Sand casting classes

by Kirra-lea Caynes February 25, 2021

I have been very busy since 2019 travelling all over Australia teaching the sand casting technique with cast in place rough sapphire. It has been a great success with many happy students who are hopefully inspired to continue casting.

Now I am offering more UnEarthed sand casting classes.

The beginner introduction to sand casting class, which is suitable for complete novices as well as practising jewellers.

The intermediate mixed metal sand casting class using the twice cast technique, a great way to level up after doing the beginners class.

Another intermediate sand casting class, this one focuses on cast-in-place faceted stones. Another great class to join if you have done the beginners class.

For something a bit different I have the bangle casting workshop, including cast-in-place faceted stones! So that's a third option after doing the beginners class!

Then there is the advanced sand casting class for sand casters who want to learn some more advanced mould making techniques and tricks in the clay to become more efficient casters. This class focuses on how to cast-in-place faceted stones too! A perfect class for students who have done both a beginners class and one of the intermediate classes or for practicing sand casters who want to broaden their knowledge and skill in the sand.

Oh and just for fun I am now offering a sand casting cutlery class! During the 2020 lock down I had a solid few months of experimenting and exploring casting cutlery. Now I am ready to share my knowledge and bring the joy of cutlery to more creators around Australia.

Check out the class information below to see which class suits you and your skill level best.

Beginners UnEarthed class

In my one day workshop I will guide you through the process of designing and sand-casting your very own sterling silver jewellery pieces with cast-in-place sapphires. This workshop is specifically designed to cater to both novices with no previous experience, and more advanced jewellers who are interested in adding to their skill set. You will leave the workshop inspired with a sense of accomplishment, your pieces polished and ready to wear.

I will be providing 30g of sterling silver and a variety of rough sapphires sourced from the Coolamon Mine in Queensland, and the North East rivers of Tasmania. Sand casting can be used to replicate almost any hard object and turn it into precious jewellery, I offer an extensive array of objects to mould and cast, but you can bring along your own hard objects. You also have the option of bringing your own silver and sapphires to add a more personal touch to the experience. The materials provided will allow you to make up to 3 pieces of jewellery.

Really all you need to bring is yourself! Snacks, tea and coffee are also offered. Please arrive dressed appropriately: closed in shoes, long pants, hair tied back; note that we are working with clay, so it can get a little messy. The classes are limited to 6 students to ensure a guided, attentive experience. I look forward to creating with you!

Mixed Metal sand casting workshop

If you attended my beginners, then this is the class for you!!

During this one-day workshop, I will be teaching the twice cast technique. Where you cast two different metals into the same design. In this class we will be using a mix of copper/silver and brass/silver.

This workshop is specifically designed for creators who have had sand casting experience or have done my beginners workshop. There will be three demonstrations, each showing some variations on the twice cast techniques. Following the demonstrations, you will be given three projects. Each project will be your own design concept, exploring and applying the twice cast technique taught in the demonstration.

The materials supplied in the workshop include 30g of sterling silver, 20g of copper and 10g of brass. The materials provided will allow you to practice and make up to 4 projects. There will be the option to purchasing more metal if required. An extensive array of solid objects to mould and cast will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own to explore and use in the casting process. You can also bring your own metal if you would like to personalise a project.

Intermediate sand casting workshop

If you attended one of my beginner workshops, then this is the class for you!

During this one-day workshop, I will be teaching how to cast-in-place faceted gemstones! I will demonstrate using three different setting styles; flush, bead and rub over. This workshop is specifically designed for creators who loved the beginners class and want to build on their knowledge and skills in sand casting. There will be two demonstrations, showing different setting styles to cast-in-place stones. Following the demonstrations, you will be given two projects. Each project will be your own design concept, exploring and applying the setting styles taught in the demonstration. The workshop allows for ample time to complete your projects, however, if you wish to continue creating new pieces, you can continue casting in class and clean up in your own time.

The materials covered in the workshop include 30g of sterling silver and a variety of synthetic faceted stones, with the option of buying natural faceted sapphires. Sand casting faceted stones can be difficult, so it is recommended to start with synthetic stones provided in the workshop, before using authentic gemstones. There will be an extensive array of solid objects to mould and cast, but you are welcome to bring your own to explore and use in the casting process. You can also bring your own metal and gemstones, should you wish to personalise a project with your own materials. Please note that gemstones used in the cast-in-place process should be 7.5 or higher on the Mohs hardness scale.

The materials provided will allow you to make up to 3 take-home pieces of jewellery. If you need more than 30g of silver, there will be an option to purchase more on the day (cash, bank transfer and card options will be accepted).

Bangle casting workshop.

During this one-day workshop, I will be teaching how to cast a bangle with cast-in-place faceted gemstones! I will demonstrate two different setting styles that can be used; flush set and bead set. This workshop is specifically designed for creators who loved the beginners class and want to build on their knowledge and skills in sand casting. There will be a demonstration at the start of the day, showing the two different setting styles to cast-in-place stones. Following the demonstration, you will be given a practice project of casting a ring. Once everyone has cast a ring with a cast-in-place stone we will move on to making a bangle! All projects will be your own design concept, exploring and applying the setting styles taught in the workshop. The workshop allows for ample time to complete your two castings ready to wear. If time and martials allow there is an option to make another piece with the metal left over after casting a bangle. Cleaning up your castings is an option, students are welcome to cast away all day and finish off their casting at home.

The materials covered in the workshop include 50g of sterling silver and a variety of synthetic faceted stones, with the option of buying natural faceted sapphires. Sand casting faceted stones can be difficult, so it is recommended to start with synthetic stones provided in the workshop, before using authentic gemstones. There will be a variety of bangles and ring shapes to mould and cast, but you are welcome to bring your own to explore and use in the casting process. You can also bring your own metal and gemstones, should you wish to personalise a project with your own materials. Please note that gemstones used in the cast-in-place process should be 7.5 or higher on the Mohs hardness scale.

The materials provided will allow you to make up to 3 take-home pieces of jewellery. If you need more than 50g of silver, there will be an option to purchase more on the day (cash, bank transfer and card options will be accepted).

What to bring

The classes are limited to 6 students to ensure a flexible and tailored experience. All you need to bring is yourself! Snacks, tea and coffee will be provided. Please arrive dressed appropriately: closed in shoes, long pants and hair tied back. Please note that when working with clay, it can get a little messy!

Advanced UnEarthed class

If you have done one of my workshops or you are a sand caster then this is the class for you!!

In my one day workshop I will be teaching more advanced techniques like resizing and adding findings in the sand, casting with multiple spues, making a flat back mould, casting multiple objects in one go. While focusing on how to cast-in-place faceted gemstones!

This workshop is specifically designed for more advanced creators who are interested in increasing their knowledge and skill in sand casting. You will leave the workshop inspired with new techniques to practice at home. Unfortunately there wont be much time to clean up all your pieces during class. You will need access to a studio for finishing your castings.

I will be providing 30g of sterling silver and a variety of synthetic stones with the option of buying faceted and cabochon sapphires. Sand casting cut stones can be tricky so best to start out with the synthetic stones I supply before using real gemstones. I offer an extensive array of objects to mould and cast, but you can bring along your own hard objects. You also have the option of bringing your own metal, and gemstones to add a more personal touch to the experience. Any gemstone that is 7.5 or higher on Mohs hardness scale should be suitable for the cast in place process. The materials provided will allow you to make up to 3 pieces of jewellery. If you need more than 30g of silver there will be an option to purchase extra on the day. Cash or card accepted.

Cutlery UnEarthed class

In my one day workshop I will guide you through the process of conceptualising and casting your very own silver and copper pieces of cutlery. We will be making two items, one copper and silver regular sized piece, and one smaller copper piece. Wither that be it a spoon, cheese knife, olive fork or serving utensil, it’s up to you! This workshop caters to all skill sets, including novices with no previous experience. That means everyone is welcome! You will leave the workshop with your two pieces of cutlery finished and ready to use!

I will be providing 30g of sterling silver and 50g of copper. I offer an extensive collection of cutlery and objects to mould and cast, but you are welcome bring along your own cutlery to mould.

You also have the option of bringing your own metal to add a more personal touch to the experience. The materials provided will allow you to make two pieces of cutlery. If you require more material there will be an option to purchase more on the day.

All you need to bring is yourself! Snacks, tea and coffee on offer. Please arrive dressed appropriately: closed in shoes, long pants, hair tied back; note that we are working with clay, so it can get a little messy. The classes are limited to 6 students to ensure a guided, attentive experience. I look forward to creating with you!

Check out the list of upcoming workshops in various locations around Australia and New Zealand! Click here.

Cost: $465-$495

Duration: 7 hours over one class

Workshop location: Workshop6, 486 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand

Workshop location: Workspace Studios, Toi Pōneke, 61 Abel Smith Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Workshop location: Claw Creative Studio, 120-122 Alexandra Parade, Fitzroy Melbourne

Workshop location: Mayben Artisan Jeweller, Suite 9 115/113 Main Rd, Moonah Tasmania

Workshop location: Square Peg Studios, 10 Junction St, Marrickville NSW 2204

Workshop location: Hodak & Young, somewhere in the hills and valleys of Wildes Meadow, NSW

Workshop Location: Kin Gallery, G06-27 Lonsdale St Braddon, Canberra ACT

Workshop Location: CQ University, 554-700 Yaamba Rd, Norman Gardens, Rockhampton, QLD