The introduction to blacksmithing course is a six-hour course designed to expose students to basic blacksmithing techniques. Students will begin the day by making nails - nails are a great exercise as they require several different forging techniques: drawing a taper, using a hot cut hardy, and upsetting. In making the nails students will also gain confidence in swinging a hammer, hitting accurately and with vigor, managing hot steel in the forge and comfortably working at the anvil. The second exercise will be to make decorative leaves. Leaves are a great next step as they use several of the techniques learned in making the nails plus a few new techniques are introduced, such as the use of a chisel on hot steel, spreading metal to make the lobes of the leaf and sinking the leaf form into a stump. The piece of steel with a leaf on one end can then become many different things, a simple hook, a fire poker, a BBQ fork, or whatever else the student comes up with. The last portion of the day is set aside to simply practice skills learned. Students can make a bottle opener, coat hook, more nails, more leaves, etc. The primary goals of the class are for students to have a fun time in a relaxed environment and learn basic blacksmithing skills.
Students must be 15 years of age or older. Durable, close-toed shoes, and long pants required.
COVID-19 protocols are in place - all participants must wear a mask and maintain proper social distancing. Only 4 students per class are allowed to allow for social distancing and to avoid tool sharing.
Blacksmithing classes are located at Kelly Rigg's studio at 6305 Rich Rd. SE, Unit C, Olympia, WA. Directions: Yelm Highway to Rich Rd SE, 3/4 Mile (or so) on right hand side to "Arts Park" main entrance. Look for the "Studio 23" sign above the studio entrance.
