Saturday, October 31, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm PT
Instructor: Jennifer Stenhouse
The cuttlefish bone (or cuttlebone) has been used since ancient times as a mold for casting. It continues to be a popular mold material for creating distinctive textures in jewelry. The focus of this class will be 3-part cuttlebone molds to create rings with stone settings graced with unbroken cuttlefish patterns and no solder seams. A variety of unique stone settings in cuttlebone will be demonstrated.
Students are encouraged to bring a variety of stones, cuttlebones, and scrap silver to create some cool rings!
Intermediate Level
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
Use the links below to purchase any supplies you don't already have for your class. 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.
Materials for Cuttlebone casting:
- Cuttlebones: These can be purchased from pet shops, bird suppliers, and some jewelry suppliers. I get my medium to large bones from Great Companions online. We recommend having 3-6 cuttlebones on hand to choose from.
- Metal: Scrap sterling silver from your studio or buy an ounce of sterling casting grain
- Stones: Cabochons and/or faceted stones between 3-30mm
- Pencil
- Elmer's Glue
- Scrap copper or brass sheet, 1/4"x2" strips of 20-24ga
From your local hardware store:
- Thin iron binding wire (20-24g,)
- Dust Mask
- Coarse sandpaper or 80 grit drywall sanding screen
- Sand, pumice rocks, solder bricks, or clay kitty litter to hold cuttlebones propped up securely while casting
- Carving tools like an X-acto knife or dental tools
- Borax (20 Mule Team is available from the grocery store on the laundry detergent aisle.)
Metal and jewelry tools:
Casting tools:
