Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.
Description
Our course is completely hands-on and student-led. You will design your own project, set your own working pace, and go home with your original metalwork sculpture. The day is facilitated by my two female metalworkers with broad experience in the industry. We will coach you through technical processes, as well as offering creative guidance and inspiriation. WTF Workshops (Women Teaching Fabrication) offers a one-day intensive course, suitable for all levels of experience. Consecutive days can be booked if you'd like to do a larger or more complicated project, or if you'd like to gain a higher level of proficiency. There will be a huge variety of interesting pieces of scrap metal to choose from, most of which are included in the course price. Lamp parts, Edison bulbs and clock movements can be purchased at cost price on the day. We can also advise on equipment choices for those who really get the welding bug! We often have people return to us having set themselves up with the kit, and want extra tuition to get the results they want. Tools available include: - MIG welders - Plasma Cutter - Angle Grinders - Cold Saw - Pillar drill - Sheet Roller -Tube and bar roller - Brazing equipment - Oxy-propane torch for heat bending and cutting ...and many hand tools! Group sizes are up to six participants to two facilitators. Apart from the teaching skills and supporting your creativity, we aim for us to all have a really enjoyable day! We hope to hear from you soon. WTF (Women Teaching Fabrication) Workshops was founded by two female artisans with a broad range of skills and experience as freelance fabricators in the Arts industry, from events, theatre, TV and film to retail display, to industrial and agricultural fabrication.
What's included in the price?
- Materials and consumables are included - All tools, equipment and PPE (personal protective equipment) - Tea, coffee and snacks. We ask you to come along wearing suitable non-synthetic clothing with long sleeves and closed-toe, solid footwear. We also recommend you bring a packed lunch.
Duration
6 hours
Cancellation policy
Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts
Maker
WTF workshops was born out of a desire to inspire and encourage people to get creative with reclaimed scrap materials. We aim to make metal craft accessible and welcoming to everyone, no matter your age, gender or ability. We have created a work space where people can play and learn in a relaxed yet informed and safe working environment.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Hearing impaired
- Limited mobility
- Stag dos
- Christmas
- Pet lovers
- Parking provided
- Hen dos
- Easter
- Public transport
- UK Holiday
- Suitable for beginners
- Corporate days out & team building
- Spooky
- Suitable for all abilities
- Fairs, festivals & exhibitions
- Intermediate level
- Father's Day
- Daytime (weekdays)
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Romantic
- Mother's Day
- Weekends
FAQs
No! We welcome all genders. We are female metalworkers, who believe that men and women from all walks of life should be able to get creative, get dirty and enjoy all that creative metal work has has to offer. The welding trade is male dominated, and the stereotype is very masculine, but we think this can be off-putting for both men and women, so we decided to highlight the fact that we're women and we LOVE welding!
Yes! You're welcome even if you've never done a single creative or practical thing in your life. We love empowering people in gaining new skills, and we will coach you through the learning process. You can take the day at your own pace, and there is no pressure to produce something elaborate by the end of the day. There will be time to practice, and we will help you the design of your project to make sure you can get finished in time.
Yes! We have equipment and resources that even experienced metalworkers will enjoy having time to get grips with. Our skill set is in creative metalwork and fabrication, so we can help you gain additional skills and experience in these fields. If you have a specific project or skill you want to practice, get in touch.
Yes! Bring it along. We can't promise to get you producing a perfect seams with it, as the expression "a bad workman blames his tools" doesn't apply to welding gear, and a budget or faulty machine will always be a pain to use. However, we can help you get familiar with the settings, and help produce a basic troubleshooting guide with you.
Yes! We're happy to offer our guidance. Once you've been on a course and we've had time to find out what you want to do and what your setting will be, we're happy to give advice about kit based on your personal circumstances. You might not like what we say though as we firmly believe that you should always buy the best you can afford!
We would love to hear from you. We aim to be as inclusive as we possibly can, but the design of our premises means that wheelchair users will not be able to attend the course. We want to help everyone access what we offer though, and in some situations a 1:1 may be more manageable. Please get in touch to discuss your specific requirements.
Yes. We can park up to seven cars in the compound. If you're using public transport, Temple Meads is an 8 minute taxi ride away and the bus numbers 1, 349, 178 stop by the Paintworks, which is an 11 minute walk across a park and over the river.
Possibly, yes. Be realistic and flexible on the day. It’s a great idea to think about what you want to make beforehand! It’s helpful if you bring drawings and print-outs on the day, but not essential. If you do have a specific project in mind we can't guarantee we will always have the materials you are looking for in stock so we recommend you bring the scrap that you need. Some projects may prove a bit too complex to be completed in the time available, so try to be realistic and definitely be flexible.
To cancel or reschedule for free please contact us at least 14 days prior to your course start date. Cancellations with less than 2 weeks notice are not refundable. We reserve the right to postpone in case of unforeseeable circumstances. If this situation arises you will be given the option to re-book or receive a 100% refund.