Jewelry & Fine Metals
Lost Wax Casting Using Japanese Mitsuro Hikime
Create jewelry with organic textures and delicate details with Mitsuro Hikime, a Japanese modeling wax.
Member$551.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Guest$671.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Tuition Assistance and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Fri, 9/5/2025 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sat, 9/6/2025 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sun, 9/7/2025 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Fri, 9/5/2025 - Sun, 9/7/2025
About
Using the ancient Japanese art of mitsuro hikime, you can make jewelry with exquisitely delicate detail that resembles organic textures such as grass, hair, or flowing silk.
The mitsuro hikime process is much like making taffy. Cold wax is gently warmed and then pulled until you achieve the desired effect. You'll learn how to make your own wax, as well as how to adjust the wax to your personal needs.
Next, you’ll explore several pulling techniques for creating ribbon-like jewelry. You'll also be shown how to include a few stone setting possibilities for lost wax casting.
And finally, you'll cast a few of the models you have made.
You'll have three days to explore the process for using mitsuro hikime:
- Day 1: Make the wax (mitsuro) and learn the modeling techniques (hikime).
- Day 2: Finish your models, then do your spruing and investing.
- Day 3: Cast in silver or bronze and finish the cast metal pieces.
Experience with wax carving and casting is helpful.
Materials
- A $71 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, covers all the supplies you'll need.
- You can purchase additional wax from the instructor.
Class Policies
- Ages 14 and up are welcome.
- Wear natural-fiber clothing and shoes with closed toes and heels.
- Do not wear loose or synthetic-fiber clothing, dangling jewelry, scarves, or ties.
- Tie back long hair and beards.
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Fill out the Accommodation Request Form before any class for which you require an accommodation. Email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org if you have any questions.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Jennifer Stenhouse
With over 25 years of experience, Jennifer has taught art and jewelry classes, workshops, and lectures across the United States and Mexico. She has held teaching positions at institutions such as the Savannah College of Art and Design, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Vermont Art Exchange. In Seattle, she continues to share her expertise through classes at North Seattle College and as a co-founder of Little Metal Foxes, an online platform offering live jewelry courses. Through her art, teaching, and research, Jennifer continues to inspire and educate, fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricate art of jewelry-making.
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