Brief Description:

Wax carving is a fascinating and intricate art form that involves sculpting and shaping malleable wax into intricate designs and patterns. It is a foundational technique in the world of jewellery making and metal casting. Use specialized tools to manipulate the wax, and bring creative visions to life in three-dimensional form. The wax models serve as the basis for creating moulds, which are then used to cast metal, such as silver or gold. Wax carving allows for intricate detailing and precise customization, making it a versatile and essential skill cherished by craftsmen in the realm of fine jewellery and artistic expression.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Manual dexterity is needed. No prior knowledge of working with silver is needed.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to:

Participants will learn about the basic principles of wax carving and its applications in various fields, including jewellery making, sculpture, and prototyping.

Students will be introduced to the essential tools and materials used in wax carving, such as different types of wax, carving tools, heating equipment, and safety measures.

The course will cover design principles, sketching techniques, and translating ideas from paper to wax, helping participants plan their wax carving project effectively.

Participants will learn a range of carving techniques, including subtractive carving, adding details, texturing, and creating intricate patterns using specialized tools.

Discover common challenges faced during wax carving and techniques to troubleshoot and refine their designs to achieve the desired results.

Understand how apply finishing touches and polishing methods to bring out the best in the wax-carved piece, preparing it for further processing, such as casting in metal or displaying as a standalone wax sculpture.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

The fee includes all consumables required, but does not include metal and casting costs.

Learners will be advised on the most cost effective way to cast their wax sculptures in their metal of choice.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Please bring a pen, pencil and notebook. Tools will be provided but feel free to bring your own. You may wish to bring an apron, and glasses if you wear them for reading.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Continue your skills in one of our Beginners’ or Returners’ Silver Jewellery courses.

The Adult Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you. Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year. Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sunday’s, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.