Printermedia Resident Jessica Milum launches beginner Lost Wax Modelling workshop at Howe Street Studios on April 25
- VMAA
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
The lost wax casting technique is an ancient process of creating wax models and preparing them for casting. On April 25th, from 10 AM to 1 PM, you can join a beginner-friendly workshop led by artist Jessica Milum at 1265 Howe Street, Vancouver. This hands-on experience will guide you through designing and carving your own wax pendant, ring, or small object, which will then be cast in sterling silver and returned to you within two weeks.
Facilitated as a collaboration between the Vancouver Metal Arts Association-supported Printermedia Residency and Malaspina Printmakers Society, the community invites non-metalsmiths, hobbyists, or students who want to dip their toes into a new method, create a unique gift, or meet other artists over a fun activity. It is a great opportunity to get started with this process in a supportive and creative environment.
What You Will Learn in the Workshop
The lost-wax casting process is an ancient technique that allows artists to create detailed metal objects by first shaping them in wax and preparing them for casting. In this workshop, you will:
Design and sketch your piece: Start by brainstorming and drawing your idea with guidance from Jessica.
Carve and model your wax: Use carving tools to shape your wax into the form you want.
Understand the casting process: Learn how your wax model will be transformed into sterling silver.
Finish your piece: Jessica will polish and finish your silver item and send it back to you within two weeks.
This step-by-step approach ensures you gain hands-on experience while creating something personal and lasting.
Workshop Agenda
The workshop is designed to fit into a focused three-hour session with clear steps:
Welcome and Introduction (15 minutes)
Meet Jessica, learn about the lost wax casting technique, and get an overview of the day.
Design and Sketching (15 minutes)
Develop your idea with simple sketches and discuss your design with the instructor.
Wax Carving and Modelling (90 minutes)
Dive into carving your wax piece using provided tools and materials.
Final Touches and Wrap-Up (30 minutes)
Refine your wax model and prepare it for casting. Jessica will explain what happens next.
This structure balances instruction with creative time, so you can focus on making your piece.
What’s Included in the Workshop
You don’t need to bring anything except your creativity. The workshop provides:
All wax, carving tools, and materials including 10 grams of sterling silver for casting your piece
Step-by-step guidance from Jessica throughout the session
Your finished silver piece returned to you within two weeks after the workshop
Light snacks and drinks to keep you refreshed
This all-in-one package makes it easy to try lost wax casting without any hassle.
About Jessica Milum
(she/her)
Spoken languages: English
Stevies is a jewellery studio and home for metal arts education. Founded by Jessica Milum, the practice moves fluidly between adornment, teaching, and shared creative experience. Stevies spans jewellery, sculptural objects, and workshops that invite people into process — not perfection. Each offering is part of an ongoing exploration of material, form, and how creativity lives in the body. At its core, Stevies exists to expand access to jewellery and arts education, fostering inclusive environments that welcome different bodies, minds, and ways of being. For more information, reach out at jess@stevies.studio or visit stevies.studio. Jessica Milum holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria and studied metal arts at Whitecliffe College in Auckland, New Zealand. She has been a resident with Malaspina Printmakers since November 2025 and is proud to contribute to the growing metal arts community across the Lower Mainland.
How to Prepare for the Workshop
To get the most out of the session, consider:
Bringing a few sketches or images that inspire your design
Wearing comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit dusty
Arriving a few minutes early to settle in and meet Jessica
No special skills are needed, just your curiosity and willingness to try something new.
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