Press Forming for Hollow Beads and Lockets – Saturday 13th June 2026

A workshop taught by Potager’s resident coppersmith Rebecca Walklett. It is aimed at an intermediate skill level and some silversmithing/jewellery making experience is necessary for full enjoyment of this course. You should be able to use the basic tools such as the piercing saw and have done some silver soldering.

You will learn how to use a hydraulic press to make hollow forms. These can be utilised to make beads, lockets, boxes – wherever your imagination takes you. You will be taught how to connect the two halves together, either by soldering, simple hinges or rivets.

There will be a range of moulds for you to play with and you’ll be given full instructions on how to make your own. You will be given instruction on lo-tech ways to press form, as not everyone has access to a hydraulic press.

The aim is to have a selection of samples to kick start future projects or a completed hollow form. If you really get into it, you may have both!

Please bring

• your own piercing saw & files if you have them

• an apron (optional)

• a packed lunch (or you can buy lunch in the café)

Provided

• one 10 x 10cm square of copper – more available at extra cost

• tea/coffee all day

• all other tools needed

• all consumables such as solder & saw blades

The take aways from the day

• samples and/or a finished piece

• info on how to make moulds

• info on lo-tech methods of press forming