LEARN-TO: Foldform [MAY]

Date: Saturday 03 May, 2025

Start Time: 10am

End Time: 4:30pm

Venue: FORGE

This small-scale metalworking taster workshop focuses on the contemporary metalsmithing technique called Foldforming.

Essentially foldforming involves taking flat sheet metal and folding it and then through hammering or passing 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.

Special discount to FORGE Friends, enter your code at checkout

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 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.

As well as using 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 a 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 then students can tailor the designs to their own 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.

What skills do I need?

Beginners

Perfect for those starting out or who have little to no experience.

What should I bring?

- Glasses/ reading glasses

- Notebook and pen if you want to take notes

- Apron

- Hair band to tie hair back when necessary

What should I wear?

Clothes: Casual and not too precious as they may get a bit dusty or damaged. Avoid long, loose fitting sleeves and anything that might catch or get caught whilst you are working.

Shoes: Casual flat shoes and no open toed sandals in case you drop a hammer or something hot on them!

Hair: Tie long hair back.

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.

How do I get there?

See contact page for details on public transport and parking.

£165.00