Wax and Fire: Jewelry Immersive
Adult Immersive | Registration opens Monday, July 6, 2026 8:00 AM EDT
This special immersive workshop offers a focused introduction to relief carving and casting techniques used in contemporary jewelry practice. Led by professional jeweler Maureen, participants will learn how to carve wax and prepare designs for the lost wax casting process. The immersive will include a field trip to Philadelphia's Jeweler's Row to outsource professional wax casting services (at an additional fee).
In the studio, students will explore sand casting and cuttlefish casting techniques to create unique objects, carvings, and wearable forms. Through hands-on demonstrations and guided projects, participants will develop an understanding of how carved imagery can be translated into finished metal jewelry. Students will complete an infinity band, signet ring, and a relief pendant wile building foundational skills in carving, casting, finishing, and surface refinement.
What You Will Learn:
- Fundamentals of relief carving for jewelry application
- Techniques for translating carved designs into cast form
- Process of creating a signet ring and relief pendant
- Material considerations for carving and casting
- Finishing and refining small-scale metal objects
- Approaches to developing personal imagery in jewelry design
Class ScheduleMonday, December 7th - Friday, December 11th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Open Studio Schedule
Monday, December 14th - Friday, December 18th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Open studio hours are subject to change based on Monitor availability and staffing. Some Open Studio sessions may be limited to cold work such as wax work and finishing.
Accessibility Note: This studio is only accessible by stairs. For access needs or accommodations, contact adulteducation@fleisher.org.
Please note: Studio fees help cover the ongoing cost of studio resources, including tools, equipment maintenance, gas, soldering materials, abrasives, and other supplies available for student use.
- Recommended Local Jewelry & Metal Suppliers
- T.B. Hagstoz & Son Inc., 709 Sansom St, 215-922-1628, hagstoz.com
- Pamma Tools, 809 Samson St, 215-928-6004, pammatools.com
Recommended Online Jewelry & Metal Supplier
- Rio Grande, 1-800-545-6566, riogrande.com
All students should start the class with these supplies:
- Sketchbook and pen/pencil
- X-acto knife with extra blades
- Toothbrush (it can be an old one)
All wax is supplied as part of the studio fee.
All students will need these additional supplies depending on your chosen project and should be discussed with the instructor:
- Cuttle Fish
- Casting Grain
- Gemstones for settings
Other optional, but suggested supplies:
- Max Wax Pen
- Rechargable engraver
- Double ended twist scribe
Please note: All metals are at your own expense. You are able to use copper, brass, or sterling silver in this studio. Students should choose a metal that works best for their personal budgets (copper and brass tend to be more budget friendly). The use of gold should be discussed with your instructor prior to purchase. No nickel or steel is permitted in the Fleisher jewelry studio.
Maureen Duffy
Maureen Duffy is a studio jewelry artist and professor based in Philadelphia, PA. She currently serves as an 3/4 time professor of Jewelry and Metalsmithing at Rowan University in New Jersey and a jewelry instructor at Fleisher Art Memorial, one of the country’s oldest art centers, where she has played a key role in developing its jewelry program. Additionally, Maureen teaches workshops at Peters Valley Craft School, Snow Farm, and The New England Craft Farm. Other schools that she has taught at include; Tyler School of Art & Architecture, Towson University, Moore College of Art & Design, Millersville University, and SUNY at New Platz, NY.
https://www.maureenduffyjewelry.com/