2025 Registration

Member Registration starts at 7:00 am on November 17, 2024

Registration for all others starts at 7:00 am on December 1, 2024

Folding, Stamping, and Connecting Metals

Skill Level

All Levels Welcome

Required Skills:

No previous metal fabrication experience needed.

Class Schedule

Class Length:

Two and a Half Days

Class Times:

Description

In the late 1980s goldsmith Charles Lewton-Brain developed a metalsmithing technique known as fold-forming.  This exciting technique allows you to manipulate, fold, corrugate, and hammer thin sheets of metal into fabulous new 3-D shapes and organic forms. This workshop is a great introduction to basic metalsmithing tools and techniques. You will learn how to operate a simple torch to heat the metal, to saw, to embellish metal through stamping, and how to fold form sheet metal. You will construct incredible jewelry designs without the use of a torch by means of cold connections using a variety of riveting techniques including standard, flush, ball head, and tube. Creatively add alternative materials to your jewelry (like weaving scraps and fabric) with these simple techniques that you can do at home with some basic tools! All tools will be provided and also available to purchase after the workshop.

Fees

Registration Fees:

For FTWG Members: $260

For all others: $290

Materials Fee:

$25

Materials Fee Includes:

Metal, findings, handouts, use of tools.

Registration Fees are paid when you register to attend the FTWG Conference. Materials fees are paid directly to the instructor at the beginning of class. You should plan to pay the materials fee in cash.

Students to Bring

  • Small pieces of scrap weaving, fabric, or any flat found materials that they'd like to incorporate into their work.
  • Notepad and pencil
  • Wear old clothes!

Instructor Bio

Brenda R. Gregory is a Florida artist residing in the city of Tampa. Brenda received her BFA in Medical Illustration and Associate of Applied Science in Fine Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1984. She began her diverse art career as a medical and scientific illustrator and then as a graphic designer. Brenda’s ability to communicate the precision of detail necessary for medical illustration, coupled with the creativity required for illustration and graphic design is reflected in her metalsmithing and jewelry design. She is currently working on using her knowledge of jewelry making and incorporating that into other types of visual arts. Brenda is also a teaching artist who values the opportunity to support others in their creative pursuits.