Photo by Alex Byers

2024 Blacksmithing Workshops

Workshop enrollment happens on a first-come, first-served basis. Many fill to capacity quickly and have waitlists months in advance. It’s best to register as early as possible – don’t delay! Registrations for onsite workshops should be made no later than 15 days ahead of the workshop start date so that we can include you when we’re making workshop determinations, ordering materials, etc. Touchstone’s onsite workshop determinations (running vs cancelling) are made 14 days in advance of their scheduled start dates, primarily based on the number of participants registered at that time.

  • A processing fee of $25 will be added to 2-5 day onsite workshops.
  • All workshop participants must be at least 18 years of age, unless otherwise noted.
  • Remember: Materials and studio fees are separate from tuition fees and are to be paid in full once finalized (typically two weeks prior to the workshop).

To view a full listing of the Terms and Conditions as part of your enrollment, download the 2024 Participant Guide. Please review our updated Health & Safety Guidelines* and Cancellation Policy* prior to registering for any workshop.

 

*Subject to change based on health regulations and best practices. Registered participants will be notified if changes are made.

RECENTLY ADDED!

MAY 20-22 | 3-DAY (MON-WED)
Metal Shaping: Fundamental Sheet Metal Forming & Welding Techniques
Instructor: Carl Auböck V

Beginner - Advanced
$520 Member | $550 Non-Member
TBD Materials and Studio Fees

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

REGISTER NOW

Sheet Metal is just stubborn clay! In this course, we will stretch, shrink, bend and cut sheet metal (aluminum) as well as learn techniques for welding and sanding. At the end of this workshop you will know how to create seamless metal forms that can be used for art, automotive parts, or other various objects.

Carl Auböck V, a member of the fifth generation of the renowned Werkstätte Carl Auböck, is traveling from Austria to lead this exclusive hands-on workshop, which is limited to eight participants.

This workshop coincides with the Auböck: The Gallet Collection exhibition coming to Touchstone's Bea Campbell Gallery from MAY 4 – JULY 28.

Learn More

HALF-DAY WORKSHOPS (AGES 14 AND OLDER): JUN 8TH & AUG 25TH

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at working in a craft medium? In these exciting half-day (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) workshops for ages 14 and older, you will learn new techniques and processes while creating hands-on projects in the medium of your choosing. Projects vary and may utilize different materials and techniques per session/instructor.

 

Projects examples may include:

  • Blacksmithing – forged steel hooks, leaves, or bottle openers
  • Ceramics* – wheel thrown (June 8) or handbuilt (August 25) clay mugs, tiles, or small sculptures
  • Glass* – marbles, beads, or small objects/sculptures created with flameworking/fused glass techniques (not glass blowing)
  • Metals & Jewelry – making metal rings, pendants, or keychains
  • Painting & Drawing – sketching/drawing using colored pencils or different paints for still lifes, portraits, or scenery

*Some projects in ceramics or glass may require that you pick your items up at a later date due to the need for kiln firing.

JUN 8 | SATURDAY (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Try It!

All Levels - No Experience Needed! (Ages 14+)
$140 Tuition Plus $10 Nonrefundable Processing Fee
Materials Fees Included

REGISTER NOW

AUG 25 | SUNDAY (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Try It!

All Levels - No Experience Needed! (Ages 14+)
$140 Tuition Plus $10 Nonrefundable Processing Fee
Materials Fees Included

REGISTER NOW

Dress appropriately as you will likely get messy! We recommend all participants wear closed-toe shoes, restrain long hair, and avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling jewelry. If you try Blacksmithing or glass, wear cotton or denim clothing (avoid cuffs) and closed-toe shoes are required (no flip-flops or sandals). We will provide safety glasses and ear plugs where necessary.

 

Please check in at Blaney Lodge between 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. Workshops begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. within their designated studios.

5 DAY WORKSHOPS: JUN 10-14 THROUGH AUG 19-23

JUN 10-14 | 5-DAY (MON-FRI)
ABANA National Curriculum Level-2
Instructor: Mark Aspery

Intermediate
$695 Member | $725 Non-Member
$100-$150 Materials and Studio Fees

REGISTER NOW

This is a project-based workshop centered on the ABANA National Blacksmith Curriculum focusing on the NC L-2 curriculum, up to but not including the L-2 grille. We will start with forge welding using the basket-handled poker project which contains a cornucopia of welding techniques. Evening activities will concentrate on hand tooling and basic heat treatment. The power hammer will be utilized to help facilitate the completion of the leafing hammer. Bottom tools, upset square corners, and scrollwork will round out the week. Successful completion of the workshop will enable you to receive level-1 instructor status after signing the ABANA safety policy. You will also be led through some of the projects required for the ABANA level-2/3 certification. If you have completed most of the requirements of the ABANA level-1 certification and are looking to move on, then this course is for you.

JUN 17-21 | 5-DAY (MON-FRI)
Demystifying the Forge
Instructor: April Franklin

Beginner-Intermediate
$695 Member | $725 Non-Member
$40-$90 Materials and Studio Fees

REGISTER NOW

Demystifying the forge and ferrous metals is fabulous! Focusing on working safely and effectively, we will complete a series of exercises to make you comfortable with the processes. Using a couple of mastered techniques, you will make a lot of objects, including bottle openers, spoons, and hooks. Afterwards, you can move on to self-designed projects with instructor guidance. Whether your interest is sculptural, architectural, or adornment, this workshop will have something for you.

JUN 24-28 | 5-DAY (MON-FRI)
Get Hooked on Forging
Instructor: Addison DeLisle

*Pre-approved for Act 48 Credit by PAEA

No Experience-Beginner
$695 Member | $725 Non-Member
$60-$110 Materials and Studio Fees

REGISTER NOW

Forging a cusp hook teaches new blacksmiths many of the fundamental processes of blacksmithing: drawing a consistent taper, spreading, shouldering, bending, and cross section changes. In this workshop, you will learn to forge and join all the components to make a small wall mounted hook rack including several matching hooks and back bar. We will cover basic blacksmithing techniques, how to produce matched forgings, riveting, chiseling and drifting holes, finishing options, and other processes as time allows. There is plenty of opportunity for participants with experience to push the envelope with design and additional decorative techniques. All are welcome!

JUL 8-12 | 5-DAY (MON-FRI)
Sparkle Magic: Forge Welding & Weld Forging for Artistic Applications
Instructor: Lisa Geertsen

All Levels
$695 Member | $725 Non-Member
$100-$150 Materials and Studio Fees

REGISTER NOW

Learn basic blacksmithing techniques combined with artistic applications of forge welding and electric welding processes. We will begin with forging basics like tapers, twists, scrolls, and hot cutting, and progress into basic forge welding and MIG/TIG welding techniques. You will then be encouraged to think about form and shape by observing your surroundings on campus, create sketches, and engage in a discussion about using your new skills to design and build a small sculpture.

JUL 14-19 | 6-DAY (SUN-FRI) | TEEN WEEK
Blacksmithing for Teens
Instructor: Anna R. Koplik

All Levels (Ages 14-17)
$750 Tuition
$100 Materials and Studio Fees

APPLY TODAY

 

The deadline for submitting applications is April 15th. Notifications will go out by May 1st.

 

Come and learn how to swing a hammer at the anvil, work a coal forge, and forge hot steel – all in a fun, enthusiastic, and inclusive environment! Throughout this workshop, you will learn many of the basic processes in blacksmithing, like tapering, twisting, bending, and punching. Everyone will walk away with their own hand-forged objects, from decorative items to functional tools, and gain the skills and knowledge to continue exploring blacksmithing. Participants will develop safe and responsible habits while taking plenty of dance breaks.

JUL 22-26 | 5-DAY (MON-FRI)
Traditional Process–Contemporary Design
Instructor: Douglas E. Wilson

*Pre-approved for Act 48 Credit by PAEA

No Experience-Beginner
$695 Member | $725 Non-Member
$125-$175 Materials and Studio Fees

REGISTER NOW

Join this workshop to learn and practice age-old forging processes and joinery techniques such as drawing out, upsetting, bending, twisting, plus forge welding, hot collars, and riveting. We will also complete drawing and design exercises, both individually and as a group.

JUL 29-AUG 2 | 5-DAY (MON-FRI) | NATURE WEEK
Making Steel Organic
Instructor: Margaret Jacobs

*Pre-approved for Act 48 Credit by PAEA

All Levels
$695 Member | $725 Non-Member
$115-$155 Materials and Studio Fees

REGISTER NOW

This workshop will explore how metal can be transformed to reflect the natural world through a combination of basic blacksmithing and metal fabrication techniques. There will be an emphasis on working the material through the use of heat – in particular, the oxy-acetylene torch – to create organic movement. We will discuss nature as inspiration, the process of designing for fabrication, and finished surface treatments to complete your final sculpture. All skill levels are welcome, prior blacksmithing or metal fabrication experience will be beneficial.

AUG 5-9 | 5-DAY (MON-FRI)
Forging a Medieval Seax (Knife)
Instructor: Dr. Andrew Welton

No Experience-Beginner
$695 Member | $725 Non-Member
$115-$165 Materials and Studio Fees

REGISTER NOW

The "seax" is the iconic knife of the European Early Middle Ages. Participants will forge a seax that follows the proportions, geometry, and metallurgy of historical originals. We will learn the skills to forgeweld wrought iron, use a power hammer to prepare knife billets, heat treat carbon steel, grind and sharpen blades, and extract information from an archaeological report. Expect historical digressions along the way – e.g., did you know that archaeologists find seaxes buried with women as well as men? Prior experience forge welding is helpful, but not required.

AUG 12-16 | 5-DAY (MON-FRI)
Armature Vessels
Instructor: Susan Madacsi

*Pre-approved for Act 48 Credit by PAEA

All Levels
$695 Member | $725 Non-Member
$110-$160 Materials and Studio Fees

REGISTER NOW

Let’s have creative fun together! Participants will learn how to create metal vessels and platters by using armatures to create deep and shallow forms. Armatures will be comprised of found objects and constructed ones. You will also learn finishing techniques and go bold experimenting with color. These vessels can easily springboard into a developed product line that can be sold through social media, art fairs, personal websites, and other venues. All levels welcome!

AUG 19-23 | 5-DAY (MON-FRI)
Pattern Welded Steel to Suit Your Interests
Instructor: James Viste

*Pre-approved for Act 48 Credit by PAEA

Seasoned Beginner-Intermediate
$695 Member | $725 Non-Member
$45-$95 Materials and Studio Fees

REGISTER NOW

Get a general overview of pattern welded steel development, history, and practice. We will cover the re-purposing of aftermarket materials, along with the processing of contemporary raw materials to produce patterned steel. Plan on making pattern welded steel objects based on your individual interests, such as blades, tools, jewelry, decorative elements ,etc. as well as material for future projects. There will be fire and fun! Participants should have some forging experience.

WEEKEND WORKSHOPS: AUG 31-SEP 1 THROUGH SEP 28-30

AUG 31-SEP 1 | 2-DAY (SAT-SUN) | LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Introduction to Bladesmithing
Instructor: Jared Ondovchik

No Experience-Beginner
$375 Member | $405 Non-Member
$55-$105 Materials and Studio Fees

REGISTER NOW

This workshop will cover basic bladesmithing techniques to produce a small “neck knife”. Participants will hand forge a small blade from high carbon steel. They will learn how to properly heat treat, grind, and attach a simple handle to that blade. Time permitting, participants will also learn how to make a kydex sheath with a paracord necklace to wear this knife around their neck.

SEP 7-9 | 3-DAY (SAT-MON)
Hammer, Draw, Twist & Scroll
Instructor: Glenn Horr

No Experience-Beginner
$490 Member | $520 Non-Member
$50-$100 Materials and Studio Fees

REGISTER NOW

Learn the basics or enhance your skills in the fascinating craft of hand-forged metalwork! You will learn about using a coal forge, hand forging skills, and techniques such as forging a tapering (drawing out), twisting, scrolling, punching, and toolmaking, to make items like hooks, barbecue tools, and leaves. Small tool making will also be discussed.

SEP 28-30 | 3-DAY (SAT-MON)
Copper Pots & Omelet Pans
Instructor: Glen Gardner

Intermediate
$490 Member | $520 Non-Member
$65-$115 Materials and Studio Fees

REGISTER NOW

Develop your raising and forging skills. Working primarily in copper and steel, participants will  explore methods for producing small bowls, cooking pots and pans. The emphasis will be producing a 6'' copper omelet pan with a forged steel handle. Other topics covered will include riveting and how to tin coat copper surfaces.  Some experience with forging and metal forming is highly recommended.

Touchstone Center for Crafts prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or association preference. Touchstone Center for Crafts also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to its facilities and programming.