Blacksmithing 101 is offered on Tuesdays at 10am

Join us in our blacksmithing shop where we teach blacksmithing using traditional methods. Unlike most propane fueled forges in this day and age, we use homemade charcoal to melt our metal, just like they would have in the Victorian days. Our Blacksmithing 101 workshops and classes are great for someone wanting to get started in the craft of blacksmithing. Learn the basics of turning a block of steel into a beautiful decorative or functional piece of art. The typical project for a 2 hour workshop is a decorative hook or fire poker. Projects for the 4-workshop Blacksmithing 101 class include more detailed versions of the above mentioned projects.

Blacksmithing 102 is offered on Tuesdays at 12pm

For those who have completed Blacksmithing 101 or have previous blacksmithing experience, the Blacksmithing 102 course is a great addition to your skillset. Students taking the 2 hour workshop can expect to make a simple project such as a bottle opener or keychain. For those interested in larger projects, the 4-workshop class would be a better option. During the 8 hours of instruction you can expect to work on a larger project such as a coat rack or a set of fireplace tools.

Blacksmithing 103 is offered on Tuesdays at 3:30pm

Our most advanced blacksmithing class is for the seasoned blacksmith or someone who has already completed Blacksmithing 101 and Blacksmithing 102. In Blacksmithing 103 you have the opportunity to work with the instructor to formulate a special project. Two hour workshops are fantastic for honing in on your scrollwork, or for completing a small project such as a candle holder. Students enjoying the 4-workshop class will get to work on a more advanced project such as a knife (18+ only) or a set of tools. Alternatively, let your imagination run wild and push the boundaries of artistic expression by making a sculptural art piece.

All participants must wear denim or canvas pants, fitted cotton long sleeve shirts (flannel or denim - natural fibers are best). We suggest wearing layers during the winter months.

NO SYNTHETIC MATERIALS

Long hair should be tied back

Do not wear dangling jewelry or loosely hanging/baggy clothes

Absolutely NO OPEN TOED SHOES allowed (no flip flops, sandals etc.)

Leather boots or shoes are the best footwear for blacksmithing

Leather work gloves should be loose fitting - gloves will not protect you from a burn, so if they get hot you need to be able to flip them off quickly with one hand

Safety glasses will be provided by the Blue Ox

Blacksmithing is a time-honored craft practiced for centuries, playing a crucial role in humanity's transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age.

Beyond tool and weapon production, blacksmiths were integral community members, repairing everyday items such as cooking utensils and farm equipment. Passing down their skills through apprenticeships, blacksmiths continue to uphold this tradition as both a thriving craft and a popular hobby.

From creating ornamental ironwork to forging horseshoes, blacksmithing's appeal lies in its rich history and the fulfilling experience of working with metal.

Patrick Hutchens is an experienced blacksmith dedicated to using ancient forging techniques to produce robust, elegant ironwork that will stand the test of time. His passion for this trade started in his studies of medieval arms and armament. Curiosity about how to make the swords and armor with ancient techniques led Patrick to the forge. A growing fascination for the process has kept him intrigued and challenged for the past 25 years. He loves the physicality and deep focus blacksmithing requires, as well as the ways the craft combines art, engineering, and materials science. With a renewed appreciation for traditional arts in our culture, Patrick looks forward to sharing his insights into the are and science of blacksmithing.

“They say blacksmithing is easy to learn, impossible to master. Thats’s why it’s kept me intrigued for over 25 years - I’m still a student. A deep focus and mindfulness are required to see a forging project through to completion. It requires a lot of forethought and engineering, but in the end you get a beautiful and functional piece of artwork that will last forever.” -Patrick Hutchens