Tell me about it

Ever had a jewellery design in your head that you just couldn't figure out how to make in metal? Wax might be the answer!

Wax carving opens up a whole new world of possibilities for jewellery makers, allowing you to create shapes, textures and intricate forms that can be difficult, expensive or downright frustrating to achieve using traditional metalworking techniques. The appeal of wax is that it is affordable, forgiving and wonderfully satisfying to work with!

Welcome to Wax Carving for Jewellers, our two-day Professional Class at Vanilla Ink CIC in Glasgow, where you'll discover the techniques, tools and creative possibilities of working with jewellery carving wax.

From accurately carved wedding bands to sculptural, one-of-a-kind designs, you'll learn how to cut, carve, shape, build and refine wax models that can eventually be transformed into precious metal through the lost-wax casting process.

We'll explore the technical side of wax carving, helping you understand how to work accurately and confidently, before giving you the freedom to experiment and develop your own designs.

Can I do this class?

Already making jewellery but never tried wax carving? You're in exactly the right place! This course is designed for jewellers who have a basic understanding of traditional bench techniques but little or no experience of working with carving wax.

You should be reasonably comfortable with skills such as saw-piercing, filing and refining metal, and basic soldering and jewellery construction. But you don't need any previous wax-carving experience as we'll start with the fundamentals and build your confidence as you explore the different techniques.

Perhaps you're looking to expand your design possibilities, create more complex forms or simply discover a different approach to jewellery making. Whatever your motivation, wax carving is a brilliant addition to your creative toolkit.

Not sure whether you've got the right experience? Get in touch before booking and we'll happily help you decide.

What happens?

Across two practical days, you'll explore the essential techniques of wax carving, from accurate technical construction to creative experimentation. We'll begin by developing your understanding of the material and how to work with it effectively, before moving on to more expressive techniques and individual designs.

Day One: Technical Foundations

Precision, accuracy and control.

We'll start by exploring the tools and techniques used to carve jewellery wax accurately, focusing on the importance of measurements, preparation and careful material removal.

You'll learn how to:

• Understand different carving tools and how to use them effectively

• Measure, mark out and prepare wax for carving

• Carve flat wedding bands to precise dimensions

• Create fitted wedding bands using different carving techniques

These exercises will help you understand how wax behaves and give you a solid foundation for creating accurate jewellery models.

Day Two: Creative Exploration

Now it's time to get a little more adventurous!

With the fundamentals under your belt, we'll explore some of the more creative possibilities of wax carving and construction.

You'll learn how to:

• Build up wax to create new forms and add details

• Repair and correct mistakes without starting again

• Experiment with wax granulation and decorative textures

• Create your own original wax jewellery model

This is where things get really interesting! You'll have the opportunity to explore your own ideas, experiment with different approaches and discover how wax can help bring more ambitious jewellery designs to life.

By the end of the weekend, you'll have developed a solid understanding of both technical and creative wax-carving techniques, giving you the confidence to continue designing and making wax models at your own bench.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring a sketchbook or notebook for taking notes and sketching out ideas. There'll be plenty of useful techniques you'll want to remember! Glasses or Optivisors are strongly recommended for this class. Wax carving can involve detailed work, so suitable magnification will make a real difference. If you're unsure what you'll need, please get in touch before booking.

We'll provide all the wax, tools and materials required for the course. Everyone will have their own fully equipped jeweller's bench, with access to our specialist wax-carving tools. If you have your own tools that you're comfortable using, you're very welcome to bring them along.

Please tie back long hair, avoid open-toed shoes and keep loose-fitting clothing to a minimum.

The details

🔨 Two-day Professional Class
🕑 10am – 6pm daily [includes a 1-hour lunch break, 1pm – 2pm]
📅 Sat 7th & Sun 8th August

Why book with Vanilla Ink CIC?

At Vanilla Ink, we believe developing your jewellery-making skills should be exciting, rewarding and accessible, whatever stage you're at in your creative journey. Our Professional Classes are designed to help jewellers develop practical skills, explore new techniques and discover fresh possibilities for their creative practice.

We're also a Community Interest Company, which means every class you book helps us deliver creative programmes supporting people experiencing disadvantage, isolation and barriers to opportunity. Through jewellery making, we help people develop skills, build confidence and connect with their communities.

Educate. Inspire. Empower. That's what we're all about.

All prices are inclusive of VAT
Students must be 16+ years
Good eyesight and hand dexterity is essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking

Vanilla Ink CIC
60 Brook Street
Glasgow
G40 2AB