11/09 Wax Carving for Stone Setting

Saturday, November 9, 2024 
10:00 am - 2:00 pm PDT

Instructor: Jennifer Stenhouse

In this class, students will learn how to carve and model wax to accommodate a wide variety of stone setting challenges. We will work on improving wax skills by tackling more complex designs and patterns while incorporating stones as either a focus or accent component. Demonstrations will include tips and tricks used by the pros to create accurate patterns for wax models. Stone settings we will address include a wide variety of stones including faceted, cabochon, freeform cuts, and half-drilled stones like pearls.

We will focus on designs, tools, tips, and tricks that focus on setting stones in wax models.

Beginning to Intermediate Level

Prerequisite: Basic wax working and stone setting experience skills are necessary.

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 Materials

• Faceted or cab cut stones, or small found objects to set
• For polishing waxes: denim, velvet, pantyhose, lighter fluid, dryer sheets
• Sketching and note-taking supplies
• Students are recommended to have a sample kit of waxes to work with
• Dividers

Measuring tools:

• #2 spiral saw blades
• Alcohol lamp
• Wax-working tools
• Wax file
• Wax burs

Hot tools:

• Electric dental wax working pen, dental tools with an alcohol lamp with denatured alcohol, or a WaxMax. A hot tool is essential for building waxes and connecting waxes together.
• Wax Max
• 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.)

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.

• Dental tools
• Exacto knife/tools 
• Sharp pointy tools
• Coarse wood files
• Piece of scrap brass
• Old broken drill bits and saw blades
• Nylon hose/fabrics
• 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper
• Craft sewing needles
• Linoleum carving tools 

Polishing and finishing: any tools that you’ve been using for filing, sanding, and polishing metal will work after the pieces are cast. You can also solder on parts after casting and set your stones.