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Here are some images from the March 2011 fold forming workshop taken by Georgina Franklin while I was helping the students. It was the first time we have held this course, and it was both successful and enjoyable so we will be doing it again! We had a lovely group of four students – all with some previous experience – who each used the same technique, but used it in different ways. Students enjoyed experimenting in copper before using silver.
The first fold is put in by placing the silver in a vice and taping it over, then removing from the vice, and taping with a rawhide mallet to complete the full fold.
The edge is hammered to stretch the metal. The edge that is hammered depends on the design. Here, Sue is hammering the open edge.
When the hammering is complete the piece is opened up carefully with a burnisher. The amount you open depends on your design.
This is a copper sample that was opened out completely and then texture was added by using different hammers.
Annealing the metal after hammering is vital to avoid the metal cracking. This is a copper sample Bridget annealed before adding another fold.
Ali made a pair of earrings from the same piece of folded silver before cutting out the shapes.
Georgina and Bridget discussing designs.
Sue made silver earrings with 2 different types of textures achieved by different hammers, and a combination of polished and matt finishes.
Ali made a pair or earrings and pendant, with a polished finish.
Bridget created a silver pendant with a matt finish.
With a little time spare, Bridget made a pair of earrings.
Kate worked on an advanced design for a pendant, and made a silver necklet too.
I am a contemporary jewellery designer maker based in rural Herefordshire. My collection is subtle and pure incorporating clean lines and a soft finish. I pass on my skills through teaching jewellery workshops from my jewellery making studio. All designs are handmade.
