Design Your Own Decorative Garden Trellis with Jacqueline – July 2026
About This Class
Use basic welding skills to create your own garden trellis. Prerequisite: A beginning workshop like Zoo 101 or Springy Dog or Cat.
Tuition covers 4 hours of instruction during the daytime to be scheduled a week in advance with the instructor and student.
In this tutorial, students will learn how to safely operate a MIG welder, make tack welds, design a custom trellis, bend and cut metal, and use an angle grinder. We'll start with a basic garden trellis armature and stylize from there with vines, leaves, flowers, birds and more – all based on your vision.
What's Included:
4-hours of instruction and metal shop timeProject samplesAll consumables and toolsPersonal protection equipment (PPE)One-on-one or two-on-one instructionWhat’s Not Included
Lab fees apply. Every student project is different in size, gauge and complexity, so the cost of metal is not included in the price of this tutorial. Your design choices determine the final cost metal.Add on decorations, such as metal leaves, flowers, birds and dragon flies that have been precision cut by PDX Artisan Metal Fabrication.Work time that runs over the included four hours. Extra time is available at a nominal fee by appointment.
Important Note:
Please wear only cotton, wool or leather. Synthetics melt to your skin when the sparks fly.
About the Instructor:
Metal sculptor Jacqueline Sowell is a tech-world defector, trading her career in the software industry for a life of making things with her hands and enjoying the community of her students and fellow artisans. As a Master Gardener, trellis and garden privacy screen design are passions of hers.
Jacqueline splits her time between creating animal sculptures, including commissioned pet portraits, and helping other metalworkers achieve their goals through CNC cutting services and welding workshops.
https://www.pdxmetalfab.com/about
Your Instructor
Supported by the Metalworkers Guild
Welcome to Past Lives Metal Guild. We are fortunate to have access to tools for pretty much any type of metal work you might want to do. From forging to fabrication, milling and welding our fully equipped metal shop get your project done. • 2 gas forges and one induction forge with 5 forging stations available • MIG, TiG, stick, and Oxy-Acetylene welding available • Milling and lathes are available • Separate grinding room Expand your Metal Working skills Large fabrication area that can handle multiple members working at the same time Expert guidance from experienced instructors and craftspeople
About our guilds →Where
2808 SE 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Questions
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancel up to 7 days before the first session for a full refund. Within 7 days, we can usually transfer your spot to a future class or to someone on the waitlist.
Is the space accessible?
Yes — our studio has step-free entry, accessible restrooms, and adjustable-height workstations available on request. Email info@pastlives.space with any specific needs and we'll make it work.
What if I've never done this before?
Most of our classes are designed for beginners and welcome curious newcomers. Check the Prerequisites section above for any required experience.
