of our sales include Taxes and incur Third Party booking fees. If you request a refund, transfer or credit, Third Party Fees may be applicable up to 20% of the dollar value of your order. In order to ensure there are no fees, please consider your schedule at time of booking and if changes are unavoidable, please contact the customer service team ASAP.
SECTION 3 Desk Hire
3.1 WORKSHOP DESK HIRE POLICIES
By making a booking with us, you are confirming that you have read, understood and agree to the policies we have set in place below.
● This is not a 1on1 session. During your booking, you will be unassisted, and whilst there will be staff around, we are not able to tutor you. This booking is purely for you to use our space and tools.
● During your session you are expected to treat the space and tools with respect. Any damage to our property will be paid for by the customer.
● We often have metal on site for you to purchase. If you have any specific requests, it's best if you email us 14 business days before your booking so we have time to order some for you. If less notice is given, this may result in the materials not showing in time for your booking.
● You are welcome to bring any of your own materials, tools and metal to use.
● The Bench Sydney does not take responsibility for any injuries or damage to personal property during your session.
3.2 Refunds, Rescheduling and Cancellations
● You will NOT be eligible for a refund if you don't show up or miss your booking without warning. Please make sure if you have a change of plans, you email us in accordance with the policies below.
● A full refund (fees apply) can be issued if you cancel within at least 14 days of your booking.
● If less than 14 business days’ notice is given, a credit may be issued - fees apply. (See 4.1 CANCELLATIONS & RESCHEDULING)
● If you need to reschedule your booking, please email us to discuss.
SECTION 4 Workshops/ Classes
4.1 CANCELLATIONS & RESCHEDULING
To cancel your spot, you will need to contact The Bench. We have a strict 2-week (14 business days) cancellation policy. If less than 14 business day notice is given, we will be unable to offer you a full refund. We can offer you a credit to rebook your workshop or a refund of 50% up to 7 days prior to the workshop. Please note that cancellations within 1 week of your class will result in no refund, transfer or credit.
The Bench Sydney runs small, intimate workshops, and it is unlikely that with less than a week's notice we will be able to fill your spot. You are more than welcome to send a friend in your place, just shoot us an email to let us know! If you would like to rebook your workshop to a different date within the one week's time frame, a $56 fee is required to book into another class. If you are not willing to pay this your ticket will be forfeited. If your class has been rebooked from your original date, we are unable to provide a refund regardless of the two week refund notice. If a class is missed, no refund or make-up session can be offered. Please set a reminder and double check dates and times before.
4.2 Covid-19 IMPACT
We understand that COVID-19 has been a tough time for everyone. So in the event of having to isolate for COVID-19 reasons, please contact us via phone or email as soon as you can. We will endeavor to find you a new spot in another one of our workshops provided that you are able to show a positive PCR or rapid test. Please be aware that we are a small business and we have been hit hard by COVID-19 the last three years, like everyone else. We would appreciate kindness and understanding in all communications! If you are unable to attend your session due to COVID-19, you will be required to show a positive PCR or rapid test. 4.3 MINIMUMSWe require a minimum of 5 bookings in order to run a class. If we do not meet this minimum we may cancel the workshop and offer you a credit to attend a workshop of the same value in future.
4.4 GOLD WORKSHOPS
If you decide to book a gold jewellery workshop, it is essential that you read this policy before making a purchase. Due to the ever fluctuating price of gold, we're unable to keep surplus on hand. This means that we order it specifically for you when you book a gold workshop with us. We need at-least two weeks to order it so that it arrives in time for your booking. Leaving less than two weeks means the metal will likely not arrive in time.
4.5 PHOTOGRAPHY/ VIDEOGRAPHY
The Bench Sydney reserves the right to take photographs and video footage during workshops. We intend to use this footage for the purpose of advertising our workshops through various media platforms without payment to students. We are very respectful and aware not to photograph faces or post imagery that identifies individuals unless agreed upon. Please let us know if you do not want to be included in any digital footage.
SECTION 5 Policy Understandings
5.1 AGREEMENTBy completing your purchase, you are confirming that you have read, understood and agree to our terms and conditions / policies.
5.2 LIABILITY
The Bench Sydney and its contractors are not liable or responsible for any injury or and loss or damage to personal possessions at any time.
SECTION 6 Private Classes/Events
6.1 POLICIES
● A 50% deposit of the total amount is required to lock in the date
● The remaining amount is due 1 week prior to the event
● Cancellations made within a week will result in no refund of your deposit, we will do our best to reschedule you to another date. If all parties can not make it to the newly discussed date, there will be no refund given.
● Cancellations made with at least a 14-business day notice are eligible for a deposit refund (fees are applicable)