Madame Mak Wax Academy/Pendants, Bails & Small Carvings

  • $285

Pendants, Bails & Small Carvings

  • Course
  • 28 Lessons
  • 365-day access

In this mini ONE YEAR course, we cover carving pendants from hard carving wax (wax slices), as well as how to carve and attach a bail to a pendant. It also includes how to work with wax wires to form pendant loops and bails. Plus a demonstration on how to create a fingerprint impression pendant using soft wax, and how to carve a small animal (fish).

Note: this course does NOT cover gemstone setting in wax, or the lost wax casting process.

Students who enrol into this course cannot be upgraded or pay the difference to access the "Madame Mak Wax Academy".

Contents

Section 1: Introduction (Dahna & The MMWA)

Welcome to pendants, bails and small carvings! In this course I'll teach you how to carve a few pendants/shapes, as well as how to carve a bail from hard wax, plus how to form wax wire loops and bails to attach to your pendants before casting! Enjoy!

Dahna's Introduction.mp4
Preview
Why I Love Wax and A Ramble About Wax.mp4
Before (wax) vs After (cast metal) Examples of MMJs work.pdf
MMWA The Lost Wax Process Summary.pdf
MMWA Links to Lost Wax Casting Information and Resources.pdf

Section 2: IMPORTANT! SAFETY MODULE FOR WAX WORKING

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). You must watch this section before proceeding with the course.

Important Safety Disclaimer Wax Course.mp4
Wax Carving Bench Safety Module.mp4
Safety When Working With Molten Waxes and Wax Organic Vapours.mp4

Section 3: Wax Carving Tools List (For Pendants, Bails & Small Carvings)

A wax carving tools list for this course (pendants, bails & small carvings), plus a list of tool shops!

MMWA Pendants Course Wax Carving Tools And Safety Gear.pdf
MMWA List of Australian Based and International Jewellery Tool Suppliers.pdf

Section 4: Information To Know In Advance (Not Tutorials, But Thank Me Later)

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, plus how to have your designs moulded for production of multiple copies.

Important Preface Casting Shrinkage.mp4
Moulding Your Designs and Mass Production.mp4

Section 5: Calculation Of Wax Weight To Metal Weight (Must Watch)

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!

Wax Weight To Metal Weight Conversion Plus Examples.mp4
MMWA Wax Weight to Metal Weight Conversion Chart.pdf

Section 6: Load Your Saw Frame

Time to load your blade into your saw frame!

Load A Wax Blade Into Your Jewellers Saw Frame.mp4

Section 7: Carve A Pendant From A Slice Of Wax

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). Shapes feature a heart and a star.

Welcome to Carving a Pendant and Components.mp4
Carve A Heart Pendant From Slice Wax.mp4
Pattern Transfer From Printout To Wax Slice.mp4
Saw Pierce A Cutout Star Pendant.mp4

Section 8: Forming Pendant Bails From Wax Wire And Hard Wax Slices

In this module I walk you through how to form a loop pendant bail from wax wire and attach it to your hard wax pendant, as well as how to carve a pendant bail from a slice of hard carving wax using burs and files.

Form And Attach A Soft Wax Wire Bail To Heart Pendant.mp4
Carve A Bail From Hard Wax.mp4
Check Pendant Balance Before Casting.mp4

Section 9: Carve A Fish From Wax Slice (Hard Wax)

In this tutorial I carve a fish from a hard wax slice, using the standard wax carving tools and a micromotor. I then demonstrate how to build up some molten wax around the fins.

Carve A Fish From Wax Slice.mp4
Organic Fin Buildup on Fish Carving.mp4

Section 10: Make A Fingerprint Impression Pendant (Soft Wax) And Attach A Wire Bail

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!

Fingerprint Impression Pendant.mp4

Section 11: Tool Suppliers & Casting Facilities

A handy compilation of tool suppliers (Australia & international) and casting facilities (Australia & international).

MMWA List of Australian Based and International Jewellery Tool Suppliers.pdf
MMWA List of Australian Based and International Jewellery Casting Facilities.pdf

Section 12: Course Conclusion

My heartfelt thank you to you, for joining my course. May you feel every moment of bliss at the bench, as I did and still do. Enjoy!

Course Conclusion.mp4