5 Things you didn’t know about my Workshops
(That is, unless you’ve taken said workshops)
As you may know, I teach wax-carving classes at Daffodil Studios. It’s a technique that has spanned centuries, and my favorite way to make jewelry at home. After two years of teaching and designing the curriculum, it’s become something I’m very proud of.
& Last week, I taught my last class.
Last class before my maternity leave, I mean. It was definitely bittersweet playing the same studio playlist, talking through the carving process, mending broken rings, connecting with students - something I’ve done over and over for years. But now I’m not sure when exactly I’ll do that again.
As I wrap up this chapter (for now), I wanted to share what makes these workshops so special - just in case you're thinking about joining when I return!
Come as you are
You don’t have to arrive prepared with a Pinterest board, sketches, or even an inkling of an idea of what you’re going to make. In fact, I’ve found 90% of the time students have NO CLUE what kind of ring they would want. But every single one leaves behind something to be casted into metal.
My theory is that you get inspired by the materials. I make sure to provide a wide variety of tools to play with (heat pens, alcohol lamps, wolf tools, etc) so there’s bound to be a technique you gravitate towards and that feels like play. So it truly doesn’t matter if you come in with a goal or nothing at all - it’s my duty (and joy!) to help you discover the tool and techniques that feel inspiring and creative.
2. You start with a “mistakes” ring
The class is divided into two parts. In the first half, you’re given a wax ring blank. This is your “mistakes” ring - you’re not allowed to be precious with it. In fact, I challenge every student to try and use all the tools on it. Carve it. Melt it. File it. Everything!
During the second half, I help you make your “final” ring. I’ve found at this point, every student not only has gained confidence with carving wax, but also decided on a favorite tool and material. The 2ish hours working on the mistakes ring actually helps students make their final ring in 30 minutes.
3. You can choose from bronze or silver
Or bronze AND silver! Point is, you can make as many rings you want (up to a certain weight) and cast them in a variety of combinations between the two metals.
4. You leave with a booklet
The night before every class, I hole punch and assemble a take-home booklet for every student. In it, you’ll find all the materials and tools used in the class, a doodle page, and a list of resources that I personally use for jewelry-making. My goal with this booklet is that each student feels empowered to set up their own wax-carving station at home if they want to.
5. There are no rules
(With the exception that the total has to be under a certain weight)
But that being said, there are no rules! You can make four rings. You can make charms instead. You can make a miniature sculpture of your dog. The time is yours to be creative.
Teaching these workshops has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my creative practice. Thank you to everyone who has taken a class, shared their creativity, or trusted me to guide them through the process. I don’t know exactly when I’ll be back, but I do know that when I am, it’ll be with new energy and a heart full of new stories to tell.
