Wax Carving Class

Participants will learn how to measure and mark the wax for visible planning lines and precision cuts by practicing 3-dimensional planning and layout techniques for subtractive wax carving. We will begin with the preparation of carving wax for ring size and design layout for carving with a classic bypass ring design. Once the practice wax is completed, participants will be able to apply these new skills to their own designs. Carving wax for stone setting and open work will be covered.

The different carving waxes designated by color will be discussed. Green, blue, and purple waxes will be available for practice carving. Specialized wax tools such as wax saws, miter boxes, rotary files, mini lathe, electric wax pens and scrappers will be demonstrated. No casting will be part of this class, but students are encouraged to join the casting club at BARN.

Students are encouraged to bring any of their own tools, such as files, spatulas, alcohol lamps, dental tools, exacto knives, saw frames, or burrs that they have been using. BARN Jewelry Studio has all the tools necessary for this class, so no purchase of tools is required.

The material fee is $110.00 for this class. This includes waxes and supplies.

Instructor: After serving as a fine jewelry designer and marketing consultant for Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Tiffany & Co., Nanz Aalund taught jewelry metals classes at the University of Washington and at the Art Institute in Seattle.

She authored the 40 biographies in the book Masters: Gold (published by Lark Books in 2009) and served as technical author and associate editor for Art Jewelry Magazine. Currently, Nanz is writing an Apprenticeship Guide for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America, due for publication in spring of 2017.