Transform a durable and versatile material, metal, into stunning works of art. Whether shaping wire into intricate designs or repurposing everyday metal objects into something new, you can express yourself while gaining a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and material transformation. 

4-H Project Levels and Goals
Beginner
  • Bend and shape colorful craft wire into animals, flowers, or abstract shapes.
  • Use lightweight aluminum sheets and embossing tools to create designs by pressing patterns into the metal. 
  • Use metal letter and shape stamps on thin sheets or tags to create personalized keychains or decorative pieces. 
Intermediate
  • Work with soft copper sheets, creating detailed relief patterns with specialized tools.
  • Learn basic wire-weaving techniques to make bracelets, pendants, or rings.
  • Use small pieces of aluminum cans, bottle caps, or scrap metal to form colorful mosaics on a sturdy base.
  • Create a hanging mobile with wire frames, metal charms, and stamped designs.
Advanced
  • Use an etching solution to create intricate designs on copper or brass sheets. (Ensure proper safety precautions.)
  • Construct complex 3D sculptures using wire as a frame, incorporating other materials for added texture.
  • For older or advanced youth, explore welding techniques to create custom sculptures from scrap metal.
  • Design and construct moving sculptures powered by wind or hand-cranked mechanisms.
Put Your Project Into Action

 Show Your Skills

  • Report about a favorite metal artist’s work
  • Examples of design elements or art principles using metal as a medium
  • Portfolio of work you have created using metal
  • Photo or digital display of famous art pieces made from metal

Service and Leadership

  • Teach younger members how to create an art piece using metal
  • Make and donate metal artwork to a local nursing home
  • Create metal artwork and donate it to a fundraising event or auction in support of a local cause
  • Volunteer at a local art event or art show
  • Invite an artist to teach a workshop at a 4-H club meeting
  • Volunteer to serve on a local Art Council

Entrepreneurship

  • Create and sell your artwork online or at local shows
  • Design and sell metal ornaments featuring a school mascot or club / organization emblem (with copyright or trademark permission)
  • Teach art classes featuring metal

Technology Connection

  • Computer-aided design (CAD)
  • Laser engraving
  • Digital fabrication

Connecting with a Mentor

  • School art teacher
  • Community college art instructor/students
  • Metalworkers or blacksmiths
  • Local art museum staff or volunteers/docents
  • Network with artists at community craft/art shows

Events

  • Local and state 4-H workshops or shows
  • Classes offered through local community colleges, park districts, or museums
  • Local, state, and national art competitions
  • Community craft / art shows

Project Manuals & Exhibit Requirements

  • Getting Started in Art (Beginner)     
  • Level 1: Sketchbook Crossroads

Purchase manuals on the Shop Illinois 4-H Store. 

View exhibit requirements and scoresheets on the Illinois State Fair page.

Careers
person welding
  • Sculptor
  • Jewelry designer
  • Blacksmith
  • Welder
  • Industrial Designer
  • Metal Art Instructor
  • Laser Cutting/Engraving Specialist
Start a Conversation

What do you find most interesting about working with metal as a material? What's the most impressive piece of metal art you've seen? What do you think is the most challenging part of creating metal art? How do you think metal art has changed over time, from traditional blacksmithing to modern sculptures?

Resources
Getting Started in Art (Beginner)
Level 1: Sketchbook Crossroads
Copyright Guidelines: A Tip Sheet for Preparing Your 4-H Project Exhibit

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