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Natural Object Casting
Many natural and found objects can be cast in metal using the lost wax method, capturing incredible detail and preserving the intricate textures found in materials such as seed pods, paper, cardboard, fibers, bugs, flowers, and some hard plastics. In this 3-day workshop, students will be guided through the entire casting process, from how to prepare natural materials for casting, to spruing, investing, and finishing the metal castings for use in jewelry.
Please be advised: Due to the need to order supplies, we customarily close registration for our on-site offerings one week before the start date. If you wish to join the class after registration closes, please contact us at [email protected] or 781-891-3854.
Meet the instructor
April Wood is a metalsmith and jeweler living and working in Baltimore, MD. She is a co-founder of the Baltimore Jewelry Center, a metals + jewelry community education space in Baltimore city, where she worked as Studio and Program Manager, Exhibitions Director, and an Instructor. She received her BFA in Studio Art, concentrating in Metals/Jewelry, from Texas State University – San Marcos and her MFA from Towson University. She has taught at the Maryland Institute College of Art, the Corcoran College of Art and Design, Penland School of Crafts, Idyllwild Arts Academy, and Towson University. Her work has been featured in Metalsmith, Surface Design Journal, and Sculpture. She exhibits her work nationally and internationally, including a solo exhibition at the Austin Museum of Art and SIERAAD International Art Jewelry Fair in Amsterdam.
Materials & Tools
There is a $75 materials fee for this workshop payable upon registration. The materials kit includes a variety of waxes, bronze casting grain, investment, flex shaft attachments, polishing paper, saw blades and other miscellaneous items need for class objectives.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the unpredictable cost of precious metals, starting in the Fall, 2026 Metalwerx will no longer provide unlimited solder for use in the studio. Please plan to bring your own for use in your projects.
Note: Metalwerx has available all that you will need, but these tools and supplies need to be shared, and are not always in "mint" condition. Be sure to clearly mark any tools you bring from your home studio so they are easily identifiable.
REQUIRED:
Closed-toe shoes - required in the Metalwerx studio
Personal PPE (dust mask/respirator, eye protection, gloves, earplugs, apron, etc.)
Shop towel
Ultra-fine point sharpie marker – black
Sketchbook/Notebook
Pen or Pencil
OPTIONAL:
Favorite hand tools and rotary bits - clearly labeled or marked
Vision Aid (readers or Optivisor, etc.)
Lunch – there will be a 1-hour break for lunch on each day of the workshop)
Metalwerx has a fridge, toaster oven, and microwave
There is a deli/sandwich shop within walking distance of the studio.