Pressed to Impress: An Exploration of Die-Forming

Class Description

Taught by Sulo Bee

4 week course (meets once a week for 3 hours)

In this four-week session, students will become familiar with the hydraulic press, learning to create unique die-formed pieces. This demo-based class is accessible to all levels of metalsmiths, from beginners to experienced artists looking to expand their practice. The course will cover designing, carving, and hand-cutting acrylic dies to produce three-dimensional components for wearables or sculpture. Students will also explore relief carving techniques to develop distinctive surface textures with embossing dies. Together, we will experiment with hot and cold connections to join and finish hollow forms, as well as finishing techniques such as filing, sanding, and patination to refine pressed metal for wearable applications.

By the end of the course, students will have the skills to create acrylic matrix dies, form metal using the hydraulic press, and fabricate with die-formed components. Each student will leave with their own set of matrix dies, pressed metal samples, and a completed wearable or sculptural piece. Join this class to explore an exciting new technique that adds depth and sculptural possibilities to your practice!

Refunds & Credit

Please email us at info@bkmetalworks.com to withdraw from class. Withdrawals from class more than 7 days prior to the start of the class will receive a full refund for the class minus a 10% processing fee. If cancellation occurs 3-6 days prior to the class, we will provide a 50% refund. Cancellations 48 hours or less receive a 25% refund. Refunds will not be provided for no-shows or same-day cancellations.

We do not refund tuition for classes that students miss due to their own circumstances. There will be no refunds once the class begins in any circumstance, nor can we transfer you to a later semester. Students enrolled in multi-session studio courses (excluding workshops and intensives) may make-up missed class sessions during open studio hours for up to two weeks after the last class meeting.

We reserve the right to cancel or discontinue any class, in which case you may choose to receive a refund, apply the class credit towards a different course, or receive a tuition credit for future use. Tuition credits are valid for up to one year. Refunds will be issued within 30 days.