Contact Information
www.fluxusmetalwork.com
Mastering Low Tech Casting From Home
ONLINE CLASS

Instructors: Kristina Malcolm
and Eva Sherman

Sent: July 26, 2020
  • $400 Class Fee includes: handouts, tips, tricks, project ideas, and access to the Zoom class.
  • Class will be accessible via zoom live on the day of class and for 28 days after class.
  • Instructors will be available to answer questions during the live class (and for 28 days after class via email only).
  • Payment in full at time of registration is required to guarantee a spot in online class.
  • No refunds will be issued within 3 days of class start.
Sign up HERE
Week 1 - Monday Sept. 28, 2020 (6 pm - 9 pm)
Water Casting
Water casting with metals is achieved by pouring the molten metal into cold water where it immediately solidifies and takes on a unique shape that is random and unpredictable. The resulting shapes are unlike hand fabricated pieces and quite serendipitous with many different applications. This is also a great way to turn scrap silver into something beautiful and unique. Eva will discuss design considerations and demonstrate the creation of a finished piece of jewelry using one of the cast components.
Class will cover:
  • Intro of artists and class topics
  • Safety info
  • Tool and materials review
  • Crucible seasoning
  • Scrap casting in water
  • Wire casting in water
  • Design discussion
  • Ring creation
Week 2 - Monday Oct. 5, 2020 (6 pm - 9 pm)
Round Object Casting
Casting molten metal into the cavities left by round shapes creates an interesting abstract texture. The medium that is used makes each type of cast unique, and a reflection of the material used. Eva will discuss design considerations and demonstrate the creation of a finished piece of jewelry using one of the cast components.
Class will cover:
  • Bean casting
  • Rice casting
  • Salt casting
  • Design discussion
  • Pendant creation
Week 3 - Monday Oct. 12, 2020 (6 pm - 9 pm)
Narrow Object Casting
Casting molten metal into the cavities left by long narrow shapes creates an interesting stalactite texture. The medium that is used makes each type of cast unique, and a reflection of the material used. Eva will discuss design considerations and demonstrate the creation of a finished piece of jewelry using one of the cast components.
Class will cover:
  • Broom straw casting
  • Pine needle casting
  • Spaghetti casting
  • Design discussion
  • Pendant creation
Week 4 - Monday Oct. 19, 2020 (6 pm - 9 pm)
The Magic of Cuttlebone Casting
This class is jam packed with information about cuttlebone casting; from a quick history and biology lesson, to picking out the bone that’s right for your project. Learn different ways to carve a mold, make found object impressions, and finish with liver of sulphur for a dramatic effect. Kristina will show how to make a mold from start to finish, pour the molten silver, and complete a ring during class.
Class will cover:
  • History and biology
  • Sourcing and selecting cuttlebone
  • Found objects versus carving
  • One part and two part molds
  • Carving the mold
  • Pouring
  • Finishing a ring
Week 5 - Monday Oct. 26, 2020 (6 pm - 9 pm)
Sand Casting with Found Objects
Sand casting has a rich, diverse history. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of the different types of flasks used in sand casting, and the different ways to carve a mold. Kristina will discuss the use of found objects for this project, and demonstrate making an impression using sticks and twigs. These will be cast, formed, and soldered together to create a cuff bracelet during the course of the class. Additionally forming and soldering cast metal will be demonstrated, as it takes a little more finesse than wire or sheet forming.
Class will cover:
  • History of the technique
  • Types of flasks
  • How to use found objects
  • One and two part molds
  • Carving the mold
  • Using acetylene for casting
  • Pouring
  • Forming cast metal
  • Soldering cast metal
  • Finishing a cuff bracelet
Week 6 - Monday Nov. 2, 2020 (6 pm - 9 pm)
Tufa Carving and Casting
Tufa is an amazing material with an abundant history linked to Native Americans of the Southwest. It’s the hidden gem of the jewelry world. Join Kristina as she explains all about sourcing the tufa and preparing the mold, which if done correctly, can be cast 5-20 times. Tufa will be cured, mold carved, and cuff cast in a single pour. Finally the cuff will be (delicately) formed.
Class will cover:
  • History
  • Sourcing
  • Prep
  • Warm up and carving the mold
  • Treating the mold
  • Pouring
  • Forming
  • Finishing
Coming Soon: Advanced Casting