Can you tell us a bit about the wax class you will be teaching for the MAMA and why you think wax is an important medium for any jeweller.

The wax modules that I'll be teaching are going to focus more on a step by step approach to creating a wax piece including proper sculpting techniques, how to do a comprehensive layout on your wax to accurately accomplish a design, the various types of waxes and their best applications for jewellery making as well as creating settings for stones in wax. My strongest argument for learning wax sculpting is its versatility. It is such an important and versatile skill to master.

Norsola, Can you tell us more about the Rhino 3D class offered at M.A.M.A.?
The class is structured around lectures and exercises that gradually build on each other, culminating in a final project that is printed in class. I created a workbook for the class so that students can follow along during lectures and practice the exercises at home. I have found that information learned from just in-class practical exercises is quickly forgotten, and having a reference to work from and practice outside of the classroom helps a great deal toward becoming familiar and comfortable with the software. Consistent practice is the best way to learn software, and the workbook helps with that.

Are you curious about environmental issues surrounding the gold industry? Have you heard of conflict gold and want to know more? You *need* to see the documentary The Shadow of Gold.

Stunning masterpieces of the great Benin Empire (located in present day Nigeria – not the country of Benin), they represent one of the world's finest traditions of metal work.