This is a TWO YEAR exclusive access wax academy which covers all things wax carving (hard carving wax and organic build up) and starts from the foundational basics through to intermediate/advanced wax techniques featuring gemstones! Plus all my tips and tricks! Let's GO!
Note: this course does not include lost wax casting.
Get your popcorn and choc tops ready! In this introduction I waffle on about my love for jewellery and jewellery making, specifically wax carving. I discuss my background and my intention with filming and launching this course, including what to expect from this course (and what isn't covered).
In this module I will be taking you through the important safety considerations and requirements for working safely with jeweller's wax (hard wax, and liquefied hard wax). Please do not pass this section. You must watch this section before proceeding with the course.
In this module I'll be walking and talking at my bench, and sharing the tools and consumables I use at my bench for wax carving. You won't need all of these tools by any means, but I have compiled a tools list for you at the end of this segment with the essentials, including a tool budget breakdown and different options for setting up. Enjoy!
In this module, I take you through some very useful quality information you should know regarding a few technicalities at the bench, specifically casting shrinkage, moulding and mass production and how to apply it to a wide customer base, and wax injection modification and how to utilise it to create secondary versions of an original moulded design. These are not tutorials, but I regale you with all you need to know!
In this module I walk you through how to weigh your wax and convert your wax model to a metal weight equivalent. It is important to weigh each wax model to know how much it will weigh in metal, and to calculate how much the metal (piece of jewellery) will cost in advance of casting it. This is extremely important, so please don't pass this!
Welcome to the first wax carving module of this course. This is the introductory basics for carving a stacking band in jewellers wax. Please start here before progressing to the other videos. Enjoy!
In this module I present to my bench with a handful of pre-carved ring bands in a simple stacking style, and a variety of tools to demonstrate a variety of wax texturing methods.
In this module I demonstrate how to repair a cracked or broken wax, and also demonstrate how to size wax models up and down in size prior to casting (from hard wax models and models pumped from a mould/injection wax).
In this module I take a pre-carved stacking ring and show you how to transform it into a wavy ring using files and emery paper. A fun way to convert old stacking rings and stuff from your scrap box etc!
In this module we turn it up a notch from the stacking ring, and carve a smooth dome ring. Dome rings have a chunky rounded top and taper to a thinner band, and serve well as every day rings. Get ready to learn how to measure and mark your waxes for achieving symmetrical designs!
In this module, I do your head in with a bunch of measuring and marking and then show you the process to create a round top (round face) traditional signet ring. Enjoy!
In this module I demonstrate a variety of different ways to set gemstones (round gemstones) directly into wax models for casting in place (ie. the gemstone remains in the wax model and gets cast as-is along with the metal). It's a cheeky way of doing things in the alternative jewellery world, and it is as far from traditional setting as can possibly be (and somewhat taboo). For some of these tutorials, I arrive with pre-carved rings to demonstrate the setting component only (because you already know how to carve rings)! Stay tuned for the fun!
In this module I share the process of carving a shape for a pendant from hard carving wax (in the form of a wax slice). It includes how to transfer a pattern from a printout onto the wax block, and also a tutorial regarding how to saw pierce/hollow out the centre of a pendant. Stay tuned for module 14 next, to witness the creation of pendant bails and wires (and how to attach them to your pendants).
In this module I walk you through how to form a loop pendant bail from wax wire and attach it to your pendant, as well as how to carve a pendant bail from a slice of hard carving wax using burs and files.
In this tutorial I carve a fish from a hard wax slice, using the standard wax carving tools and a micromotor.
In this demonstration I use Ferris Mold-A-Wax to create a fingerprint impression. I also demonstrate how to form and attach a wire bail (wax wire) to the pendant for casting as one piece. You can alternatively learn how to solder metal jump rings to your finished pendants, but will have to attend a soldering class elsewhere!
In the final modules of this wax course, I'll be taking you through the organic wax build up method using melted carving wax and gemstones! In this first module I have taken an old signet ring from my studio scrap box and transformed it into a cabochon claw ring as a teaser lesson. Stay tuned in the next few modules for "full ring builds" in different styles. For most of my designs I use a blend of carving hard wax and organic build up, so you'll get a full insight into my world! I have also included a PDF with links to the MOHS Measurement of Hardness Scale, and additional information regarding safe cleaning of gemstones.
In this module we will be building a claw ring mount to fit a large cabochon gemstone, and then creating an organic band (with melted wax) to suit!
In this module we build a claw ring to hold a faceted oval gemstone using a 100% molten wax build up method (no hard wax carving).
In this tutorial I use a blend of hard carving wax and organic build up to build a non-traditional 6-claw solitaire ring in a vintage inspired buttercup setting. I also demonstrate how to carve a tiny accent flower to weld as an embellishment to the band!
In this module I take one of my personal rings and show you how to build a fitted organic style shadow band to fit beside it (using melted wax).
A handy compilation of tool suppliers (international), casting facilities (international) and gemstone merchants (Australia & USA). I have also included a PDF with links to the MOHS Measurement Of Hardness Scale (for those of you wanting to work with gems), as well as a link to a GIA article which discusses safe gemstone cleaning in ultrasonic cleaners. You're welcome!
My heartfelt thank you to you, for joining the Madame Mak Wax Academy. May you feel every moment of bliss at the bench, as I did and still do. Enjoy!