Whaley Studios Issues November Newsletter

Nov. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Wax Carving 'Pros'

We're developing a "stable" of really great wax carvers here at Whaley Studios!   Alma Hodoyan, a student who has only started carving wax models 3 months ago, just showed up to class with the most incredible ribbed wax cuff bracelet, about 3 inches wide, that we will cast in  S57 NA Sterling next week. That bracelet is one of the widest pieces we've cast to date, and requires that we have made a special 4 in. diameter casting cylinder to accommodate it.  We'll be sure to photograph not only the wax model, but the finished bracelet, when it's done.

Patty Crandall, an expert carver from UCSD days, now shows her work at a fine jewelry gallery in Mendocino.  Akino Tsuchia, the former Chrysler designer, a student now for 10 months, is showing ( and selling!) work at Taboo Studio here in Mission Hills.  Joe Noris, "Surfer Joe", is continuing to build-out his wave collection of belt buckles, pendants, rings, and bracelets. I believe his work will be featured on female surfers in an upcoming surf magazine!  Lynn Moon is also carving dogs for her jewelry and table-top line, now starting to cast her work in pewter in our studio.  Cindy Noe, our Mon. evening T.A., is also busy making numerous production prototypes for a local jewelry designer.

Upcoming Workshops

Bezels, Bezels, Bezels...
Jay Whaley hosted a special bezel workshop on November 6th and 7th 2010; and will be offering another session based on confirmed student demand. If you are interested please contact Terrie Maters to book your registration.  

The workshop will focus on building bezels from concept through setting, pouring our own ingots and rolling out custom bezel stock.  We will kum-bo thin gold onto silver bezels, roller print, and stamp our unique bezels.  Special soldering techniques and strategies will be explored, and tips to set stones more professionally will be covered.  
You'll not only learn to make your own custom bezels with one of our rolling mills, but also get proficient in soldering thin bezels and soldering bezels to backplates.

This will be a fun, hands-on workshop, where experimentation is encouraged.

Wax Carving

A workshop on December 4th and 5th, 2010. With so much interest now in wax carving for lost-wax casting, many metalsmiths are interested in expanding their creative potential.  What's great is that you really don't need a studio for wax carving.  It is so portable and relatively clean, that many of our students carve wax at home, at a desk or kitchen table.  

Once you've mastered the techniques, and have the right tools, it just takes practice to create professional wax models that become finished jewelry in any metal you want.  
In this busy 2 day workshop, participants will learn how to carve a professional, hollowed out wax model, and invest that model for casting the next day.  All tools  and waxes are provided, and many will be for sale during the workshop.  

In day 2, the models will be cast, polished, and a rubber mold will be made to replicate that cast original.

All participants will leave with a finished cast piece and a working rubber mold to duplicate wax replicas of that original cast piece.

Michael David Sturlin Returns!

Michael David Sturlin returns for his 3rd workshop here at Whaley Studios on December 11th and 12th, 2010. This workshop will deal with hand made custom clasps and fittings for bracelets and necklaces.

Those who attended his crocheted silver chain workshop will want to attend this one to learn how to finish off your necklace professionally.

New Vacuum Unit for Buffer

We are now in the process of installing a new high powered vacuum filtering unit to our double-spindled buffer unit in Studio A .  Once all the hoses are installed, we should have superior particle suction and filtering into a 2 stage system, keeping our studio (and students buffing) much cleaner.  Check out the new system in the rear of the main studio, near the kitchen.

October's Open House & "Meet and Greet'

We'd like to thank Laurie Kern for her Repouse, chasing, and raising demos, Michael Hendrix for coming out from New Mexico to show off his incredible cut stones, Joyce Rooks for her display of art glass beads, Sharon Lawson and Sue Minnick for their "working displays" of upcoming workshops, and all the other people who showed up for our first ever Open House!  And a big thank you to Teresa Masters,  our office manager, who always makes everyone feel like an old friend.  She's our biggest cheerleader.

About 5 people who attended the Open House  got motivated to sign up for our group classes.  We welcome you to Whaley Studios!

For an original copy or to be added to our opt in Newsletter list, please contact Terrie Masters at 877.594.2539 or via terrie@whaleystudios.com

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Whaley Studios located in the hillcrest district of San Diego is a cutting edge learning center for jewelers, metalsmiths and metal arts enthusiasts of all skill levels. Lead by master jeweler Jay Whaley; http://whaleystudios.com for details.