What basketry tools do you wish you had, or wish existed? Let’s try to make them! This all-levels class will aim to give blacksmithing newbies a solid start, and build the skills of those with more experience, while we forge functional tools for all kinds of basketmaking. This course will focus on body-friendly forging practices, efficient hammering techniques, and good coal fire management to make smiths of all sizes and experience levels more effective. We’ll start out learning together to forge a beefy bodkin. Students will then explore creating the ideal rapping iron, determining the desired weight, profile, length, and taper. Finally, students will work to make their own ideal tools: smaller bodkins, perfect packing tools, and lashing awls are all possibilities. This class is perfect for basketmakers with tool needs, and friends and family members who would rather smack hot metal than weave willow. Students are encouraged to bring their needs and ideas to class!

Students should be able to swing a 1.5 pound+ hammer, have the stamina to work all day, and be safe and responsible.

This course is part of Basket Week 2026. Plan to stay a day longer for the Gathering Day on Friday, October 9, which features demonstrations, speakers, and community gatherings offered as a benefit to students enrolled in Basket Week coursework. Full schedule available online in summer 2026.