Back to All Events

Casting in Bronze: Natural Forms and Lost Wax


  • The Hot Spot 1606 Fuller Avenue Southeast Grand Rapids, MI, 49507 United States (map)

Part One
Saturday, May 25 from 5:00-8:00; Building wax/natural forms, Pouring Investment (plaster)

Part Two

Sunday, May 26 from 2:30-5:30pm; Casting, cutting items off Sprues, and clean-up.

INSTRUCTOR: Abbey Hunter


This class is a TWO day session for intermediate and advanced metalsmiths. We require beginner classes as a prerequisite. Having taken any of our Fabrication or Cabochon classes will qualify!

We will use wax and found natural objects to cast in this class. Feel free to bring a bag of found items from nature (leaves, small pinecones, succulents, etc), but avoid objects with high calcium content like bones and shells.

We will provide wax for carving, and (yellow) bronze for casting. Each person will be able to cast a few items, either from wax or found naturals. Day 1 will involve carving pieces from wax, your natural elements, and creating a sprue for them. Students will mix their investment and pour over their wax sprue structures where they will then cure for 12 hours.

On Day 2, students will arrive at the studio after the kiln with their pieces have been burning out for 6+ hours and will be ready to cast. After casting, there will be time to cut, clean, and polish their work.

While we will be doing centrifugal casting, there will be brief insight into multiple types of casting methods. For those who have enjoyed the world of metal fabrication, I invite you to enter the world of possiblities that is lost-wax casting. Any questions? Feel free to shoot us a message!

COST: $230

Earlier Event: May 19
Cabochon Class
Later Event: May 28
TIG Welding