Lost Wax Casting Jewelry Class: Endless Knot Project

I finally got my first piece back from the foundry! I was inspired by what I thought was a Chinese lattice design I saw on a pillow, but as my lovely Irish friend pointed out, it's actually a Celtic endless knot. I had no idea! I did some research on the endless knot and it says the symbol is sometimes used in Chinese art, so I wasn't way off. Some meanings behind the symbol:

• Eternal love and friendship
• The inter-twining of wisdom and compassion
• The interplay and interaction of good/evil, yin/yang, etc. leading to the harmony in the universe

For those that are just joining, a little information on lost wax casting that I mention in Lost Wax Casting Jewelry Class:

Lost wax casting is an ancient technique. In fact, the earliest archaeological and literary evidence dates back 5000 years! The method I am learning involves a tool shaped like the tip of a fountain pen. It is heated by fire of an oil lamp and dipped into a block of wax. The wax pools in the end of the tool and flows out like a fountain pen onto a marble slab or a wax base. Repeat. You slowly build up your design thicker and thicker into any shape you desire. You can use a knife to cut out parts and various other tools to create textures, patterns, words, etc. It is a slow and delicate process. Once finished, the sculpture is then cast in to metal. The wax is destroyed to unveil the cast item (hence 'lost' wax). If the designer is interested, a rubber mold can be made out of the metal item so that multiples can be created.

1. I saw the design pattern on a pillow and decided to use it to create a pendant. I sketched it out on a flat piece of wax using a sharpie and then cut it out with an x-acto knife.

2. I then "built up" the shape by meticulously dripping wax onto the cut-out shape until it was the desired thickness. Then many levels of sanding and filing ensued to make it the desired smoothness or texture.

3. The wax model was sent to a foundry where it was then cast into metal.

4. I like mine on both a short and long chain and it's nice to have the option of switching it up depending on my outfit!

Do you like it better long or short? I really like the imperfections in the metal. I feel it makes the piece unique and is what makes the handmade jewelry a truly original piece of art. There is a lot more to come. I am making a ring next week!!

If you are interested in purchasing this necklace on either a short or long chain, please leave a comment :)