Suitable for the absolute beginner or intermediate jeweller who hasn’t ventured into wax work. In this one-day taster class you will be introduced to lost wax casting techniques, learn the basic skills needed to create your own carved wax ring (you may include cast-in-place semi-precious stones).

Participants will be shown a variety of demonstrations and will be able to explore their own design with new techniques.

When: Saturday 10:30am – 3:30pm
Duration: 5 hours
Class size: Maximum 8 people
Cost: $195

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As part of Joynton & 107 Projects, The Bench will provide subsidised courses to residents in the Zetland, Sydney area. For further information please email us at jewellery@thebench.sydney

ABOUT THE COURSE

Prerequisite

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, you do not need to be artistic or creative - you’ll be surprised what you can create under the guidance of our expert tutors. Suitable for the absolute beginner or intermediate jeweller who hasn’t ventured into wax work.

Our taster classes are perfect for absolute beginners with no previous experience.

This is a fast and focused 1 day workshop - The taster class does not cover how to remove casting sprues nor professionally polish your finished design. If you would prefer a more detailed course, please check out Designing in Wax.

Course Objectives

You will have plenty of time to work on your own models for casting and lots of tips and tricks will be covered along the way.

Lost Wax Casting - Fundamental overview, types of jeweller’s wax, essential tools, using heat, casting house contacts, health & safety.

Basic methods of model production - Carving, building up or a combination of both.

Cast in Place Stone Setting - Learn the principals that allow you to set stones in wax for immediate metal casting.

Techniques in wax - Organic and irregular shapes, interesting textures, spontaneous shapes and surface effects or Intricate carved patterns.

Course Outcomes

You will learn the basic skills needed to create your own carved wax ring. Everyone should complete at least one piece of jewellery which will be cast in the metal of your choice (e.g., silver, gold, platinum & bronze) and finished/ polished by The Bench. Your completed cast jewellery will be ready approximately two - three weeks later. You may either collect from The Bench or arrange for $20 postage.

The taster class does not cover how to remove casting sprues and professionally polish your finished design.

What’s Included

Casting cost is not included in course fee - you may or may not choose to cast your wax model.
Your tutor will assist you in your costing calculations.

Carving wax, semi-precious stones, access to tools, course notes.

Your completed cast jewellery will be ready approximately two - three weeks later. You may either collect from The Bench or arrange for $20 postage.

Casting costs are priced as follows:
+ cost of model
+ cast fees
+ GST
(Non-tarnish silver is $3.50 per gram in March 2025 - prices are subject to change)

The Tutor: Erin Pearce

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.

The Workshop

The Bench is a modern, light filled, industry standard workshop focusing on education and training. It is 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 is a safe working and learning environment, complete with a wide inventory of tools and equipment, such as Vaniman polishing extraction, enamelling kiln, fume cabinets, micromotors, soldering torches, rolling mill, tumbler, ultrasonic and more.

Location

The Bench acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of our land – Australia. The Bench acknowledges the Gadigal of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of this place we now call Sydney.

The Bench is located at the exquisite historic site, Joynton Avenue Creative Centre in Green Square, and is easily accessed by bus, train (Green Square Station), ride or walk.

The Bench cultivates inclusive, creative and accessible spaces for everyone to have the opportunity to feel safe and welcomed.

The building has full wheelchair accessibility, ramp access from street and park entrances, internal lift for access to upper levels and a unisex accessible toilet on each level.

THE BENCH, Joynton Avenue Creative Centre
3A Joynton Ave, Zetland NSW 2017

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

The workshop has air-conditioning/ heating. You will be comfortable!

Please wear closed toe shoes (NO CROCS, NO SLIDES, NO HIGH HEELS, NO SHOES EXPOSING SKIN).
(If possible) long pants should be worn - NO SHORTS.
Avoid wearing loose flowing garments (exposed legs will not be allowed in soldering area).
Sensory plugs are allowed e.g., Loops. NO HEADPHONES WITH AUDIO.
Hair tie. If you have long hair, please bring along something to tie it back with.
Peepers! Remember to bring your glasses if you need them.

Book your course

Questions?

Email us at: jewellery@thebench.sydney
or call us on: 0406 794 112