Metalsmithing Class: Foldform

This small-scale metalworking taster workshop focuses on the contemporary metalsmithing technique called Foldforming.Essentially, foldforming involves taking flat sheet metal and folding it. Through hammering or passing it through a rolling mill, the metal will be stretched and curved. When opened up using your hands, interesting and unique three-dimensional forms are created. Worried about being a complete beginner? Don't worry, this is perfect class to learn all the basics and try something new. What will I make? Using copper sheet, you will create a selection of 6-10 foldforming samples, trying out many different types of folds and using the foldforming ‘bible’ by Charles Lewton-Brain as a reference.There will also be samples made by the tutor on display to inspire you. You will learn fundamental metalsmithing techniques, such as annealing copper, hammer forging, filing, and saw piercing.You will also use finishing processes to give your samples the wow factor and turn them into art to display in your home, including cleaning and polishing, burnishing, and flame patination. What will happen on the day? The tutor will demonstrate a technique, and then the class will create that sample. This will allow the tutor time to help guide everyone individually as they work and ensure good hammering technique is used and that there is good health and safety when using a hot flame.After the set of samples are made, students can tailor the designs to their plan, whether it is working at a smaller scale for potential jewellery projects or imagining how the foldforming samples could be integrated with other materials and practices. There will then be time in the afternoon to finish and burnish some of the more successful samples to elevate them from a plain sample to a decorative item to be displayed in the home.Earplugs will be provided for protection as it does get noisy when hammering begins. Who is my instructor? Emma-Jane Rule is an award-winning Contemporary Metalsmith, with a workshop at StudionAme in Leicester. She is a member of Design-Nation and has exhibited nationally at contemporary art, craft, and design events.Her handcrafted contemporary metalwork is created using traditional silversmithing skills as well as the metalworking technique of foldforming, creating unique and collectible metal art.Taking inspiration from the rhythms and patterns found in nature, Emma-Jane’s portfolio includes decorative vessels and wall art in silver and base metals, lighting, and jewellery. All materials for this course will be provided, and you will take home a series of fabulous copper samples to inspire further work. Read more details