Be guided through the process of casting and finishing a bronze bowl, starting at an off-site foundry on Wardwell Road. You’ll use a pattern prepared by our team to form the mold in green sand (an environmentally safe mixture of fine sand, clay, and water) into which red-hot, molten bronze will be poured.

After the bronze casting cools enough to handle, you’ll break out your casting from the mold. What’s revealed as the sand breaks away is how the metal flowed through the sprues and gates, into the mold itself, and then through the vents that passed the hot gases that were then, too, filled with bronze.

In the second session, in the welding shop at BARN, you’ll learn when and how to strategically remove specific gates and sprues. The team will show you how to finish the casting by grinding, texturing, and polishing it to a desired finish. A media-blast cabinet may be used to get the desired texture. It’s also possible some blemishes will need to be filled using a TIG (tungsten inert gas) welder. Don’t worry, our team will guide you through every step.

Finally, you’ll learn how to apply the patina of your choice to achieve the finished look that appeals to you. The foundry team wants to be sure the best thing about this class is that you’ll go home with a lovely bowl you can safely use and/or display.

Details

• The first session is held off-site at 9392 Northeast Wardwell Road, Bainbridge Island WA 98110.
• The second session is held at BARN's welding studio.

Materials

• A $40 materials fee, included in the price of the class, covers everything you need.

Class Policies

• Wear natural-fiber clothing, long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes (natural fiber or leather).
• Stretch fabrics, hoodie ties, or dangling jewelry like bracelets that can get caught in machinery are not allowed.
• Tie back long hair.
• Ages 14 and up are welcome.