Wonderful Wire Working

Think of the wire as a pencil line and then take it for a walk! Using wire, as you would draw a line, is an engaging way of creating a unique artwork.

In this four-hour wire working workshop you will create a two-dimensional picture or three dimensional flower heads and leaf stems. You will learn how to bend, weave, fold and wrap various types of wire, using the different colours and thicknesses to create detail and add interest.

Options would be to bring a photo of your own to ‘trace’ with wire or to make a patterned panel using a jig to help make repetitive shapes or to freestyle a flower head and stem. Finished panels can be displayed on the wall or in the window and flower heads and stems can be displayed in vases or plant pots.

During this workshop you’ll learn techniques for working with coloured craft wire, thin copper wire and iron binding wire, mixing and matching the different colours to add interest and contrast to your designs. Tools and equipment used to shape and bend wire include various types of pliers and snips and a board to hammer pins into to help keep the wire under control while working. Jigs to create repetitive patterns will also be available.

Craft wire in particular is quite soft, making it easy to bend and use and wire wrapping, weaving and snipping are not tiring techniques. During the four hours there is plenty of time to master the technique and create a beautifully made outcome or two. There are a few optional outcomes for this workshop and tutor Emma will have samples and ideas for inspiration.

Photos of your pet or a favourite landscape might be a great way to personalise your designs and if it could be printed out at A5 to A4 size and brought with you, then you can directly trace those lines with the wire. If you have any other ideas of what you would like to make then we’re sure we can make that happen too!

One design option is a flat two-dimensional picture that is up to A4 in size that can be hung on the wall or in a window. Clever placement in the home gives fabulous shadows when the sun comes out. Starting points will be with drawing a pattern or a picture onto paper and using this as your guide to follow as you weave, knot and bend the wire into shape. Another option is to create the 2D picture and add some 3D elements, which extend from the surface of the flat design.

Or finally, flowers and leaves are a lovely 3D project and stems can be displayed in a vase or turned into agarland. Take inspiration from nature or make up your own bloom and create it in wire, it will never wilt!

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 metal working 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.

This four-hour workshop starts at 10.30am and ends at 3pm, with half an hour break for lunch. Our café will be open or you are welcome to bring your own refreshments.

All materials will be provided. Please wear shoes or boots that do not have open toes and old clothes, or bring an apron if you prefer.