WORKSHOP: Intro to Wax Sculpting | Floriade at Lanyon 2026

In this workshop, students will learn some of the history and theory of lost wax casting as well as the limitations and common mistakes. They will then get hands-on experience trying tools and different techniques on some beeswax and coconut oil to make a sample ring, pendant, brooch or anything else they can imagine. At the end of the class they will have the option of keeping the pieces as wax or casting them in a choice of metals at Palloys, at their own expense, with the teacher’s support. Teachers Amber Ecclestone, Leather worker. She has been teaching Leather workshops at the NFF Community Arts for the last three years. She taught Sheath making, Journal covering and Introduction to leatherworking classes at Tharwa Valley Forge in 2022. She is currently teaching nature-based leatherworking classes at NatureArt Lab. Ceilidh Dalton, Practicing environmental artist, teacher, curator and toolmaker. She has been assisting Amber in teaching leather workshops at the NFF Community Arts. Her studies in Environmental studio while studying a Bachelor of Design Arts in Gold and Silversmithing fed her passion for conservation and environmental art. She loves lost wax casting and teaching wax sculpting techniques. Instagram@ceilidhdaltonmetalart Please note, this workshop focuses on the creation of the wax models and does not include casting.