Modeling in Wax for Jewelry and Sculpture

This is a great book for those interested in learning wax carving. The author lays out a number of projects wisely chosen for their versatility. Learn the basics about blue, purple, and green carving waxes and some specialty waxes as well - get started with a pretty basic, low cost set up and the sky's the limit once basic techniques are mastered.I do not recommend this as the only book to get if you're interested in wax, however. While the information presented is worthwhile, some of it is too outdated. We've been fortunate in the jeweler's industry to benefit from scientific/manufacturing advancements in recent years, and some of the moldmaking information, etc is no longer as relevant. There is much more available to us now, which wasn't commonly available when this was originally published - new moldmaking materials, new waxes, new application methods.That said, the author makes excellent points regarding the use of what can be described as 'shortcuts' in the wax-working process - if one is to truly master a craft, it's better to learn the long/'hard' way first. So while this book may be a little behind the times, it still contains key lessons in wax working and makes a worthy addition to a beginner's library.

This book has paid for itself already, even though I haven't yet read every page! I did learn how to design and carve jewellery in wax, but our syllabus only allowed (literally) enough time to barely scratch the surface of what is possible. Having set myself the task of carving a complex freeform mermaid, I had been struggling with her wild, fine, seaweedy hair. Thanks to Lawrence Kallenberg's book, several new items have joined my arsenal of wax carving tools - and they didn't cost a cent because I already had them. I just hadn't thought of using them on wax. And my head is spinning with new ideas for larger pieces using the sculpture techniques he suggests and describes so well.This is a book that is meant to be read, and read thoroughly, rather than as a ready bench reference, and at times, it is slightly heavy going, but with that said, it's a well worth while addition to my library.

This book is really helpful in the regard that it guides you to what tools/materials you need to get going with wax carving. Also, it is good in describing techniques to use for different carving projects. It gives you a general idea about how to go and complete wax-modelling projects and describes working with different qualities of wax and their characteristics. Only minor thing is that it does not EXACTLY describe projects step-by-step, which leaves a gap there for the absolute beginner, I think. A good initial step was the book 'Basic wax modelling' by Hiroshi Tsuyuki, which gives the beginner the essentials to be able to go further in a project.As a conclusion, I definitely would recommend this book, I think it is very useful for everyone that wants to get into wax-modelling!

I've bought several other books on wax carving before, but none near as useful as this one. This is the book where you start, if you are beginning wax carving and already understand a bit about jewelry making. I'm a metalsmith (see [...]) who has been hand-fabricating for a while, and this book is just right for me. It's got a good progression of complexity, sufficient illustrations, and lots of great information. If you've never made jewelry, this book may not be for you unless you are particularly handy.

This book looked new! Perfect condition! Speedy shipping from the seller too. Couldn't be more pleased! A must have for anyone into carving wax for casting.

Comprehensive content, going well beyond the obvious common sense with interesting and valuable information.

Informative book with many photographic examples of the instructions.I enjoyed putting some of the methods into practice. Was well laid out with a broad choosing of projects.A good intro to medium level instruction book.

Love it!

Marvellous book! While this is a much-used skill, it's not easy to find a thorough and well-illustrated manual for the use of someone far from the usual centres of jewellery-making; and this is the best book I've seem recommended on the subject. It's not particularly cheap, but it is, after all, an original volume, and far better than any more modern treatment of the subject.

Just as described. A good book to start with.Techniques and tools of wax carving and wax modelling are explained with illustrations.

A very useful book.

Great book - great condition!

Very good book. Lot of informations on a lot of subjects. The best comme in at the middle to the end of the book. He gives you lots of trick on wax caving, wax build-up and how to make wax inlays techniques. It is worth the money.