Wire Wild Flowers

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 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.

Bring your own drawings of flowers and seeds for inspiration if you wish, and/or tutor Emma will provide lots of ideas on the day.

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.

Your finished collection of flower heads and stems can be displayed in vases, a wooden block, as a garland or in plant pots (not provided) – keep for yourself or make them for a special gift!

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 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 one-day 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.

Participants must be aged 14+. Under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times.

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

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.