Print & Press Bootcamp with Guest Instructor Nanz Aalund

Join visiting goldsmith Nanz Aalund for an in-depth, three-day workshop centred on the hydraulic press and rolling mill, and the possibilities they open up in jewellery making. This course places strong emphasis on learning how to confidently use both the hydraulic press and rolling mill — from safety and setup to understanding how metal moves under pressure and through compression. You’ll explore roll-printing to create textured sheet using found materials and handmade stencils, and then bring those surfaces into the press to cut, shape, and form them into dimensional pieces. A key focus will be on working with silhouette (pancake) dies, dapping forms, and other press tools. You’ll also learn how to make your own dies, giving you the ability to create custom, repeatable forms and add dimension to your work. These techniques open up a wide range of possibilities, from simple formed elements to more complex pieces like lockets and hollow forms. As you move between the rolling mill and press, you’ll see how texture behaves — how it stretches, compresses, and transforms through each stage. Nanz will also cover essential technical aspects such as annealing, re-pressing for deeper draws, edge definition, and approaches to soldering and finishing textured, formed pieces. This is a hands-on, process-driven workshop with demonstrations, guided exercises, and time to experiment and build your own library of textures and forms. Please note: this workshop is a prerequisite for independent use of the rolling mill and hydraulic press during open studio time. Important Information: Courses are for students 16+ years old. Younger teens may attend if accompanied by an adult who is also registered. Please reach out to us before signing up. Be sure to review our booking information and cancellation policies before registering. Please note: Stairway Studio is not a scent-free environment. We kindly ask that the use of scented products be limited to avoid triggering sensitivities in fellow students when working in close quarters.