Sandcasting Day with Shibuichi

Join us for this wonderful intro to sand casting - it is a great opportunity to make some gorgeous lasting jewellery gifts for yourself or your loved ones!

The class runs from 10am - 4pm and there will be a lunch break.

Students are shown the ancient technique of sand casting with Shibuichi, using a wax to make a simple hard model or found objects such as buttons or simple small forms - create your simple 2-part mould and melt and pour shibuichi (a beautiful alloy of fine silver and copper) to cast into the sand. Shibuichiis a Japanese alloy commonly used in metal inlay on armour and swords by fine artisans.

The model you have made or found enables you to make multiple pours possible to create multiple pieces. Best suited to smaller scale items, both to keep the budget down and the amount of weight in a piece this technique can be used to create rings, pendants or small earrings. This is a fun process for those who just want to try their hand at it, or a very useful low-tech process for those who are making jewellery into a career or creative activity. Each student will be given opportunity to cast one or two items, and then time will be included in the day to finish up the pieces so you can wear them away.

This class uses a combination of tutor supervision and also a peer-buddy system so that students are also given opportunity to watch and learn from each other's casts and pours.

The class has a practical health and safety aspect to it as students are introduced to working with an oxy-lpg torch and molten metal.

Course cost includes 9g silver but students can expect to use an additional $50 - $70 worth of silver or shibuichi.