Discover the Art of Sand Casting!

Have you always been curious about sand casting jewellery?  Private classes for 1 or 2 people available. Registration includes all supplies, tools and instruction. 

Join me to create your very own ring or pendant, perfect as a unique gift or a special treat for yourself. Why not make it more fun and bring a friend along? Please email to reserve certain dates & times. I am booking up to 4 months in advance, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Tuesday to Friday available from 10:30 to 4:30 with a 30 minutes lunch.
Most weekends are booked until February 2026, but there is still bookable times 
during the weekdays for December. January & February weekdays have lots of space. 
Metal and gems are at additional cost. Please email for more information. Studio is in Burnaby.

These prices include all materials, tools and supplies. It does not include metal and or gems. These lessons cost more than my normal private lessons because the large amount of tools and supplies needed and the extra set up time. 

$425 1 person  (+ the cost of Sterling Silver, Gold and any gems) 10:30 am to 4:30 pm with a 30 minute lunch at 1:30. 

$625 2 people ($315 each) (+ the cost of Sterling Silver, Gold and any gems) 10:30 am to 4:30 pm with a 30 minute lunch at 1:30. 

Ancient Bronze is included in your day fee. 

Sterling Silver Cost Because of the fluctuation of metal prices, your metals cost will fluctuate. Depending on the situation, you will either pay me directly for your metal once you have finished or we will purchase ahead of time and you will have extra for another class. The latter is preferable if you wish to do you finishing (sawing, sanding, polishing) at home and do not need my support. 

Adding stones? Semi precious and precious stones can be purchased from Mountain Gems in advance or on the class day, You can also purchase some from me directly in the class but I do not have the selection & expertise of Mountain Gems. Please email me detailed information if you would like to use your own stones. 

Prefer Gold? The gold market is very volatile and expensive. Please email for more information. 

Unfortunately I cannot accept used or recycled metal in the studio for your project unless you have your own crucibles. Please email for more information. 

Learn to cast your own scraps into ingots: to roll out your own wire and sheet, please email and/or book a private silversmithing lesson on my site. Different supplies and tools are needed (and the lessons are a little cheaper!) https://saramontgomerydesigns.ca/products/private-silversmith-lessons

Learning to use your own scrap in sand casting: 
If you want to learn how to use your own scrap in sand casting you will need to buy specific tools in order to learn how to prepare & maintain them properly and safely. Please email me for information.

Preparation for learning to cast your own scraps for casting please carefully read the following:

System of metal storage:

For each metal type do the following: (925 Sterling Silver, .999 fine Silver, Argentium or similar Silver, 14K yellow, 14k white etc) Although some .999 silver entering your 925 Sterling containers isn't an issue, putting 925 into your .999 silver is a problem. 

All containers should be clearly labeled and have a good lid. Sardine cans, metal film containers, anything with a very good seal and dependable lid. You don't want the lid to come off while travelling to your lesson.  Used plastic food containers, plastic bags are not good for this system.  I buy sealable movie makeup containers in various sizes at Coast Fibretek in Burnaby. Lots of great supplies there! 

https://fibertek.ca/products/2-5oz-nat-hinge-top-short-wide (smaller version) 

Container 1: Clean scrap you have never soldered or cast.  example, saw off pieces, disc cutting scraps. must be clean. 

Container 2: Failed fabrication or unwanted cast pieces. All solder must be removed into container 3. Pickle, cut, sand off any solder and debris. dry and store. 

Container 3: Sweeps (sterling dust and debris from your desk, floor etc) Solder cut away from failed pieces. This is not combinable. 

Container 4: clean dust from sawing and filing. Use a clean paper or vinyl catch to deposit directly in the container. Use this in future projects. Can be used to amplify the percentage of container 1 if you don't have clean scraps but you must pre melt into blobs on a charcoal block, pickle etc. 

For successful sand casting we either use all new (best) or combine equally container 1 & 2 at 50%. A good scale is necessary. Any contamination of solder can ruin your casts. Be meticulous with your metal storage. If in doubt, put into container 3. When it gets to the kilogram weight you can send it in to be refined. 

How long is the class?  For one person and one ring expect up to 6 hours including sawing, sanding and polishing. For 2 expect around 6 hours including sawing, sanding and polishing, but occasionally some finishing work may need to happen post class. You can return for a private lesson or I can possibly finish the ring for you, depending on the situation. 

Accessibility and inclusion?

My private lessons and classes are all disability and a LGBTQ2+ Safe Place. Please let me know if you require any accommodations. I am an ASL user.  

A fun afternoon of skills building
for yourself or bring a friend! 

Precious Stones for That Extra Sparkle:
- Looking to include precious gems? Sapphires, rubies, diamonds or synthetic gems? Please order precious gems at least 2 weeks in advance or attend Mountain Gems in Burnaby to purchase before or on the day. Remember casting molten metal onto many stones can permanently change the colour or the stone can fracture. Some stones are more resilient than others, but there is never a guarantee for casting with stones in place. 

While we strive for success, metal casting comes with uncertainties at about 80-90% success rate with proper adherence to instructions.  

Class Details:
- Age Group: Adults only
- Max Participants: 2 per session to ensure personalised guidance. 

Take It a Step Further:
- After your session you can register for additional private classes to learn the full array of finishing steps including an introduction to stone setting and more. You can also register for larger group classes with Mountain Gems. 

Explore More Casting and Smithing Techniques:
- Curious about the full potential of sand casting, water casting, straw casting and traditional silversmithing skills? Our lessons are designed to cater to a range of interests. Bring sentimental items like rings, sand from a special beach or small sea shells! Some items aren't suitable, please send a photo with a ruler via email prior to class. 

Trendy Raw Finishes:
- The raw, unfinished look is all the rage in jewellery right now. No matter what you choose, you're sure to love the result!

Coming Soon: More Metal Casting & Metal Forming Workshops!

Join me to unleash your creativity and make something memorable. Sign up today and start your journey into the wonderful world of metal casting and jewellery making!