Blacksmithing Classes
Blacksmithing Classes
Learn the art of blacksmithing in our historic Wagon Shop! Beginner and intermediate classes are offered in the spring, summer, and fall. Coppersmithing workshops are offered in the summer. Scroll down for schedules and class descriptions or join our Blacksmithing email list. Returning students, scroll down to add your name to the Basic Blacksmithing Level 2 & 3 scheduling list or to pay for Anvil Time classes.
Blacksmithing is a physical art and safety is our number one priority. Students swing hammers, work with hot metal, and move between workstations on a packed dirt floor. For their own safety and that of others, all students must be able to take direction from our instructor. If you have questions about Blacksmithing classes or about accessibility and accommodations, please contact us at info@thvmail.org before registering and we will be happy to help!
Due to the high demand and limited space in these classes, purchases are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Beginner / Introductory Level Classes
Adult-Child Blacksmithing: Ice Cream Spoon (SOLD OUT)
Sundays July 14, 21 & 28, 1pm-3pm
THS Member: $275/pair or Non-member: $325/pair
Together the two of you will learn how to “sink a spoon” while making a fun and sturdy ice cream spoon strong enough to serve as a scoop. Discover the world of traditional blacksmithing as you learn 7 basic hand forging techniques. Child partner must be age 10 or older. No prerequisite. Must be able to attend all three sessions. In particular, the first class includes vital safety information. Missing the first class or any of the other classes forfeits your place in the Blacksmithing Class and you will not be refunded. This class is sold out. Click the button below to add your name to the waitlist.
Introductory Copper & Iron Workshop
Monday - Friday, August 12-16, 10am-12:30pm
THS Member: $250 or Non-member: $300
Learn the traditional arts of coppersmithing and blacksmithing as you make a unique bird feeder mobile. You will learn hot and cold forging techniques including sinking, raising, chasing-and-repoussage, bending, riveting and annealing. Emphasis will be on the proper use of hammers and other hand tools, as well as the use of fire to work both metals in this weeklong workshop. No prerequisite. Ages: 12 & up. Must be able to attend all five sessions. In particular, the first class includes vital safety information. Missing the first class or any of the other classes forfeits your place in the workshop and you will not be refunded.
Basic Blacksmithing Level 1 (SOLD OUT)
Wednesdays June 5-July 17 (no class July 3), 6:30pm-9pm
Saturdays June 15-July 27 (no class July 6), 10am-12:30pm
THS Member: $310 or Non-member: $360
During this six-week introductory course focusing on the fundamental processes of traditional blacksmithing, you will learn 12 basic hand-forging techniques as you make your own trowel. Learn how to properly swing a hammer, operate a coal forge, and pump a centuries-old bellows. Ages 12 & up. No prerequisite. You must attend all six classes. In particular, the first class includes vital safety information. Missing the first class or any of the other classes forfeits your place in the Blacksmithing Class and you will not be refunded. This class is SOLD OUT. Click the button below to join the waitlist.
Weekend Intensive Copper & Iron Workshop (SOLD OUT)
Saturday & Sunday, August 24-25, 10am-5pm
THS Member: $350 or Non-member: $400
A great alternative to our weeklong introductory workshop in copper and iron, this two-day intensive immerses you into the old-world crafts of coppersmithing and blacksmithing at a modern day pace. The proper use of fire, hammers and other tools will be emphasized as you create a unique bird feeder mobile. Sinking, raising, chasing-and-repoussage, bending, riveting, and annealing are some of the hot and cold forging techniques you will learn. No prerequisite. Ages: 18 & up. Must be able to attend both sessions. In particular, the first class includes vital safety information. Missing the first class forfeits your place in the Weekend Intensive and you will not be refunded. This class is SOLD OUT. Click the button below to join the waitlist.
Blacksmithing Sampler (SOLD OUT)
Sunday June 30, 12:30-2pm ǀ THS Member: $48 or Non-member: $58
Step alongside the Village forge and discover what it’s like to “make the anvil ring!” Learn 4 basic hand forging techniques while making your own square tapered nail as it was done centuries ago. Ages 10 & up. No prerequisite. This class is SOLD OUT. Click the button below to join the waitlist.
Intermediate Classes for Returning Students
Intermediate Copper & Iron Workshop: Sculpture
Monday - Friday, August 12-16, 6pm-8:30pm
THS Member: $250 or Non-member: $300
Returning students will design and create a copper and iron sculpture inspired by modern British sculptor Barbara Hepworth. Emphasis will be on the importance of both positive and negative space within a composition. Hot and cold forging of copper and iron, drifting, swaging, fullering and raising are some of the techniques we will expand on in this weeklong workshop. This class is the second in our series exploring motifs taken from famous artists’ work. Prerequisite: Introductory Copper & Iron Workshop. Ages: 16 & up. Must be able to attend all five sessions. In particular, the first class includes vital safety information. Missing the first class or any of the other classes forfeits your place in the workshop and you will not be refunded.
Basic Blacksmithing Level 2
THS Member: $310 or Non-member: $360
Build on the skills taught in Basic Blacksmithing Level 1 as you forge a pair of tongs! In this 6 week course you will learn the technique of shouldering and take on the challenge of creating mechanical movement. Focus will be on developing control and consistency of hammering techniques. Ages 12 & up. Prerequisite: Basic Blacksmithing Level 1. Classes are forming now! Click the button below to add your name to the Basic Blacksmithing Level 2 scheduling list.
Basic Blacksmithing Level 3
THS Member: $310 or Non-member: $360
In this 6-week course you will design and forge a table trivet. Emphasis will be on developing both physical and visual balance within your trivet. You will learn how to use a spiral jig to make design elements to be woven and connected by lap joints and flush rivets, while creating your own composition. Ages 12 & up. Prerequisite: Basic Blacksmithing Levels 1 & 2. Classes are forming now! Click the button below to add your name to the Basic Blacksmithing Level 3 scheduling list.
Anvil Time
Classes are offered April – November
THS Member: $150 or Non-Member: $190
Hone the skills you acquired in Basic Blacksmithing Level 1 while working on a project of your choice. Students are encouraged to make something that is meaningful to them. You may choose from a variety of projects or create your own. Come to class prepared to discuss your ideas for this 4-week course. Ages 12 to adult. Prerequisite: Basic Blacksmithing Level 1. Click the button below to pay for Anvil Time classes you have arranged with our Blacksmith.