Hydraulic Press Workshop: Metal Sampler Quilt

Through a combination of demonstration and practice, this fast-paced workshop will introduce participants to creating form and texture in metal with the hydraulic press to create a “sampler quilt.” The press techniques and processes will also easily translate to making jewelry pieces such as pendants and earrings.

Participants will learn how to achieve results not easily accomplished with any other methods by using the hydraulic press to experiment with techniques such as embossing, pillowing, and die-cutting. Participants can display their sampler quilt as a sculptural metal wall hanging, and we will also discuss how these techniques can easily be used to create wearable pieces as well.

Workshop participants will learn to utilize mechanical or “cold connections” that require just a few tools and no soldering. Cold connections will be used to “piece” our metal quilt together, fasten metal layers to one another, and incorporate found objects like beads and shells. We will cover several categories of cold connections such as wire wrapping, mushroom rivets, tube rivets, stitching, staples, and using miniature nuts and bolts.

While this is an introductory level workshop, some fundamental metalwork experience is recommended. Skills needed to satisfactorily complete the project include the ability to use a jeweler’s saw frame and prior experience with filing metal.