Les Ateliers du Bijou Contemporain presents :
MODELING AND SCULPTING OF POLYURETHANE FOAM AND PATINAS ON METAL
By Lorenzo Pepe, contemporary jewellery maker and silversmith
Du 3 février 2026 00:00
Au 28 février 2026 00:00
Au 28 février 2026 00:00
Atelier La Page Blanche,
Rue François Couteaux 8,
1090, Bruxelles
Belgique
Les Ateliers du Bijou Contemporain - La Page Blanche asbl
Description
Welcome to the polyurethane foam modelling and organic sculpture workshops
Zoom online course (3 + 10 + 17/02/26) + Workshop in Brussels (7 + 8/02/26)
1 /// GENERAL INFORMATIONS (for both online + in Brussels)
TRAINING OBJECTIVE
The aim of the course is to introduce students to an original jewellery-making technique that allows them to create objects with a strong personality, characterised by a textured/honeycombed surface and oxidation patinas. Students are also introduced to the poetics of jewellery, centred on the contemplation of nature and the sensitivity of the formal structure of living beings.
Through the modelling of polyurethane foam, we will explore a particular and highly expressive aesthetic. The course guides students, step by step, through the different phases of modelling, using a simple and effective method that allows them to maintain control of the creative process while developing a sensitivity oriented towards the process rather than the project.
In the second part of the course, we will show how to use patinas as a creative and expressive element, both on bronze and silver. We will also analyse the problems that can arise during casting and how to integrate them into the aesthetics of the finished object.
GUEST ARTISAN-TRAINER
We welcome a new specialist in contemporary craftsmanship to our team: Lorenzo Pepe.
Born in Milan in 1969, Lorenzo Pepe has lived and worked since 1997 in Formentera, the smallest of the Spanish Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean. A master craftsman and passionate researcher of natural forms, he has been exploring the intimate structure of living things and the organic harmony that results from it for over 20 years.
Inspired by marine organisms—their textures, symmetries, and movements—he shapes a universe that is both essential and timeless, combining strength, balance, and serenity. His work seeks the original elegance found in the contemplation of nature.
For the past ten years, he has been experimenting with polyurethane foam modelling to give shape to his artistic intuitions and formal research. Today, he shares his expertise between creation and teaching, through workshops in Formentera, Spain, Italy, Portugal... and now in Belgium, at the Ateliers du Bijou Contemporain.
‘A different, open, curious vision: looking at small things with fresh eyes, having the courage to be intimate and natural.’ — Lorenzo Pepe
Learn more about Lorenzo through his portrait and his creations on his website (Spanish text): https://www.lorenzopepe.com/
Lorenzo Pepe will be assisted by Frédérique Coomans, coordinator of the Ateliers du Bijou Contemporain and creator of contemporary and handcrafted jewellery since 2009.
The course will be translated live from Spanish into English, with the help of a translator with knowledge of jewellery.
AUDIENCE & LEARNING LEVELS
- PRO jewellery creators / artists / designers / manufacturers / non-jewellery artisans
- NON-PRO students or recent graduates in jewellery - art - design / beginner jewellery creators or lovers of jewellery and craftsmanship
All learning levels accepted: beginner / intermediate / advanced.
A minimum of experience in jewellery making is recommended in order to be able to integrate the technique learned into your work.
No model is mandatory, but it must remain in the spirit of the theme of the workshop day for effective learning.
2 /// LIVE ZOOM ONLINE COURSE (in English only)
- Tuesday 3 February + Tuesday 10 February from 7pm to 9pm (Brussels/Paris time) via Zoom Live, available on your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
- Replays in English available within 72 hours after each class.
- + 1 pre-recorded video on the final step : the patinas (link sent by email on 17/02)
- Opportunity to ask questions before/during/after the live Zoom session.
-
24/7 access for 1 year
TUESDAY 3/02/26 7 pm > 9 pm
- Presentation of the course
- Presentation of aesthetics through an overview of objects and formal language
- Introduction to materials and their characteristics
-
Foam modelling in 2 kinds of exercises (part 1):
- Simple ring
- Hollow ring
TUESDAY 10/02/2026 7 pm > 9 pm
-
Foam modelling in 2 kinds of exercises (part 2):
- Simple ring
- Hollow ring
- Points to consider when melting the pieces (with a caster or by yourself)
TUESDAY 17/02/2026
Pre-recorded videos from Lorenzo (link sent by e-mail) about :
- Applying patinas
- Finishing and polishing the details
Practice your exercises at home between classes, test your knowledge and come back with any questions you may have on the following course.
A list of basic material required will be sent by email after registration.
3 /// WORKSHOP IN BRUSSELS
PROGRAM (WORKSHOP in Brussels)
DAY 1
- Presentation of the course
- Presentation of aesthetics through an overview of objects and formal language
- Introduction to materials and their characteristics
- Foam modelling in 4 exercises:
- Simple ring
- Hollow ring
- Hollow ring with cage structure
- Composite object
DAY 2
- Working with metal in pre-moulded pieces provided by the course to each student
- Cleaning the pieces
- Interpreting the models
- Applying patinas
- Finishing and polishing the details
To be ordered when you register: on the second day, Lorenzo will give a demonstration of finishing and patinas on finalised pieces cast in silver or bronze (cast by Lorenzo or Frédérique before the course, as it will not be possible to cast your pieces during the two-day course). If you would like to try it out for yourself on a simple practice piece created by Lorenzo, you can order a silver copy for black patinas (€50) or a bronze copy for blue/green patinas (€35). If you do not order this when you register, you will only be able to watch the demonstration without trying out the patina exercise on bronze or silver yourself.
WHAT TO BRING
- Your good humour and your desire and joy to learn.
- Your notebook + something to write with.
- Your glasses/magnifying glasses.
- Your apron, casual clothing for working in the workshop, warm clothing (depending on the weather) that can get dirty.
- Inspirational objects: plant life, marine life, other worlds, etc.
- All other materials for your course are included in the course price.
SCHEDULE
The course allow students to learn this wonderful technique during Lorenzo's special stay in Belgium.
Saturday 7 February 2026 (10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) + Sunday 8 February 2026 (10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) - Languages: English translated live into French
(1-hour lunch break in the neighbourhood)
LOCATION
L'Atelier La Page Blanche
Rue François Couteaux 8
1090 Brussels (Jette)
A few minutes' walk from Jette station, tram and bus stops nearby, closest metro stations “Simonis” or “Belgica”.
ACCOMMODATION & STAY IN BRUSSELS
If you are coming from far away, you can find all the useful information you need on our dedicated page for staying in Brussels on our website: Accommodation - Les Ateliers du Bijou Contemporain (les-ateliers-du-bijou-contemporain.com)
4 /// MORE INFORMATION BEFORE BOOKING?
PROBLEMS BOOKING ONLINE?
By mobile phone / whatsapp on +32 486 87 41 41
or via our contact form on our website https://les-ateliers-du-bijou-contemporain.com/contact/
Option to pay in three monthly instalments via Alma: https://checkout.getalma.eu/payment_122OHWs2sJCjfmHFHP3PHdBhAzHu93lbaY
Number of participants: minimum 6 people - maximum 10 people. For cancellations, see the terms and conditions of our RDI (chapter 7).
We look forward to welcoming you very soon to our Brussels workshop to teach you how to master the techniques of modelling, casting and patinating polyurethane foam, adding a whole new dimension to your creations!
Lorenzo Pepe
Contemporary artisan jeweller and silversmith
& Frédérique Coomans
Contemporary jewellery designer & coordinator for Les Ateliers du Bijou Contemporain
Contact
Les Ateliers du Bijou Contemporain - La Page Blanche asbl
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