Blog 2: What exactly is lost wax casting?
The lost wax casting process is an ancient technique used to create jewelry. It’s also known as investment casting. You start with a wax model and attach it to the “tree”. This is also called a sprue, which is basically a branch attaching the ring or pendant to the tree. The investment solution is poured in making a mold around the tree. After the solution has hardened, the wax is melted out of the mold. The next step involves melting metal into liquid form and then pouring it into the mold. Once that process is complete, you start sanding the piece where it attached to the tree to make it smooth.
Blog 1: Where it all started
One day, late 2021, I decided I wanted to make a ring out of wire that had spirals on both sides. All I had was aluminum wire that I picked up from Michael’s. I had no clue what I was doing but thought it would be fun. Little did I know this sparked a new creative interest that continuously blooms, revealing new petals of expression. After that piece, I wanted to keep making rings so I got into wire wrapping. I started with sterling silver wire and made some rings + pendants for myself and my family. I came up with some new designs and started selling some to people on Etsy and in person. I love crystals and stones so I started making my own bracelets too. Eventually, I started silversmithing and made some more pieces. I enjoyed those methods but I felt like I was missing the tools needed to create some of the design ideas that were inside my head. Finally, I found wax carving and it unlocked the door that I had been waiting for. The lost wax casting process is just how it sounds. You carve a piece out of wax and then a mold is made around it. The wax is melted out of the mold and then liquid metal is poured in to take it’s place.
One day, late 2021, I decided I wanted to make a ring that had spirals on both sides. All I had was aluminum wire. I didn’t know what I was doing but thought it would be fun. Little did I know this sparked a new creative interest that continuously blooms, revealing new petals of expression. After that first ring, I wanted to keep creating so I got into wire wrapping. I started with sterling silver wire and made some rings for myself and my family. I came up with some new designs and started selling some to people on Etsy and in person. I love crystals and stones so I started making my own bracelets too. Eventually, I started silversmithing and made some more pieces. I enjoyed those methods but I felt like I was missing the tools needed to create some of the designs that were inside my head. Finally, I found wax carving and it unlocked the realm that I had been searching for.