Cuttlefish and Water Casting Workshop
■ ■ □ Intermediate
6HRS
Tutor: Karen Cook
Explore ancient and experimental organic casting techniques in this full one-day workshop. Learn how to carve cuttlefish bone and press found objects to make custom moulds, alongside casting silver into water, spaghetti, and lentils to produce unique, textured components. Please note: This workshop requires prior experience – competent use of a gas torch and saw frame is expected, and students must bring their own clean silver scrap or casting grain.
£95.00
Materials Included: All tools, organic casting media, and tuition are provided. Silver is not included: you must supply your own clean silver scrap or casting grain (minimum 30g+ recommended). Silver grain is not available to purchase at the workshop on the day; please contact the studio in advance if you would like grain purchased on your behalf.
What you'll make
- A selection of unique silver cast components and textured elements using cuttlefish moulds, water casting, and organic media, ready to incorporate into future jewellery projects. (Note: This technical workshop focuses on casting processes rather than completing finished pieces of jewellery).
Skills & Techniques
- Cuttlefish Mould Fabrication: Carving designs directly into bone, pressing found objects into moulds, and understanding sprues, air vents, and undercut limitations.
- Organic & Water Casting: Molten metal pouring into water, spaghetti, lentils, and other media to produce unpredictable, dynamic textures and wave patterns.
- Crucible & Metal Preparation: Preparing crucibles, calculating required silver quantities, and managing heat distribution for successful pours.
- Molten Pouring Execution: Master torch control and timing to ensure clean, complete silver casts consistently.
What's Included
- Full 1-day step-by-step tuition and live tutor demonstrations.
- Full use of a dedicated jeweller’s bench, casting equipment, tools, crucibles, and organic moulding media.
- Unlimited refreshments throughout the day.
Good to know
- Prerequisites: Prior experience required. Designed for intermediate makers looking to expand their skill set. Competent use of a gas torch and saw frame is expected.
- Silver Requirement: Students must bring 30g+ of clean silver scrap or casting grain. Silver cannot be bought on site during the session.
- Class Size: Strictly limited to 8 spaces to ensure direct guidance and support.
- Session Schedule: Full-day workshop running from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.
- Booking Info: Online bookings only via the website. Please review our full Terms of Booking and Refund Policy before reserving your spot.
Studio, Location & Access
- Address: First Floor Offices, Unit 47, The Shipyard Estate, Brightlingsea CO7 0AR
- Access: 1st floor (stair access only – sorry, no wheelchair access)
- Free Visitor Parking: Available directly opposite the workshop, right next to the snack bar (halfway down the main road on the right side).
- GPS Note: We are located before Morgan Marine. Look for the parking area in front of the snack bar.
- Alternative Parking: Pay & Display car park nearby on Tower Street.
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