Iterations of Pewter Casting Methods

Join us for a special pewter casting workshop which explores several alternative methods beyond the traditional metal casting media. In this six-hour workshop students will learn about and participate in casting molten pewter into four different media: water, cuttlefish bone, illustrator board, and silicone. In addition, students will learn the process for melting and pouring pewter in the A2 casting shop. This class embraces the theme of the Gallery A2 exhibition, Iterations: Perseverance of Craft and includes a brief visit to the exhibit, which is next to the casting shop.

This workshop includes:

• Intro to the Artisans Asylum Casting Shop
• Brief visit to Gallery A2’s current exhibit, Iterations: Perseverance of Craft, for inspiration
• Process for melting and pouring (lead-free) pewter metal

Four alternative casting methods and media:

• Casting random shapes by pouring molten pewter into water
• Carving, preparing, and casting an original student-created mold using cuttlefish bone
• Preparing and casting into an illustrator board mold
• Casting into a pre-made silicone mold
• Cutting off sprues and buttons from a casting
• Basic overview of how to sand and file cast items
• Safety skills for all of the above
• How to leave the shop in ready to use condition

Take aways:

• Several small pewter metal objects created during class, plus casting skills
• Preparation to take the tool test for pewter casting in the A2 Casting Shop

All consumable casting materials, including metal for casting and casting media. The casting shop also provides the use of relevant equipment including tools, aprons, gloves, safety glasses, N95 masks, and other tools.

Be sure to wear only natural fiber clothing (ex. cotton, wool, or leather), closed-toe shoes (preferably leather), long pants, and a shirt that covers shoulders, torso and upper arms, such as a cotton long-sleeved shirt or T-shirt.

Eye glasses if you use them, especially those for detailed work.

Something to take notes with.

All students must be 18 years or older. This class is suitable for total beginners, those looking for a refresher, and those seeking to become familiar with the Artisans Casting Shop. No prior experience is necessary.

Jules first learned casting from a jewelry perspective and is currently interested in many types of metal sculpture and jewelry. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Creative Studies & Fine Arts. A proud generalist with a professional background in non-profits, at Artisans Asylum she serves as a casting shop tool tester, instructor, and a member of the Gallery A2 panel. She loves cats, coffee, fostering creativity and building community.

Kat has been casting metal since 2020. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree: majoring in Industrial Design and finishing two minors in Metalsmithing and Digital Fabrication. Her specialty is oxy-acetylene torch melting and casting in sterling silver. She also has experience working with other metals including: bronze, brass, copper, steel, titanium, niobium, and pewter. When she's not in the casting studio, you can find Kat practicing her lapidary skills cutting opals and carving stone, making silver jewelry, or 3D modeling and printing in filament and resin media.