Mitsuro-hikime: A Wax Technique for Casting
$115
Instructor Susan Ziess
Course description: Roughly translated as honey (mitsu) was (ro) drawing (hiki) texture (me). Of Japanese origin, mitsuro-hikime is a pliable sculpting wax which behaves like taffy and develops a unique linear pattern. A pioneer in the rediscovery of this method, Susan will show you tricks and tips on how to best work with this wax to develop the texture and form it into uniquely fluid forms. Most effective in simple designs, mitsuro-hikime will bend, and curl, giving fantastic surface detail and a wonderful fluid quality. Susan will demonstrate spruing methods and share her recommendations for casting. You will also learn Susan's formula for mitsuro-hikime and participate in making a batch of the wax during the class.

Students will be able to design pieces in the wax during class and take some wax home to continue working with. These waxes can then be transformed into silver, bronze or gold jewelry using the lost-wax casting method. NOTE: this class will not cover the casting process, just working the wax.

Materials: Students should bring small tupperware style container to transport waxes after class, x-acto knife, hot wax pen, if available. Some are provided to share during class. The instructor will distribute CD's with all the class information instead of a paper handout. If you prefer to have a copy on a flash drive, please bring one to the class.

Prerequisite: Students should have some familiarity with the casting process. Minimum six students.
$170