This isn’t your average wax carving workshop! We’re delighted to welcome, Nanz Aalund, acclaimed American jewellery designer and educator. She brings her extensive expertise, having designed for prestigious names like Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. She has also taught at top institutions like the University of Washington and authored award-winning jewellery books, including “A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeship”. With decades of experience and a global portfolio, Nanz’s knowledge and passion for her craft make this a workshop you won’t want to miss!

What makes this workshop truly unique? Gold Wolf Wax, pioneered by master modelmaker Kate Wolf. Unlike most wax carving workshops that use blue or green wax, here you’ll be working with gold wax! Perfect for creating intricate details and precision work, this high-performance wax will open up a whole new world of possibilities for your designs—whether you prefer hand carving or using 3D wax milling machines.

What will I make?

This class covers two technical projects, the domed ring and the bypass ring. These projects have been specifically designed to enhance skills, with a focus on accuracy and precision.

What will happen on the day?

Participants will learn and practice 3-dimensional planning and layout techniques for subtractive Wax Carving. The workshop will begin with the preparation and overview of different carving waxes. Participants will practice using blue and gold-coloured waxes, and specialised wax tools to create two projects aimed to enhance their skills, with a focus on accuracy and precision.

The class will focus on carving two specific rings: the domed ring and the By-Pass ring. With expert guidance from the tutor, participants will learn to carve these rings with precision. Once they have mastered these practice pieces, they will be equipped to apply their new skills to create unique designs of their own.

What skills do I need?

Difficulty Level: ALL LEVELS

What should I bring?

- Pen and Paper

- Reading glasses (if you need them!) 

- Money or card payment for optional casting of your jewellery in the metal of your choice and posting (if collecting isn't possible)

What should I wear?

Clothes: Casual and not too precious as they may get a bit dusty or damaged.  Avoid long, loose fitting sleeves and anything that might catch or get caught whilst you are working.

Shoes: Casual flat shoes and no open toed sandals in case you drop a hammer or something hot on them!

Hair: Tie long hair back.

Who is my instructor?

Nanz Aalund’s wide ranging career as a jewellery designer, goldsmith, and educator, began with taking high school jewellery classes. After serving as a fine jewellery designer and marketing consultant for Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Tiffany & Co., Aalund taught jewellery design classes at the University of Washington as the Artist-in-Residence and at the Art Institute in Seattle. Earning a Masters of Fine Art (MFA/Metals) and a Masters of Education/College and Technical Teaching Curriculum (CTTC).

Her work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally since the 1980s. She authored the book, "Masters Gold,” published by Lark Books in 2009. Her most recent publication, “A Jeweler’s Guide to Apprenticeship” published in 2017 by MJSA, receiving a Silver in the 2018 AM&P Excel Award. Her most recent jewellery design award was the 2023 Cultured Pearl Assoc. of America Spotlight Award for multi-colored pearls.

How do I get there?

See contact page for details on public transport and parking.