Laser Cut and Cast a Pewter Medallion

Learn to laser cut a design and cast your own pewter medallion from it! Join us for this special combined course that provides an introduction to using Artisans Asylum’s laser cutters and an introduction to pewter metal casting in one course.

During the first class meeting, students will select from several shapes and images (or may bring their own, if suitable) and learn to use the Blackcat Labs laser cutter in our digital fabrication shop to both etch and cut their medallion design into heavy paper board.

In the second class, students will learn to use the casting shop’s pewter casting station and will combine the boards they created with molten pewter to create a metal medallion of their own, then use basic finishing techniques to saw, drill, and burnish their medals.

• Students will take away their own pewter medallion.
• In Digifab shop, students will learn how to set up the Blackcat Labs laser cutter basics of manipulating files in LightBurn settings for etching and cutting paper board.
• Students will be prepared to be tool tested on the laser cutters at Artisans Asylum.
• In the Casting shop, students will learn the properties and usage of pewter for casting
• How to make and use “sandwich board casting” molds
• Safety and shop usage guidelines
• Students will leave prepared to use the pewter casting station in the A2 Casting shop

Students should bring: Digital file(s) for laser cutting. Instructors will decide if the file is workable for this class and may recommend provided files instead. Files must be of a clear, line art vector image; file types: .svg .ai .dxf; 300dpi or higher; readable at 1 to 3 inch scale.

Notebook if desired. Eye glasses if you use them.

For casting day, meeting 2: Be sure to wear only natural fiber clothing (ex. cotton, wool, or leather), closed-toe shoes (preferably leather), long pants.

Students who are curious about digital fabrication and metal casting. All students must be 18 years or older. No experience required!

• A designed pewter medallian!
• Access to A2's Casting Shop, Digital Fabrication and Laser Shop, and the respective and tools for the duration of the session.

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. @julesgyre

Sarah is passionate about making and has been creating small scale sculptures for many years across a variety of media including resin, laser cut materials, metal, polymer clay, LEDs, fiber arts and more. She enjoys combining manual and technological methods and sells her mixed-media creations at markets and online. At Artisans she has volunteered in many roles and currently serves on the Gallery Panel and can often be found in digifab, the composite shop and casting shop. Outside Artisans she enjoys gardening, trees, combat archery, and critters. @kiraslightsource