Saturday, October 12, 2024
10:00 am - 1:00 pm PDT
Instructor: Jennifer Stenhouse
This class investigates more advanced modeling with Mitsuro Hikime wax. We will do a deep dive into model-making with Mitsuro wax. The art of Mitsuro Hikime is an ancient Japanese wax modeling technique that creates exceptionally delicate detail that resembles the most exquisite texture of organic materials like grass, hair, or flowing silk. The wax is made up of a mixture of pine resin and beeswax, along with other waxes. Much like taffy, the cold wax is gently warmed and pulled until the desired effect is created. Students will learn how to work with the Mitsuro to create their designs by pulling, shaping, and sculpting the wax into unique forms they can cast. Then we will explore several pulling techniques for creating ribbon-like jewelry. Jennifer will also show students how to add a few stone settings. We will also discuss how and where to get your designs cast if you don’t have casting equipment available to you.
All Levels.
All classes include the video recording, which you will have access to for 60 days after the class. The Zoom link, handouts, video(s), and other important information can be found by clicking on the individual class link on the "My Courses" page. The Zoom link and handout (if any) will be available 24 hours before the class starts.
You also get 1 free session of Open Studio Access (OSA) in the month following your class, the Zoom link can be found on the course video access page.
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 Materials and Tools:
Look around your studio for great little sculpting tools and mandrels. Additional wax-working tools can be found, ordered, created or purchased locally at hardware stores. These will be discussed thoroughly on the first evening of class. Help support your local merchants!
The tools listed below are helpful for working in your studio and at home to create wax models.
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Golden Kitsune Wax - You can use discount code Metalfoxes10 for 10% off when you purchase from Lion Punch Forge.
- or Mitsuro Hikime Wax
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Sample kit of waxes in addition to the Mitsuru Hikime wax
- Scale for weighing wax in grams
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Alcohol lamp and denatured alcohol
- Hot tools. This is essential for building waxes, connecting waxes together, and adding sprues.
- Dental tools (used with an alcohol lamp with denatured alcohol)
- Wax Max
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Digital Wax pen (these can be found on eBay or amazon. I always look for one that is about $50 and has a US electrical plug.)
- Dental tools
- Silicone tipped tools (designed for working with things like polymer clay)
- Exacto knife/tools
- Sharp pointy tools
- Craft sewing needles
- Silicone mat to work on
- Steel, aluminum, or wooden mandrels
- Parchment paper
- Wax paper
- Aluminum foil
- Light vegetable oil
- Small scissors
- Small bowl of water
- For cleaning waxes: glycerin soap and a soft paint brush
- Coffee mug warmer
- Metal tin to melt working wax
- A water-tight container to hold finished waxes
