Casting - Sand
Class level: 
Beginners welcome. No experience needed.

Outline: 
For this class we use the big torches. For those who have not yet used a Smiths Little torch or the propane gas torches, you will be inducted into the use of them. But have no fear, they are simple to use and there is always a tutor on hand when you use them. 

You will begin by preparing your clay and filling 1 side of your casting flask. You can then either scratch out your design in your clay, or press a small charm into the sand to create an outline of your piece. You will then fill the other half of the flask. You will be shown how to cut the pouring vent, and add air vents. Then the fun time begins as you melt your silver in a crucible and pour into your flask.  You will immediately be able to open the flask to see your cast item. Hoe exciting is that? If it hasn't worked out well, you will be able to re-melt your silver and try again.

There will be time to clean, file and polish your piece before turning it into a wearable piece of jewellery.

We will provide all the tools and an amount of silver casting grain. You are welcome to bring any of your own silver scrap to melt down too. You can purchase additional grain from your preferred silver supplier or from Cooksongold, which is where we purchase ours.
www.cooksongold.com/Grain-and-Casting-Pieces/9999-Silver-Grain-prcode-ASF-000N&query=silver%20grain&channel=uk

​Alternatively, you can  purchase silver grain from Tracy on the day. Prices are dependant on silver at the time. 
If you let Tracy know 1 week in advance, she can also order silver for you. Silver prices change daily, so prices will be dependant on silver prices are at the time of ordering.

You can also bring a small item you'd like to use as a mould to be cast in silver, E.g. a small charm, a plastic piece like a bit of lego, or an organic item like a shell or twig etc.  We do also have lots of pieces here you which you could use.

PLEASE NOTE! 
​ABSOLUTELY NO ALUMINIUM OR PEWTER TO BE USED. SILVER ONLY
Tools provided:
  • Delft Clay
  • Casting Flasks
  • Crucibles
  • All tools needed 
  • Leather aprons, safety gloves and safety goggles

What to to Bring:
  • A small charm/toy/shell, twig etc. to use for mould making. We do have lots of  charms and organic matter you can use too. Or you can carve you own design in the clay.
  • Spectacles, if needed for close up work.
  • Notebook and pencil. Although we do provide some hand outs, you may want to take your own notes or draw sketches.

T&C's:
This is a workshop environment, so your well being and safety is important to us. To ensure this is a safe - but fun environment for you to learn in; we ask that you please:
​
  • Wear comfortable old clothing.
  • Long hair to be tied back. 
  • No loose flowing scarves, long sleeves or jewellery to be worn. These can easily get caught up in machinery.
  • Closed flat shoes - no sandals allowed.

Refreshments:
  • Bring a packed lunch.
  • Unlimited Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.
​
​Tutors: Tracy Hills and amber Hills
Date: To be confirmed. Please contact Tracy to register your interest in this class.
Price: £100.00 
Time: 11.00 - 17.00  (We can run later if you have not completed your piece)

Contact:
​Any queries, or if you should want Tracy to purchase silver for you, please do not hesitate to contact Tracy at:
Phone: 07814 883 443
​Email: [email protected]
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More information or queries:
Terms and  conditions: https://www.metalandflame.co.uk/tcs.html
Frequently asked questions: www.metalandflame.co.uk/faq.html
Coronavirus Safety Procedures: www.metalandflame.co.uk/coronavirus-rules-and-procedures.html
​Contact: https://www.metalandflame.co.uk/contact
Email: [email protected] - Please note, if you email me, please include a phone number, as some of my replies land in spam folders