Saturday, May 31, 2025
10:00 am - 1:00 pm PDT
Instructor: Jennifer Stenhouse
Intermediate Level
Mitsuro Hikime is a Japanese modeling wax that creates exceptionally delicate detail resembling the exquisite textures of organic materials like grass, hair, or flowing silk. The wax is primarily a mixture of pine resin and beeswax, and includes other waxes, depending on the recipe. You can buy it pre-made and focus on design, or you can customize your wax to your preferences. Much like taffy, the cold wax is gently warmed and pulled until the desired effect is created.
We will work on improving wax skills by tackling more sensitive designs and patterns, while focusing on practice rings or accent components.
We will begin with the discussion of gathering the elements for the recipe, along with discussing their other uses. Demonstrations will include making the mitsuro hikime wax from scratch as well as tips and tricks used by the pros to create patterns for wax models.
We will focus on designs, tools, tips, and tricks that result in good wax models.
Finished wax models can be cast yourself, or sent to your caster.
Prerequisite: Basic wax working skills are necessary.
Intermediate Level
All classes include the video recording, which you will have access to for 60 days after the class. Zoom link and instructions for joining the call will be emailed 1 day (24 hours) prior to class.
The class supply list is below and contains links to buy the supplies you need.
Supply List for Students
The links below will take you to RioGrande.com or other suppliers. To see prices for precious metal items, you need a free Rio Grande account. Students in the Rio for Schools program enjoy wholesale benefits for six months (instructor code = RFSLMF). This site may contain Amazon and other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases.
Recommended Tools & Materials:
-
Alcohol lamp – This item will ship empty. You will need to get denatured alcohol at a local hardware store.
- Wax working tools
- Max Wax Pen
-
Mitsuro Hikime Wax (be sure to email them right after you order and mention you are taking Little Metal Foxes Classes to get an additional 30% wax with your order.)
- OR, if you want to make it from scratch:
- Beeswax
- Pine resin
- Utility wax (paraffin wax) or sticky wax
- Nylon hose (stocking) or cheesecloth
- Embroidery hoop, or a strainer
- Crock-pot
- Wooden stirring stick or chopstick
- Spoon
- Aluminum pan
Additional wax-working tools can be found, ordered, created, or purchased locally. Help support your local merchants! The tools listed below are helpful for working in your studio and at home to create the wax models:
- Dental tools
- Exacto knife/tools
- Sharp pointy tools
- Course wood files
- Piece of scrap brass
- Old broken drill bits
- Nylon hose/fabrics
- 400 grit wet/dry paper
- Craft sewing needles
- Linoleum carving tools
- Watertight container to store waxes
- Wax paper
- Light vegetable oil
- Wax-warmer, mug-warmer, or crock-pot
- For polishing waxes: glycerin soap and a soft paint brush
- Sketching and note taking supplies
Hot tools
Many people like to use dental tools with an alcohol lamp with denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol may be purchased from your local hardware store. If you prefer to work with an electric pen there is the battery-powered Max Wax Pen. Also, an electric dental wax working pen is available on sites like eBay or Amazon for about $45.
