Course
Women's Blacksmithing
Course Overview
Learn the basic techniques and tools of blacksmithing in this intensive project-based class for women taught by a professional woman blacksmith. Students will explore the aspects of using fire as a tool, and will practice techniques such as tapering, spreading, twisting, punching, upsetting, shouldering, splitting, and dishing. Students will leave with multiple small projects, and a deeper understanding of metallurgy and the use of a hammer and anvil to change the shape of steel. The projects in this curriculum include a wrist cuff, hook, letter opener, spoon, fork, basic leaf, and bottle opener. Depending on interest and time, students may complete some or all of these. There also will be an opportunity to practice techniques in self-guided projects on the last day of the class. This course will not cover bladesmithing or heat-treating. Note: this class is open only to those who identify as women.