Small Scale Metalworking: Create a Copper Foldformed Leaf Garland or Decorative Stem

Fold forming is a fun and addictive metalworking technique, which easily and quickly creates 3 dimensional sculptural forms from sheet metal.

With no previous metal working experience you will be impressed by the malleable nature of copper, as you stretch and curve it using a hammer or a rolling mill. You will be learning some of the basics of metalworking as you progress through the project, to create surprisingly life-like leaves. Finished leaves can be assembled into a small wreath to display on a surface or the wall, a decorative stem to adorn a vase or be used as a planter decoration, or as stand-alone sculptures.

To create a 3D fold form from sheet copper, metalworking skills such as sawing, hammering, annealing (softening metal with a flame) and soldering (joining metal using solder and a flame) are all used, before manipulating the final leaf form by hand and adding a touch of personal artistry to its display.

The technique involves folding the metal and flattening the folded edge with a mallet. The profile of a leaf, based on reality or imagination, is drawn onto the blank and this line is then sawn along using a jeweller’s saw. This template is then annealed to soften the metal, making it ready to hammer and shape. Variations on each leaf can be made depending if the folded or the cut edge is hammered, also depending on the strength and accuracy of the student’s hammer blows. Once the flat template is opened, skills such as filing and sanding are used on the leaves before they are soldered or wire wrapped onto a wire ring or rod. Final finishing techniques to help bring these nature-inspired designs to life could involve cleaning, patinating and burnishing.

Usually when students try fold forming for the first time, they are amazed at their ability to curve and shape metal so easily and are rather pleased with their final outcomes!

You will make three to five small/medium sized leaf forms, to then silver solder or wire wrap onto a decorative wreath or stem, but this class covers all ability levels and speeds of working so you can work at your own pace.

Tutor Emma-Jane Rule is an award winning Contemporary Metalsmith and Silversmith. 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 a metalworking technique called fold forming. This involves folding sheets of metal and using hammer blows to stretch certain areas, when unfolded and manipulated by hand they are transformed into three dimensional forms. 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.

Bring an apron or don’t wear your best clothes and please wear closed toed shoes. Long hair needs to be tied back when doing certain processes, so please bring a hairband too if you need one.

The workshop is aimed at all levels of ability and although processes such as sawing and hammering can be taxing on the hands and arms, the tutor is available to help when required.