Favorite Fold Formed Copper Jewelry Projects

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Fold forming adds texture and dimension to metal and the techniques are easy to learn and require only basic metalsmithing tools. Developed by Charles Lewton-Brain in the 1980s, fold forming is widely recognized as the most innovative, three-dimensional way of working metal that does not require soldering. You see the transformation right away! Begin by folding copper sheet and hammering along the fold to stretch and shape it. Unfold, anneal, and hammer the metal to create raised creases, curves, and other textures.

Above: Ruffled Hoops by Melissa Meman

Check out these favorite fold-formed copper jewelry projects to inspire you!

Tips for Fold Forming 

Travis Ogden is an independent jewelry artist with more than 40 years of experience in the jewelry making field. He has taught many classes over the years, including university-level courses and Metalsmith Essentials: Basic Jewelry Fold Forming and has explored fold forming in depth. 

Travis offers these tips for fold forming copper:  

• Steel makes jewelry metal move better, stronger, and faster than anything else, making anvils, bench blocks, stakes, and other steel forming tools very useful when fold forming copper or other various metals.  
• Metal will generally take the shape of whatever the harder surface is, so be aware when choosing your tools and working surface. Using a steel hammer and a wooden block will most likely lead to the metal curling towards the hammer.
• If you want to flatten the metal, you can strike it on a steel block with a softer material such as a plastic mallet or rawhide. 

Favorite Copper Fold Forming Projects

The warm copper tones of these inspiring projects are perfect for Autumn or any time of year. Flat sheet can be transformed into graceful curves, ruffles, and more. And no two pieces are exactly alike. The projects are all available individually for download, or if you love fold forming and want to make them all, you can get them all as part of our new Fold Formed Copper Jewelry Project Collection.

Ruffled Hoops

Ruffled Hoops by Melissa Meman is a great twist on the trendy, chunky hoops we are seeing this season. With a delicate leaf or feather-like texture and beaded embellishments, this project is also a one-size-fits-all gift. 

Falling Leaves Fold Formed Necklace 

Nothing says Fall more than the changing and falling of autumn leaves. Falling Leaves Fold Formed Necklace by Cindy Goldrick is a delightfully decorated collar necklace featuring 3-D copper leaves. The necklace is brimming with texture and color, with a beautiful patina, glass beads, and wirework tendrils. 

Related: Moving, Stretching, and Fold Forming Metal, Plus How To Fabricate a Metal Leaf

Batman Necklace 

Artist Abbi Berta explains that she loves “the architecture of transforming a flat piece of metal into something dimensional.” In her Batman Necklace, a simple sheet of copper is transformed into a work of art, with folds reminiscent of an old book. This is a perfect beginner fold-forming project. You can practice your technique and then transform it into an eye-catching necklace. 

Double the Fun Chain Bracelet

Double the Fun Chain Bracelet by Jennifer Carlson combines the chain maille technique with fold forming metal to create a unique bracelet. The angular folds in the copper focal element contrast with silver jump rings for a bracelet that would be equally at home at the office or at a Renaissance Fair. 

Michel’s Heart Pendant 

Put your heart into Valorie Clifton’s Michel’s Heart Pendant. Valorie says, “these two hearts symbolize eternal love and friendship—two hearts beating as one.” Practice a variety of techniques as you fold, texture, ruffle, and rivet this pendant. This project is a meaningful gift, or a special piece to wear close to your own heart to remind you of a loved one. 

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Fold forming is a technique that is sure to make your metal pieces unique. This project collection and our handy tips will be prepare you to embark on your copper fold forming journey! We hope you love these projects and the technique as much as we do.

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Master Fold Forming