Tinsmithing Festive Pierced Lantern Course - 2 days

Description

Make winter evenings bright by making your own traditional pierced candle lantern from tinplate. On this two-day course at the beautiful Stanwick Lakes, you will learn how to pierce patterns into tinplate, form it into shape and use various joining methods to create your own traditional tinplate lantern. These traditional lanterns give a bright light when the door is open, and cast decorative patterns onto the wall through the piercings. The course will start with an introduction to the tools and methods used in traditional tinsmithing. On the first morning you will learn by practising cutting with tin snips, using dividers, and marking gauges. To introduce forming shapes in the tinplate you will make wall hanging candle sconce. During the first afternoon we will learn piercing and discuss designs. You will then make the pierced barrel and cone top for your lantern. At the end of day one you will understand the methods and tools used in traditional tinsmithing. Day two starts with finishing off any piercing and then cutting out all the other tinplate parts required to construction your own pierced lantern. You will form the shape of the lantern using traditional stake tools, mallets and your hands. As you progress through the stages of constructing your lantern you will learn how to solder tinplate using traditional fluxes. At all times during these processes your tutor will be available to help or advise. At the end of day two you will have your own tinplate pierced lantern with your own design of piercing and a hanging wall sconce. The course takes place in and around the purpose built oak framed craft barn at Stanwick Lakes which is managed by Rockingham Forest Trust as an environmental charity. Stanwick Lakes is a protected Nature Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance, covering 750 acres of open space with seven miles of paths, a perfect inspiration to crafters and makers. During your lunchtime you can enjoy the onsite cafés and visit the heritage museum or sit by a lake and watch the wildlife. Your tutor for this course is John Wills, The Copper Elf, one of the last handful of brazier-tinmen left in the country. John has ten years’ experience in heritage metalwork focuses primarily on historic domestic wares made from copper, brass and tinplate. John is a member of the Heritage Crafts Association, in 2022 he took part in their project to rescue traditional tinsmithing from near extinction in the UK. John has been resident blacksmith at Stanwick Lakes since the start of 2023. During 2024 he has been the tutor for Stanwick Lakes tinsmithing classes.

What's included in the price?

Tools, materials, and safety equipment are provided. Basic tea/coffee and biscuits are provided free of charge during the course. Food and drinks can be purchased in the café in the visitor centre, or bring your own packed lunch. Car parking is also free of charge on the day of your course. Please note if you are purchasing food from our Cafe, a pre-order form will be available on the morning of the course (a selection of paninis, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, etc, are available) so we can have your food freshly prepared for you.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses

with Craft Courses since 2016

Message the tutor

At Stanwick Lakes, we offer a range of Arts & Crafts and Heritage Courses, from watercolour painting classes to blacksmithing and wood-carving workshops. Alongside offering craft courses, Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750 acre nature reserve and countryside attraction located in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley.