Casting Organic Silver Shapes

Recommended Tools & Supplies:
Safety Glasses;
Multipurpose Torch Tips;
Crucible With Handle;
Borax Flux; and,
Silver Casting Grain
​
Purchases made using the Amazon links on the OJA website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com, help to financially support the OJA. On our website you'll also find links to products from Durston Tools that we have reviewed. Or, you can access Durston's website at durston.com/oja.
In this video, Professor John Ahr of the Online Jewelry Academy demonstrates direct casting techniques that produce a wide variety of organic shapes. If you've been looking for an easy way to add dimension to your work, this is the video for you. Plus, this style of casting can be a whole lot of fun.
Direct casting involves the use of organic materials to produce interesting shapes. Essentially, the molten metal is poured into materials such as dry pasta and beans and occupies the negative space between the various items. You can also drop molten metal into water to produce some beautiful shapes. The trick is to experiment with various containers and water levels. This video will show your step-by-step how to work safely and produce some very interesting results.
If you like this video there are many more like it included in the Online Jewelry Academy's playlist. You can find the OJA's videos organized by category on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com.
Subscribers to the OJA's KZbin channel have the option to receive regular notification of new OJA video releases. So, why not subscribe now? Be sure to click on the bell next to the subscribe button to turn on notifications.
The OJA offers complete courses on Udemy.com.
1. Beginners course "Colorful Silver Jewelry"
www.udemy.com/makingjewelry/?...
2. Intermediate course "Making Beautiful Articulated Hinged Jewelry"
www.udemy.com/articulatedhing...
3. Stone Setting Course "5 Ways To Enhance Jewelry Design Through Stone Setting"
www.udemy.com/stonesetting/?c...
Follow us on:
Instagram - / onlinejewelryacademy ​
​And, you can support the production of future OJA videos by making a monthly contribution at: / onlinejewelryacademy .

[@Bitternov]

Thank you Professor John...Very interesting metal casting video...

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching! 😀

[@hothmobile100]

I don't know what it is but this awesome guy named John always makes me feel prepared to accomplish something great. ( I already have jewelry fabrication skills but this guy is so positive and fun).

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Richard Powell Hi Richard, Thanks for the compliment. I remember looking at your KZbin channel when you commented on an OJA video some time ago. I'm glad to hear that you feel like the OJA videos are helping you to accomplish your goals. Thanks for your support! : )

[@avisantana4537]

Instablaster

[@thomasalanwoolley]

Hi Professor Ahr - Thank you so much for the inspiration! I watercast brass today for the first time and the shapes are super cool. I really appreciate the broad variety in your instruction videos.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I got your email. I'm glad that the videos have inspired you to have some fun. Stay safe! 😀

[@goldslinger]

I loved cuttlebone casting, broom, spaghetti, etc when I was in jr college. I love the driftwood look of the sphagetti

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

It is fun to do direct casting. And the textures created certainly are unique. Thanks for watching the video. 😀

[@adeline4610]

I love your videos! Easy to follow and you have a wonderful personality!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Adeline, I'm so glad that you're enjoying the videos. And, I'm glad that you like my way of presenting the information. Thanks for your support! : )

[@caroruizdiaz9890]

Oh I loved this technique, thank you for sharing!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!😀

[@clarejohnson779]

Love to watch your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talents. I did a chickpea cast and because it looked so much like coral I set a pearl in it. Love it. Thanks again.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching! 😀

[@Flyingfatboyav]

Wow !!!! it is amazing ....... Thanks for share......

[@amyjennings8974]

Amazing I am so excited to try this out

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Amy, Glad you liked the video. I hope you get some interesting results. Thanks for your support! : )

[@Sasha-im4xi]

Very inspiring and beautiful pieces. I'm very keen to try this.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

***** I'm glad to know that our video inspired you to try something new. Good luck! And, thanks for watching! : )

[@infledermaus]

Wow! That is cool!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

You should give it a try. It's always exciting to see what you end up with. Just be sure to do it outdoors. Some organic items put off a lot of smoke and heat when they come into contact with the molten metal. Thanks for your support! : )

[@elenstefs]

THIS IS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR THANK YOU

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!😀

[@leeferris5940]

Thanks, I have done broom casting, but I think this is easier.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching! 😀

[@aliceryan3399]

Really super! I like the small chickpea piece that looks like a caterpillar or other bug with antennae. Fun!

[@onlinejewelryacademy8157]

I'm so glad you liked this project. It's really easy and produces all kinds of interesting results. Thanks for watching! : )

[@pocatefo1]

Usted tiene un carisma extraordinario, como ya le dijeron una actitud muy positiva y amigable! Siempre miro sus videos, gracias por compartir sus conocimientos. Saludos desde Argentina.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Estoy usando google translate para responder a tu comentario. Gracias por los cumplidos maravillosos. Me alegro de que estés disfrutando de los videos. ¡Gracias por su apoyo!

[@theanxious]

I just watched another video on direct casting using straw packed straight into the can. I feel like packing the spaghetti straight up and down would work even better than the straw. Very crystal like structures from that particular technique. I can't wait to try beans etc and I've always checked my water after pouring my own casting grains... It's a surprise everytime! You can't do it on purpose exactly, but you can get some really awesome one of a kind pieces from water! Great video as always and I will be trying these techniques next time I heat up the crucible!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Jim, I'm glad that you enjoyed the video. I recommend that you investigate the dried food aisle in the market. Things like lentils, beans, rice, pasta, etc. all produce different looking castings. Have fun making organic shapes. Thanks for your support! : )

[@maxken1199]

Interesting thank you

[@onlinejewelryacademy8157]

Glad you found this project interesting. No doubt you'll have fun making some interesting pieces using this technique. Thanks for watching! : )

[@cyndiwaters6598]

I love that you are just as excited as we are to see what you came up with! I am a new subscriber and I think it would be helpful if you linked previous videos that you discuss somehow. :) Well! I am off to find the torch video!! Thanks for another great video!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Cyndi, Glad you found the OJA. I can tell from your comment that you are watching the videos on a handheld device. The OJA includes links to other videos mentioned in any OJA video. They only show up when you watch the videos on a computer. We have complained to Google about this to no avail. Thanks for your support! : )

[@cyndiwaters6598]

from now on I will use my laptop! thank you :)

[@n.t.p8356]

I love your videos, they are really pedagogical and clear. Thank you so much that you share your experience with us. I wonder if i could use boric acid instead of borax as a melting flux? Thank you in advance!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I'm glad that you're enjoying the videos. You can use boric acid as a casting flux. But, it's a little more expensive than borax. Thanks for your support! : )

[@tericarson3468]

Fascinating. ☘ T x

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Give it a try Teri. I'm sure you'll get some really cool pieces. And, be sure to try all sorts of things like lentils, dry peas, grains, etc. Thanks for your support! : )

[@tericarson3468]

OnlineJewelryAcademy Will do. TY. ☘ T x

[@dianeharris5600]

Great video. So beautiful. Could you have fired more than one piece at a time when they are small pieces? Thanks

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Diane, Glad you enjoyed the video. Sure, you could make multiple small castings by pouring small amounts of metal from your crucible into a number of containers. Just be sure to keep the metal molten so that it continues to pour out of the crucible. Remember, you can always cut the best parts off of a larger casting and remelt the parts you don't like. Thanks for your support! : )

[@heatherwatson8273]

What a great video, I too thought of adding a pearl to the large water casting, and the big spaghetti one, I would attach some rhinestones in pre-made bezels. I tried to do broom castings once it's the same as the spaghetti but you cut the straw off a straw broom, and I've also used pine needles. The problem I had was I couldn't get the metal as hot as was needed to melt the silver properly, I used a hand held torch like you used with 925 silver. What's the best type of silver to use? Also I can't afford to buy expensive silver all the time, so what other metal could I use that will NOT cause my skin to come out in a rash?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Heather Watson Hi Heather, It sounds like you really enjoy casting with organic materials. I only cast with sterling silver (.925). It truly is the easiest to work with and it won't turn your skin green. There are casting materials that are less expensive. Some mimic the color of gold and are used to create samples. Unfortunately, they are all not very wearable. You could investigate white metal casting. White metal is often used as a base for fashion/costume jewelry that is plated with gold or silver. My advice is to stick with silver. The jewelry will be more valuable if it's made with a precious metal. Thanks for watching! : )

[@heatherwatson8273]

OnlineJewelryAcademy Thanks for the advice, very helpful.

[@franceswinyard2101]

hi John ! more great ideas but please tell me what kind of torch you are using. Is it a simple plumbers torch? and is it acetylene or propane? thanks John!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Frances Winyard Hi Frances, Glad you liked the video. The torch used in the video is a MAPP gas torch. You can find these at any hardware store. It's the cheapest one to use for this type of work. Thanks for being a loyal viewer! : )

[@franceswinyard2101]

Thanks John! !

[@zoelambert7886]

Hi John, thanks so much for sharing this incredible video - I'm so excited to give it a go! I'd really appreciate it if you could answer a question, though - I've done sand casting in the past, where all the sterling silver pieces have come out with tiny black dots... and my teacher at the time said that was just what happens when doing lo-fi casting... do you have any advice on what I can do to lessen them? Thanks x

[@zoelambert7886]

Ooh and another question, how do I clean the crucible after? Can it be cleaned and I use it for silver then bronze or will it be contaminated? Thanks

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Zoe, I’m going to answer your second question first. You don’t “clean” a crucible. And, you need to have a separate crucible for each type of metal. Your instructor was right. Using Delft Clay would help to keep the surfaces of your castings smooth. There will be some burnt residue to brush off, and there will be a slightly grainy texture on the surface. But, nothing will grab on to the surface with the Delft Clay. Have fun casting with peas, beans, spaghetti, brooms or whatever. Just promise to be safe. 😀

[@irradix213]

hey, i enjoy your videos ,especially the castings, so, i'm thinking i shouldn't do the linear pours with 999 fine, i know you use 925

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+nathaniel lowe Hi Nathaniel, You can cast with fine silver if you prefer. I think that fine silver is a little too soft for some applications or pieces. And, parts made from fine silver that are soldered together will always show their solder joints because the solder is an alloy. You can only fix that problem by silver plating the item. I would recommend switching to sterling if you can. I hope that this information helps you with your decision making on your work. Good luck with your castings. And, thanks for watching! : )

[@irradix213]

+OnlineJewelryAcademy thank you much, i didn't know about the solder

[@kimwehrman]

I loved the largest water casting is there a trick 2 getting that shape & how much practice does it take 2 get the hang of it? Also do different metals react differently & is there something less expensive 2 practice with OR do I need 2 use the good stuff? I cannibalize pieces all the time & was happy 2 hear you do 2. I use mostly genuine stones & Swarovski crystals so if I make something I believe I could do better why buy new 🌹

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Kimberlie Rose Wehrman Hi Kimberlie, Here is the answer to all of you questions in a nutshell. You have to practice with the material you want to use with different shaped bowls and water depths to find the magic. Good luck! And, thanks for watching! ; )

[@inkblot131]

I've searched but I can't find a demo about cleaning and polishing complex organic silver -or gold- pieces. Any links would be appreciated.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

The best method for cleaning and polishing complex organic shapes, like the ones produced in this video, is tumbling. The OJA has a video on tumbling in its playlist. You can find the complete OJA playlist on our website at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com Thanks for your support! : )

[@inkblot131]

Thank you. Your videos are invaluable and greatly appreciated.

[@sarahenton5440]

Have you ever tried any other mediums to cast in? Such as rice or other beans?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

+Sara Henton Yes. I've worked with a wide variety of organic materials. As long as the material will burn up you can work with it. You can get some really cool results working with pine needles and straw brooms. Have fun and work safely. Thanks for your support! : )

[@sarahenton5440]

Cool! Nice to know

[@ssuni4747]

한국에서 글을 씁니다. 제 디자인 작업에 매우 많은 도움이 되었고 항상 잘보고있습니다.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

번역을 사용하여 답장을 보내고 있습니다. 영상을 즐기고 계신 것 같아 기쁩니다. 시청해주셔서 감사합니다.😀

[@ingarozin2567]

Thank you for your video. It's very helpful. How much you put borax? Thank you

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I generally just add a pinch of borax once or twice during the melting process. Have fun casting! : )

[@ingarozin2567]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy thank you

[@creativeroomIR]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Thank you

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Just a couple of pinches is all I used. : )

[@TheKeishana]

Hey dear where did you get that torch to buy?.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

You can purchase a MAPP gas torch like the one used in the video at any hardware store. Mine has a built in striker. It's a great feature to have. Thanks for your support! : )

[@TheKeishana]

Thanks alot i appreciate. One quick question is it refillable ,where can you get the gas to buy ?.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Generally, the MAPP gas canister is not refillable. But, they are generally inexpensive to purchase from a hardware store. Thanks for your support! : )

[@cherylfuhs289]

Great video John! Thank you. Two questions. 1) Do you have to use a mix of casting grain and scrap? Can you use all scrap instead? 2) How long did you have to tumble these to get a consistent shine? Thanks!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Cheryl, In answer to your first question, no, you don't have to use a mix of scrap and casting grain. You can use all new metal and leave out the scrap. But, if you use all scrap you might see a lot of porosity in the casting. Always be sure to clean your scrap and remove all solder. The answer to your second question is, you need to tumble these pieces for about two hours. Have fun making direct castings. Thanks for your support! : )

[@virtuoso1064]

Not a fan of the shapes... sorry

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Thanks fine. Organic shapes aren’t for everyone. 🙂