Workshops
I currently offer Online and In Person Instruction, please Scroll for upcoming times
Below I have listed Outlines of my in person 3 Part Series in Moldmaking. Each class is limited to 10 people so everyone can have hands on instruction and takes about 5 hours. These workshop formats are "learn by doing" type classes where participants will make a mold of an object or construct an item, with the goal to be knowledge of how to continue making versus a ‘final object’ result.
Classes consist of a Demonstration on each skill, expansive Informational Handouts, and Presentations focusing on the science supporting each technique including the whys behind tasks and ways to troubleshoot common issues. Proper Safety Practices are also discussed including proper protections and precautions to utilize when using these chemicals.
Full attendee participation is encouraged.
Julia Emerald is a Professional Instructor for both Reynolds Advanced Materials and Maquillage Makeup Academy in addition to providing instruction to local artists, other professional studios, and makers spaces. She has been teaching moldmaking since 2009 and FX Makeup since 2014 and is the resident Moldmaking instructor for Atlanta’s Engineer Guy (now a branch of Reynolds Advance Materials).
Upcoming workshops
Intro to Basic Moldmaking -
TBD
Intermediate 2-Part Moldmaking -
TBD
Advanced Topics in Moldmaking -
TBD
Intro to Basic Mold Making
First Part of the 3-Part Molding & Casting Series
Class will have a Demonstration and Presentation on Open Faced One-Part Block molds (aka Flat or Impression Molds) including how to prep and secure the model, build mold walls, seal the model, apply mold release, and mix/pour silicone and resin. Also included will be an explanation of the reasons behind each process and discussion of what can be molded in Open Faced molds as well as a in depth handout defining basic terms, techniques, and materials, followed by participants each making their own silicone flat mold and a resin “positive” cast to be taken from that mold. (If time allows).
**Participants will learn how to make a Silicone Flat Mold. Proper mixing and use of Silicone, Resin, and Plaster will be discussed. There will be a variety of appropriate items available to mold, but you can bring an object of your own to try provided it has no undercuts.and is smaller than a closed fist
Cost is $80 / Person and includes both Materials and Instruction.
Intermediate Mold Making
This workshop is the follow up to Introduction to Basic Moldmaking -Part 2 of 3.
There will be a Demonstration and Presentation on 2-Part Block Molds including what aspects of a model require constructing a 2-part mold, how to clay up your model for molding, adding keys, vent channels, pour spouts, and parting line determination. In depth discourse on the properties of Silicones, Urethane Elastomers, and Resin will be included as well as a handout defining intermediate terms and techniques. Participants will each begin making their own mold using silicone rubber however due to time allowances this will focus on learning the techniques and skills to make molds in future rather than finishing a full 2-part mold in class. We will also discuss Encasement Shell/Mother Molds.
**Participants will learn how to make 2-Part Block Mold with keys, vents, and pour spout. (the goal being skill acquisition vs final product to take home). There will be a variety of appropriate items available to mold, but you can bring an object of your own to try provided it’s smaller than a closed fist and not too complex..
Cost is $80 / Person and includes both Materials and Instruction.
Advanced Topics in MoldMaking
This workshop is the follow-up to Intermediate Mold Making and is the final class in the 3-Part Series
Building off of existing Moldmaking skills with prior knowledge of Multi-Part Mold & Resin Casting. There will be a Presentation on other types of molds (brush on molds, jewelers case molds, hard molds, mother molds, and encasement molds) and what factors in a model may require different approaches to deciding what type of mold to use for each project. Special issues like glue shims, molding 4 legged animals, slicing sculptures for molding, and post joining casts will be discussed.
Additionally Special Effects with Resin Additives will be introduced including Cold Casting metals, using Tints/Dyes/Powders, Glow effects, creating Faux Bone, Wood, Amber & Stone, Resin Flow Art, Layer Painting, adding Fillers, and Encapsulation. Advanced techniques and problem solving for common issues using Silicone and Urethane will be covered as well as a handout defining advanced terms and techniques.
**Participants will learn what different methods can be employed in Moldmaking to be more effective for specific uses and save on costs. How to obtain Special Resin Effects using Powders, Tints, Dyes, and Fillers. As well as basic trouble shooting issues with Silicone and Urethanes.
Cost is $80/ Person and includes both Materials and Instruction.