Mould making & Casting 2. 8th - 11th Oct

Develop the technical skills needed to cast your own work in a friendly, rural studio setting. Over four days you will create multi‑part silicone moulds, waste moulds, and plaster moulds, and cast your work in Jesmonite, plaster, and wax. This course is designed for artists with some prior experience who want to work on more complex forms, multi‑piece moulds, and detailed casts. One to one guidance throughout.

You’ll also deepen your understanding of mould‑making processes such as multi‑piece silicone moulds, waste moulding, body casting, wax casting, resin casting, and planning moulds for complex or figurative sculpture.

 What You Will Learn (Hands On)
Across four days you will make and complete:
• a 2 or 3 piece silicone mould
• a waste mould
• a simple multi‑piece plaster mould
• casts in Jesmonite, plaster, and wax
• a silicone mould taken from a plaster or clay sculpture
Using a vacuum chamber.

 You will learn to:
• plan and design multi‑part moulds
• assess complex objects and determine mould strategy
• create parting lines, keys, and containment structures
• build multi‑piece silicone moulds using Smooth‑On materials
• construct plaster and Jesmonite cases
• cast in plaster, Jesmonite, and wax with improved accuracy
• troubleshoot undercuts, air traps, and mould failures
• understand the qualities of different casting materials and when to use them

What You Will Explore (Discussion)
You’ll gain an understanding of:
• waste moulding in plaster and wax
• casting in Jesmonite, plaster, wax, and resin
• principles of bronze casting
• the different body casting techniques (including casting a full finger)
• multi‑piece moulds in plaster and Jesmonite
• planning moulds for complex or figurative forms
These processes are explored through discussion only and are not demonstrated or practised in full on this course. Enabling you to cast your own work confidently, if you wish to.

Your Project
This course can be approached in two ways:
• Project‑based: bring a sculpture or object you wish to mould, and we support you in realising it.
• Process‑based: focus on learning specific mould‑making techniques through structured exercises.

Because group numbers are small, each participant can work on an individual project while developing technical understanding through the shared teaching structure.

 Pre‑Course Zoom/Teams Call
Each participant is welcome to a short Zoom or Teams conversation before the course to talk through what you’d like to learn, any projects you may want to develop, and any technical questions you may have. This helps us understand your aims and ensures you get the most out of the four‑day structure.

 Course Fee: £580 (materials not included)
Materials:£80–£90 depending on project size and complexity
15% discount is available on the course fee (but not on the material costs as they are not marked up) for students and members of the Royal Society of Sculptors — please email us to apply your discount.

A 20% deposit secures your place. Full refund and cancellation details are provided in the downloadable course PDF.

 Group Size
4–6 participants — ensuring one to one guidance.
If fewer than 4 people book, the course will be postponed.

 Practical Information
Tea, coffee, and biscuits provided. Please bring a packed lunch — no shops nearby. Wear comfortable clothing that can get messy; aprons and gloves provided.
Please advise us of any allergies.

Location.
Courses are held at Welham studios, Charlton Mackrell, Somerton, Somerset TA11 7AJ

Accommodation recommendations available on request.
Camping is available at Welham Studios for the more robust camper.
-please enquire when booking.

A Warm Invitation
Join us for four days in this peaceful rural location and develop the technical skills needed to cast your own work. Enjoy exploring more advanced mould‑making and casting processes in a supportive studio environment. You’re welcome to bring questions, ideas, and any projects you’d like to develop. We look forward to welcoming you to Welham Studios.

Please call or email us if you have any questions about the courses — we’re very happy to help.

 Download Full Course Details (PDF)
Includes: refund policy, full materials information, extended technical principles, project development options, and schedule.