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

Foldforming is a fun and addictive metalworking technique, which easily and quickly creates three 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 or garland 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.

You’ll be using metalworking skills such as sawing, hammering, annealing (softening metal with a flame) and soldering (joining metal using solder and a flame), before manipulating the final leaf form by hand to add a touch of personal artistry to its display. Final finishing techniques to help bring your nature inspired designs to life could involve cleaning, patinating and burnishing.

Tutor Emma-Jane Rule is an award winning Contemporary Metalsmith and Silversmith, 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 a metalworking technique called foldforming. 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 one day five-hour workshop starts at 10.30am and ends at 4pm, with half an hour break for lunch. Our café will be open or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch.

Participants must be aged 18+.

All materials will be provided. Please wear shoes or boots that do not have open toes.

Further Information:

We aim to make all our sessions as accessible as possible and carers/PAs are very welcome – just remember to book their free place when you book your session. If you'd like to talk to us in advance of booking or attending your sessions to discuss your access needs, our Box Office team is here to help! Email arts-centre@le.ac.uk, pop in or call 0116 252 2455, open 7 days a week.

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.

Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road. The closest public car park for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us.

Please ensure that you agree to our updated Terms & Conditions before booking as courses/workshops are non-refundable in some circumstances.