Things change pretty quickly around here!
Up until a few days ago, my Melbourne (face-to-face studio classes) wax carving/lost wax ring carving classes required participants to be 18+ to enrol.
After some deliberation, my wax carving classes in my Melbourne studio are now accessible to children aged 15+. I have a few keen young jewellery making enthusiasts in my audience, and it's a great way to get the next generation involved in a truly special field of art - as a hands on exploratory hobby, or as a starting point for children wishing to discontinue school and dive into something new or jump into the jewellery trade. I chose15 years of age as the minimum, as we use some sharp tools in session one, and power tools in session two to finish our rings. The use of these tools and equipment requires maturity, concentration and hand/eye coordination which isn't suitable for younger ones (nonetheless, all safety gear is provided on site).
A few things to note: children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and their parent/guardian is required to be present in the studio for the full duration of the course (both sessions). All classes for children will strictly be hosted as 1:1 learning - with Madame Mak and a parent/guardian in the room. Please contact me to make other arrangements if you have multiple children/siblings also wishing to enrol on the same day. My studio is small and can house a maximum of two siblings (age 15+) and one parent/guardian on any given day. The space is not suitable (or safe) for seating babies/toddlers/very young children while you wait. The course fee is priced per child. The same level of service, information and class aftercare is provided in my children's classes, however all information and communication after class is maintained and transmitted between Madame Mak and the parent/guardian.
I would be delighted for the accompanying parent/guardian to take a seat at my spare bench (provided the space/circumstances permit), and join in on the wax carving fun if they wish to experience this hand craft alongside their child. It's a lovely opportunity for bonding, and this generous offer is complimentary for the accompanying parent/guardian (excluding casting fees for any rings that are destined for casting in metal).
Food and refreshments will be provided to both parent/guardian and child on the day.
If you would like to check my availability or make a 1:1 booking for your child, please don't hesitate to reach out any time. I can manually process and invoice your booking if you prefer to contact me directly (email dahnamak@gmail.com, or via instagram DM). Alternatively a deposit can be placed through my website - head to Shop --> Jewellery Making Classes and select the relevant class. When placing your deposit, please select the "I'm under 18" option from the "Class Dates" dropdown menu - this guarantees the class for your child is 1:1. I encourage you to reach out to me after placing your deposit to check my availability and to arrange your child's class date/s with me.
The beginners class and the more intermediate cast in place (stone setting directly in wax) class are suitable for children, however the organic claw cabochon ring/metal setting class is reserved for adults only. Please note, previous wax carving experience is necessary to enrol in the cast in place (stone setting directly in wax) class, as it is more advanced and technical.
My 1:1 private classes can be arranged for most days of the week (it might mean a day or two off school and work - that's kind of fun from memory). Classes can also be hosted during the school holidays and also on weekends (provided my set classes on weekends for adults aren't already booked).
And before I wrap this post up (probably the most important thing) - I have applied for and received my WWCC (Working With Children Check) which was issued to me by the Service Victoria State Government in December 2022.
Please note, my metal casting facility is closed until the 17th January 2023. This means that any wax work performed in my studio in session 1 can not be transformed into metal until the 17th January onwards. I'm more than happy to work through the wax carving component (session 1) with your child throughout the December/January holiday period, however if you choose to do this there will be a longer wait until the second session can commence. Your child's wax model/s would be kept safe in the studio, and the second session can resume in late January once the metal rings have been cast and returned to my studio. Alternatively, classes will resume as normal from the 14th January onwards (with a 1 - 2 week hiatus between session 1 and session 2).
I hope to have you and your child for a fun few sessions, in my colourful quirky suburban jewellery making studio - my heart and home!
Much love,
Dahna :)
