Foundry Holiday Ornament Course

Come make your own holiday-themed aluminum ornaments in the Foundry! In this 3-hour long course you'll make 2 aluminum ornaments of your choice from our existing holiday-themed patterns. We'll show you how to make your own sand molds from these patterns, and then you'll get to watch as a shop captain pours molten aluminum into the mold to form your ornaments. You'll then get to put the finishing touches on your ornaments to take home.

Prerequisites:

None! This class is open to people of all experience levels. Open to TinkerMill members and non-members alike. Class participants who have taken Foundry 101 before and are certified in the shop may do their own pours if they are interested in doing so.

Everyone must sign a waiver, which you can do online here or in-person day-of.

What to bring:

We'll provide everything you need to make your own sand molds and aluminum ornaments, so no need to bring anything at all. Since the shop captains will be doing the pours (unless you are certified in the shop and wish to do your own pours) you will not need to bring/wear any safety gear (expect for safety glasses which will be provided)--just dress in comfortable clothes. Tactile gloves suitable for working with sand molds to help keep your hands clean and warm will be provided if you would like to use them.

Dress warmly for the day, though we also have a heater in the shop to help keep everyone warm if it is cold outside.

Minors Note:

Anyone 17 years of age or younger must be accompanied by a legal guardian at all times. We recommend that any participants be at least 13 years or older, as making the sand molds can be a bit laborious. If you have a questions please contact either of the Shop Captains, Thomas Farrell or Mark Payne.

Disclaimers:

While our patterns are designed for a high chance of success, and while we will try our best to help you be successful, we cannot guarantee that your ornaments will come out without any defects, as nothing is ever guaranteed when it comes to casting.

FAQs:

• Q: If I am certified in the Foundry shop can I do my own pour?
  A: Yes you may! Just let us know that you would like to do this at the start of class.
  
  
• Q: Can I bring my own pattern to use?
  A: For the course we will only be using the pre-made patterns. However, if you have an idea for a pattern feel free to reach out to one of the shop captains. If we think the pattern could work for the course (and time permitting) we might add it to the selection, but no promises.
  
  
• Q: Will this course count as a certification for the Foundry shop?
  A: No, we won't have time to cover everything you need to get certified in the shop (most notably pouring molten aluminum safely) but if you are interested in getting certified in the shop you can sign up for the Foundry 101 course!
  

If you have any questions, please contact either of the Shop Captains, Thomas Farrell or Mark Payne.