WHETHER YOU'RE A BEGINNER OR AN EXPERIENCED ARTISAN, THIS COURSE IS DESIGNED TO DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF WAX MODELLING, SILVER CASTING, AND FINISHING TECHNIQUES.

Welcome to "From Wax to Silver": For individuals passionate about jewelry craftsmanship and eager to explore the art of transforming wax into silver pieces.

Day 1. Introduction to Lost Wax Casting Technique. History, Safety, tools, and materials overview Experimenting with the different types of waxes.

Day 2. Advanced Wax Modelling Techniques Overview of lost wax casting with a focus on thin-wax applications Introduction to Linocut Technique with linoleum as a matrix for creating wax sheets Benefits and challenges of thin wax models in jewellery Adding Details and Texture - Techniques for Precision Modelling - Troubleshooting Common Challenges in Wax Modelling Examples of finished pieces

Day 3. Introduction to jewelry design fundamentals: balance, lightweight forms, and proportions. Creating a mood board for inspiration and design direction.. Translating designs into vax models and linocut patterns suitable for casting. Creating thin wax models using linoleum matrices. Demonstration: producing thin wax sheets using pouring and pressing techniques. Hands-on activity: cutting, shaping, and assembling wax sheets. Structural considerations for reinforcing delicate designs without adding weight.

Day 4. Importance of proper casting tree preparation. Review and critique of participants’ wax models. Designing casting trees for minimal turbulence and maximum stability Special spruing techniques for thin wax models: ensuring smooth metal flow. Demonstration: assembling a casting tree with delicate elements. Hands-on activity: constructing individual casting trees. Use of wax supports and temporary reinforcements where necessary.

Day 5. Investment and Casting Preparation Introduction to investment materials and techniques - Preparation of the investment - Kiln Firing preparation - Explanation of the kiln firing process, temperature control and timing Loading the Kiln - Proper positioning and safety measures

Day 6. Introduction to Vacuum Casting and Centrifugal Casting processes. Demonstration: setting up and operating casting machines. Silver melting and pouring techniques with a focus on safety. Hands-On Casting Practice Devesting fragile pieces: best practices to avoid damage. Initial cleaning and separation from sprues. Review and discussion of casting outcomes: defects, successes, learning points and troubleshooting.

Day 7 -8. Finishing and Assembly Finishing of the casted pieces: Cleaning, cutting the canals, filing, sanding,creating mechanism depending on the created pieces as brooch, pendant, earrings and polishing. Surface finishes for texture enhancement (brushed, oxidized, satin, high polish) Simple soldering or cold connections for assembling Group critique, discussion, and individual feedback for future improvements. Q&A and Course Conclusion - Final questions and clarifications

Om kursledarna:
Özay Emert is a professional jewelry artist with her own studio. She holds a Master’s degree in jewelry art from HDK – Academy of Design and Crafts in Gothenburg, Sweden, and a Bachelor’s degree in sculpture from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul, Turkey. Her artistic practice spans both traditional techniques and contemporary expressions, and she regularly exhibits her work both in Sweden and internationally. In addition to her artistic work, Özay has many years of experience as a mentor and instructor in silversmithing.

Chiara Pignotti is an Italian artist and jewelry maker based in Gothenburg, Sweden. She holds a Ph.D. in Art: Production and Research from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain, where she also served as a researcher and lecturer. Her academic work has focused on contemporary jewelry as a form of artistic expression and cultural symbolism.

Serena Holm, born in Naples, Italy, pursued her studies in Art History at the University of Bologna, followed by Jewelry Art at HDK – University of Gothenburg, and Pedagogy at the University of Karlstad. Drawing inspiration from contemporary events, mythology and nature, Serena creates intricate jewelry pieces using advanced craftsmanship techniques.