Cuttlefish Casting

Instructor: MJ Tyson

September 10-11

Come learn an ancient method for casting sterling silver forms. This process involves making one-time use molds from the internal shell of the cuttlefish, a soft natural material that has been used by jewelers for centuries. Impressions can be made in the cuttlefish bone using a firm model “original” or through subtractive carving. Most often a combination of these two methods is used. Molten metal is poured directly into the cuttlefish molds, making this a rapid method of casting. The cuttlefish bone imparts a natural texture which can be embraced or filed off of finished pieces. This method can be used alone or in conjunction with other jewelry techniques. Participants in this workshop will complete a pair of pendants and experimentation is encouraged. Castings will be limited to a jewelry scale. We will be using sterling silver; and this is a great opportunity to reuse scrap or melt down old jewelry. Beginner and Beyond