COPPER BOWL MAKING: A WORKSHOP

Sinking is a technique used to form sheet metal into a vessel. It’s often used as a jumping-off point for other techniques, including raising - a more intensive vessel making process. Sinking provides a strong foundation of knowledge for forming metal, understanding how it moves and the physical properties of what you’re using.

Starting with a sheet of brass or copper, Emily will show you how to tidy up the edges of a simple shape to ensure they are not sharp. The main body of the experience will be learning how to shape the piece of copper into a bowl, understanding how to create a curved form known as ‘sinking’. There will also be an opportunity to add detailing and character with various tools.

Not only will you leave this experience with a delightful piece to add to your home, you will also have a hands-on appreciation of just how important handcraft skills are and the work that goes into even the simplest of crafts.

In a world of rushing, fast consumption and excess, take the time to spend an evening to learn about a slower craft and appreciate the handmade.

When is the workshop?

The workshops typically take place on Wednesday afternoons or evenings, and the first Sunday of each month. If these timings don’t work for you, please get in touch and we can discuss some more options. Please note that I’m unable to offer any Saturday options for the time being.

What will I need?

All of the materials will be supplied for you, as will all the tools (and a few refreshments!). All that you need to bring is yourselves and some clothes that aren’t too fancy. We won’t be getting caked in muck, but the finishing processes at the end can get a bit messy! We will be using a touch of fire so make sure to bring something to tie back long hair and don’t wear anything too draped/loose.

Who’s teaching me?

Emily! Although sinking is not a technique commonly used in Emily’s practice, it’s one that has held a place in her heart since the beginning of her metalwork journey, roughly 6 years ago! In order to have an excuse to continue practising this skill, Emily put together this workshop. Emily graduated from UCA in 2019 with a BA in Jewellery; she is also a member of the Association of Contemporary Jewellery, Design Nation and Society of Designer Craftsmen. Emily’s work has been featured in a number of exhibitions, from London to Monmouth, Munich to Beijing.

Can I have a different metal to copper?

You can indeed! I keep a little stock of copper and brass in a few thickness options and diameter sizes. Any other metal isn’t really ideal for this workshop, except silver. However, it would be a significantly larger cost; if you wanted a silver bowl, I’d definitely recommend you trying the process with me in copper first and then we can work on a silver one together after getting to grips with the process.

Why might I do a Copper Bowl Making Workshop?

For many reasons! You could make a gift for a loved one; you could gift the experience itself (whether you just gift the one spot or book an extra space for yourself too!). It’s an opportunity to make yourself something new and one-of-a-kind. A chance to learn a new skill. To bond with friends or family. A little creative respite from a busy career.

I don’t live in the area but the experience appeals to me! What can you suggest?

I recommend you come and stay! Winchester is a wonderful place with a great many aspects to explore. There is an excellent array of things to do and see, along with places to stay and eat. It has creativity, history and a delightful community of small business that will welcome you in with open arms! If you’d like some good recommendations, do get in touch. Alternatively, you can visit The Winchester Blogger, Miss Winchester or Winchester Magazine for ideas!

Do I get to take it home on the day?

Absolutely! It shouldn’t take any longer than the allotted time to complete at least one bowl.

Could I get a voucher?

You can indeed! Click here to be taken straight to the listing.

Where do I go?

This workshop will take place in a lovely little communal studio a few streets over from the High Street in Winchester, Hampshire. We have a newly finished, dedicated jewellery space with everything that one might need from a bench space, to bench peg, from a rolling mill to a polishing motor!

How much does it cost?

Prices start at £55 per person. If you’d like to book as a group, the session will be reserved just for you. If you’re booking for a single place, there may be other individuals (up to 3-4) who attend the same session.

FAQs

Do I need any experience?

You don't need any prior jewellery or creative experience. Everyone is welcome but this workshop is designed for absolute beginners, and folks who have taken part in other jewellery/creative experiences.

Will my physical abilities affect my ability to do this?

Unlike the other workshops I offer, I wouldn’t recommend this if your physical ability is limited (i.e. shoulder/elbow issues, chronic fatigue). This is not intended to be discriminatory at all; unfortunately, there are practical limits to this workshop being 100% accessible. Quite a bit of hammering is needed in order to form the metal. I can provide some thinner and smaller (and therefore, easier to shape) pieces of metal, but it can only go so thin before it’s impractical for use. In terms of strength, even if you don’t consider yourself particularly strong, I’d say to go for it! If my spaghetti arms can manage it, so can yours! (If this is a concern, please do get in touch and we can discuss it before booking.) This workshop is not suitable for pregnant folks either.

How long does it take?

No longer than three hours! You’ll be able to make and take home at least one piece in this time. If you finish quite quickly, I do have a little stock of discs; you’re welcome to make more! Please don’t use this as a reason to run though; I’m currently working on an option to revisit the workshop to practise skills that you’ve already accumulated, and finish anything that needs finishing.

What could I use the bowl for?

Anything your heart desires! Almost! They work well for holding coins, jewellery, and general pocket contents. You could use them for keys, but don’t be disheartened if the keys scratch the bowl up a little. It would work as a soap dish to sit under plant pots and catch any overflow. It could be used as a candle or tea light holder too! Please don’t use for food, particularly wet foods. Generally, copper and brass are quite unproblematic. However, as they do react with certain materials (mainly acids), I wouldn’t recommend using them for anything you would consume/drink/eat.