Welding Teaser: Steel Garden Flowers

Curious about welding but not ready to commit to a full intensive? This welding teaser class introduces students to the fundamentals of GMAW (MIG) welding while creating handcrafted steel flowers.

Students will cut, shape, and weld steel components to form layered flower petals and stems. Flowers can be built with long stems for outdoor garden installation or shorter stems designed to sit in a vase at home.

Once assembled, students may choose to paint their flowers with color, seal them with a clear coat to prevent rust, or allow them to oxidize naturally for a classic weathered garden finish.

No prior welding experience is necessary, this class is designed as an accessible introduction to metal fabrication though does require the ability to work around heat, noise, sharp edges, and power tools.

Location

This class will meet at Liberty Arts Studio, located at 918 Pearl St., Durham, NC, United States.

Pre-requisites

This class does not require any prior experience with welding or metal fabrication, but does require the ability to work around heat, noise, sharp edges, and power tools.
This class is beginner friendly.

Skills & Equipment

Students will learn the basics of GMAW (MIG) welding, including machine setup, weld bead fundamentals, and safe operation of equipment. Instruction will also cover basic metal forming techniques used to shape petals and stems.

Students will gain experience using hand tools such as vise grip pliers, needle nose pliers, and hammers to manipulate steel components prior to welding.

Equipment used in this class includes a MIG welder and standard metal shop tool

Materials

Students will be working with steel and all materials are included in the cost of the clas

Safety & PPE

Protective gloves, face shields, and ear plugs will be provided. Proper protective wear designed for welding will be made mandatory to wea

What to Wear

Students must wear non-synthetic, long-sleeve clothing and closed-toe shoes. Hair should be tied back. Comfortable clothes that can get dirty are recommended.

In the interest of safety, the instructor reserves the option to limit participation if students are not wearing appropriate clothing.

Notes / Important Info

This class takes place in an active welding studio environment and involves working with heat, noise, sharp edges, and power tools. The studio is a working space and may be loud during instruction and fabrication time.