Join the FREE Week of Wax Challenge: Creative Jewellery design Without Expensive Metal (Podcast episode)
This week on the Jewellers Academy podcast, Jess is joined by jeweller and wax tutor Elin Horgan to introduce Jewellers Academy’s new free Week of Wax challenge which starts on 2nd February and is open for enrolment now. They discuss what wax jewellery is, why it’s such a powerful (and affordable) material to work with, and walk through each day of the 5-day program. Ideal for beginners and experienced jewellers alike.
Listen now on:
key moments in this week’s episode
01:02 - Episode introduction & Week of Wax overview
Jess introduces the Week of Wax, a new free 5-day course, and explains why it was created alongside the new Wax Diploma.
02:39 - Meet today’s guest: Elin Horgan
Introduction to Elin Horgan, jeweller and tutor on several Jewellers Academy wax carving courses.
03:07 - Starting out with wax carving
Elin shares her early experiences with wax carving and why structure and guidance are so helpful for beginners.
04:22 - Why wax is ideal for experimentation?
Discussion around affordability, rising metal prices, and why wax is such a valuable material for exploring ideas.
05:23 - Casting options and real-world examples
Elin talks about casting in silver, gold, and brass, including a large commercial commission.
06:22 - Day 1 overview: Wax carved ring
Introduction to the first project of the week with tutor Roxy and why ring carving is such a strong beginner project.
08:58 - Working with wax tubes
Why wax tubes make ring carving easier and help shift thinking from building to carving.
10:41 - Day 2 overview: Granulation in wax
Using a heat pen to add texture and detail, plus an introduction to cleaning and soldering cast pieces.
13:03 - Day 3 overview: Wax charms (taught by Jessica Rose)
Designing and carving small wax charms and how they can be used across jewellery collections.
14:30 - Using wax components to build collections
Elin explains how charms can be repeated, moulded, and adapted for multiple jewellery designs.
16:36 - Day 4 overview: Build-up technique heart pendant
Exploring a different way of working with wax by melting and building forms rather than carving.
18:16 - Choosing techniques to suit your style
Discussion on geometric vs organic aesthetics and how different wax techniques support different design approaches.
19:12 - Day 5 overview: Signet ring with Stelios Karantonas
A more technical project focusing on scale, symmetry, and precision.
20:37 - Why signet rings are perfect for wax carving
Elin shares why signet rings are her favourite wax project and the creative possibilities of engraving in wax.
21:47 - Flexibility of the course format
How to approach the Week of Wax at your own pace, with lifetime access to the content.
24:05 - Encouragement for first-time wax carvers
Elin shares advice on experimenting freely, playing without pressure, and enjoying the process.
25:22 - Time commitment & the Wax Diploma
Jess discusses realistic time expectations and shares details about the upcoming Wax Diploma.
26:39 - Where to find Elin online
Elin shares her Instagram handle and website.
27:00 - Closing remarks
Final encouragement to join the Week of Wax, share work with the community, and enjoy exploring wax carving.
Ready to enrol on this free challenge? Here’s the link you need:
enrol on the week of wax now - it’s free!
When does it start? Monday 2nd February 2026
What happens? Get daily professionally filmed wax jewellery projects from Monday to Friday.
Day 1: Wax Carved Rings
Day 2: Granulation in Wax
Day 3: Wax Charms
Day 4: Build up Technique Heart Pendant
Day 5: Wax Carved Signet Ring
about Elin
Elin Horgan is a Bristol-based jewellery designer and maker with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She makes her own collections, combining traditional silversmithing techniques, wax carving, CAD and cast designs. Her geometric designs are inspired by abstract art, architecture and the urban environment, which she sells online and through selected independent shops & galleries in the UK. Elin's work was chosen to be a part of the Royal Academy's RA-ted programme which supported a small group of emerging designers by selling a selection of their work through it's shop. Elin has also exhibited at prestigious international art fairs.
Elin is one of our Diploma mentors and has filmed wax carving courses with us.
