"Let's Get Primitive" - 10/1/23 or 10/2/23

For as long as people have been crafting with metals, casting has been paramount in the creation of new, interesting forms. Many of those technique remain true to the more primitive materials and processes available during past times, making use of carvable natural materials for molds and trusty old gravity to pull the molten metal through the molds. In this course we will cover the basic application of some of the more traditional methods of "primitive" casting.

Using Tufa stone and cuttle bone, students will learn how to carve and/or impress relief designs, set up their unique molds for casting, and properly utilize acetylene and oxy-acetylene torches to melt down metal and successfully pour into your molds. We will also cover basic clean-up of your castings, as well as simple soldering to attach jump rings and/or earring wires. Students have the potential to leave the class with multiple castings and one or more completed and wearable pieces. Additional primitive casting techniques may be explored as time allows (i.e. water/rice/straw pours etc...)

Classes will take place at Cottonwood Silver and Lapidary Supply, located in Cottonwood Center for the Arts at 427 East Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. This is a 4 hour course either on Sunday, October 1st from 10:00am-2:00pm, or on Monday, October 2nd from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Cost is $150, supplies are $35. Please contact instructor if you are hoping to provide your own supplies or if you have any questions.