Metal Origami: Welding Studio Teaser

Metal Origami is a hands-on teaser class that explores the transformation of flat sheet metal into dimensional, geometric forms. Inspired by the traditional art of paper folding, this class applies those same principles to steel—guiding students through the process of cutting, scoring, folding, and welding to create a clean, faceted object.

Open to all skill levels, this class introduces students to plasma cutting, MIG welding, and the versatile use of the angle grinder. Students will work from provided patterns to lay out their designs, then cut and prepare their pieces before forming crisp folds using simple shop setups.

Once assembled, students will weld their forms together and grind the seams smooth to create the appearance of a continuous, folded object. The result is a geometric steel sculpture that reflects both precision and process.

This class emphasizes safe shop practices, proper PPE use, and an introduction to fabrication workflows in a working studio environment.

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 and open to all skill levels.

Skills & Equipment:

Students will be introduced to a multi-step fabrication process that combines layout, cutting, forming, welding, and finishing techniques.

Students will learn:
How to transfer and lay out patterns onto sheet metal
Safe operation of a plasma cutter
Use of angle grinders for cutting, edge prep, and finishing
Basic MIG welding for assembly
Techniques for scoring and folding metal to create clean geometric forms
How to grind welds smooth to achieve a seamless, folded appearance

Equipment used in this class includes plasma cutters, MIG welders, angle grinders, vices, clamps, and standard layout tools such as rulers and markers.

Materials:

Students will be working with sheet metal. All materials are included in the cost of the class.

Safety & PPE:

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

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 is a single-session class with a total duration of 3 hours of instruction. 

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.