The name "Pocket Foundry" was born beside a fire pit in December 2026, during a gathering with my friend Timmy and one of his coworkers. As we exchanged introductions and casual conversation, I was making an ornament of Timmy's wife's favorite chicken, Buffy. I carved a design into a cuttlebone, melted metal over the fire with a makeshift ladle, created channels to guide the flow of metal, and poured into the natural mold...all without missing a beat in the conversation.
While the name itself is recent, the idea behind it—offering mobile art classes focused on sculpture and metal casting—had been simmering for nearly a decade. The spark that finally turned that idea into a reality came from an offhand comment: my friend describing me as someone who “has a foundry in his pocket.” Timmy's coworker was fascinated by the process and struck by how approachable it was. That moment reinforced something I had long believed: art and casting don’t have to be intimidating or confined to a traditional studio. Creativity can happen anywhere, and the tools to explore it can be surprisingly simple. The idea of the Pocket Foundry solidified my desire to share hands-on, sculptural experiences that are accessible, engaging, and rooted in curiosity and connection.
About Cuttlebone Casting
Cuttlebone casting is a fun and simple introduction to the art / process of metal casting, a.k.a. “the gateway casting!”
This process of metal casting is an ancient technique that dates back to classical antiquity, and has been used by metalworkers for centuries. Early artisans discovered that once dried, the natural, lightweight, porous internal shell of the cuttlefish could be easily carved as well as withstand temperatures of molten precious metals. Cuttlebone casting lends itself to producing rings, pendants, and small-scale decorative works with distinctive organic textures that naturally occur in the life process of the cuttlefish.
To create a casting, a design is carved directly into one or two halves of the cuttlebone, along with a gating system in order to allow metal to enter the mold, as well as for gases to escape. Molten metal is poured into the mold, where it fills the negative carved space and captures the cuttlebone’s distinctive layered texture. Because of the process and potential undercuts, the mold is often destroyed when removing the casting, which in turn makes each piece that much more unique.
While you can pour almost any metal into cuttlebone, we primarily use Britannia, a very low melting alloy of tin and antimony. It is easy to heat up, safe and non-toxic, and has a beautiful deep silver finish.
If you are interested in making tiny-shiny, one-of-a-kind objects with an organic texture, join me in learning this ancient process of casting metal into dead things! Bonus: it smells like low tide once the molten metal hits that mold!
What we provide:
Workshops
Our hands-on workshops cover everything from sculpting to the actual metal pouring. We cater to all skill levels and aim to create a fun and approachable experience for everyone.
On-Site Events
We bring the workshop to you! Whether it's a community event, art market, school program, or private party, we tailor our sessions to fit your needs and space.
Educational Resources
Participants receive comprehensive guides and resources to continue their metal casting journey even after the workshop ends.
Custom Projects
Looking for a specific project or theme? We offer customized sessions that focus on your personal artistic goals and interests.
Wanna Cuttle?
Follow us and share your projects on Instagram @pocketfoundry
