Conference 2008 - Workshop 4

 

Texturing and Shaping with a Press Former with Jill Leventon

 

The use of a hydraulic press can add extra dimension to your work. When used to emboss textures, it does it from both sides and unlike a rolling mill, does not thin the metal substantially. It has the added advantage of giving you a choice of either side to work with.
A larger variety of texture sources can be used other than in a rolling mill, such as the embossing plates produced for use on paper and thin card which could not be put through a mill. The metal can then be pressed using a die cut from acrylic sheet to create a domed effect.
I will demonstrate these processes, along with corrugation, and you will be able to ‘play’. If we have time, I will show some simple fold forming and how it can be used in the press. Those who wish to can enamel their pieces if they have time.


Press Formed jewellery by Jill Leventon

 

Press Formed jewellery by Jill Leventon

 
Jill is a largely self-taught enameller, working mainly on copper. One aspect of her work explores the interaction of the enamels with the copper and with each other at very high temperatures. Another aspect involves forming the metal before enamelling it to create unique forms. She draws her inspiration from geometrical shapes and the built environment.
She is a founder member of Shrewsbury Makers, an Associate member of the British Society of Enamellers, and an Associate Craftsman member of the Guild of Enamellers.