
Do you want to learn all about different casting methods and how to incorporate stones and gemstones in your design?
I elaborated full intensive courses that will lead you to it. My courses are thought for anyone willing to start with their jewellery making practice at home. You'll learn fundamentals, tools and materials to start successfully making jewellery from your own home with no needs of extra space or expensive equipments.
COMPLETE SAND CASTING COURSE
During this 1:1 intensive course you will learn everything about the sand casting technique. We will tackle all the aspects, its advantages and its limitations.
You will learn how to cast objects and create your own designed piece of jewellery with this technique. You will then learn how to incorporate rough stones and round cut gemstones in your design using the so called cast-in-place technique.
The course is divided in two sessions. Each session is held during one full day, from 9:30am to 5pm. Each session can be attended singularly.
Course content:
Session one - Day one: Sand casting fundamentals, casting wax rings and natural objects.
I will provide you with a full in-depth overview of the technique’s principles, advantages and limitations. I will discuss details regarding different materials that can be casted, as well as the metals that can be used for casting and the different casting temperatures and torches/furnaces for melting the metals.
We will go through two different exercises involving two aspects: design and texture. You will design and then carve your own ring in wax and you will sand-cast the ring in Sterling silver. You will repeat the sand casting exercise with a textured object of your choice. Sand casting allows you to cast natural objects of different materials, shape and texture, enhancing your creativity.
Session two - Day two: Cast-in-place gemstones.
I will give you a full detailed overview of the setting technique’s principles. I will explain you which kind of stones can or cannot be casted in place, and why.
We will first practice with the cast-in-place of a rough stone. We will cast a wax ring with a rough stone in place. Then you will learn how to cast-in-place a round-cut gemstone in a pendant first and then in a ring.
Materials:
I will provide you with all the materials and tools needed for both sessions of the course, including silver and gemstones.
You can bring your own precious rough stones if you wish, upon consultation.
The materials and the silver provided will allow you to make up to four/five pieces of jewellery that you are going to take home with you on the day.
Attendance modality:
The complete course is divided in two sessions, so you can attend one single session (over a single day) or both (over two days), for a different price.
Session 1 can be attended by anyone, no previous experience is requested. To attend only Session 2 you would need a basic knowledge/experience of the sand casting technique. We can agree on days and time that are more convenient for us both.
Costs:
Price for the full course is 750 €
Price for one single session is 420 €
The amount reflects a private one-to-one teaching and all the materials and equipments usage, plus up to 60gr of silver and the gemstones, five/six pieces of jewellery to bring home with you.
The amount has to be payed in full within three weeks before the course dates.
Location:
Molenbergstraat 2, 2070 Zwijndrecht, Belgium. Via public transport, with tram n.3 from Astrid Metro Station (Antwerpen Central Station) or n.9 from Diamant Metro station. By car, you can park for free at my studio (max three car spots). By bike, via Blancefloerlaan and by train (Zwijndrecht train station).
If you wish to join the course get in touch to ask all your questions, get more info and discuss possible dates!
CREATE YOUR OWN CABOCHON RING - FULL DAY COURSE
During this 1:1 intensive course you will learn how to create your own gemstone ring using basic lapidary tools and equipments. You will have the opportunity to choose your favourite stone among a wide selection. Then you will cut it and shape it to the perfect cabochon shape.
In the second part of the course we will create a ring using the sand casting technique. Finally, we will prepare the setting and set your own polished stone in your ring. By the end of the full course you will get to create the most unique ring, entirely by yourself, from the preparation of the stone to the final polishing of the silver piece. You will learn:
- How to make your own cabochon
- Sandcasting and wax carving principles
- Basic technique of stone setting i.e. cabochon setting
The course is divided in two sessions, held over one full day: From 9:30am to 3pm.
Course content:
Session 1 - Preparation of the stone.
I will give you a full detailed overview of the lapidary laboratory and I will show you the stones you will chose from. After you picked your favourite one we will cut it and you will decide the shape you want to give to it. You will then proceed with the polishing of the stone until it is fully ready to be set in your ring.
Session 2 - Sand casting the wax rings and setting the cabochon .
You will design and then carve your own simple band in wax and you will sand-cast the ring in Sterling silver. Then we will prepare together the setting for the cabochon and you will set your stone. This kind of stone setting is a very basic technique and I will provide you with all the explanation and assistance needed to successfully carry it on.
Materials:
I will provide you with all the materials and tools needed for both sessions of the course, including silver and gemstones.
You can bring your own stones if you wish, upon consultation.
The materials and the silver provided will allow you to make up to one ring with a stone that you are going to take home with you on the day.
Attendance modality:
The course is divided in two sessions, to be followed over one single day. The course runs every Saturday and you can book your spot via the link below (to my WORKSHOPS page). If you cannot attend the course on a Saturday you can reach out to me via email and we can agree on days and time that are more convenient for both of us.
Costs:
Price for a full day session is 290 €
The amount reflects a private one-to-one teaching and all the materials and equipments usage, plus up to 15gr of silver and the gemstone.
The amount has to be payed in full when booking via my website or within three weeks before the course dates if booked via email.
Location:
Molenbergstraat 2, 2070 Zwijndrecht, Belgium. Via public transport, with tram n.3 from Astrid Metro Station (Antwerpen Central Station) or n.9 from Diamant Metro station. By car, you can park for free at my studio (max three car spots). By bike, via Blancefloerlaan and by train (Zwijndrecht train station).
Join the course on the first available Saturday at the link below to my WORKSHOPS page:
If you wish to join the course but cannot attend on Saturdays just get in touch to discuss possible dates!
















