ABANA Open Forge: Session B
Open forge time for students who have completed one or more of GAC's ABANA Certification workshops to practice and continue projects.
Forging a Pukko Knife
This class will focus on the form and function of a Finnish Pukko knife, a traditional hunting and utility knife favored in northern Europe. Students will understand many of the bladesmithing processes including forging, grinding, heat treating, and finishing. By the end of the course, one can expect to have a complete usable blade.
Blacksmithing Valentine’s Date Night: Forging Steel Hearts
Forge lasting memories with your special someone this Valentine’s Day! This unique date night experience lets you learn the basics of blacksmithing together while creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake to cherish. Share the fun of hammering, shaping, and finishing metal in a hands-on, memorable activity that’s perfect for couples looking for something different.
Please note: For safety, all participants must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Protective gear and materials are provided.
Introduction To Blacksmithing: Session B
Come learn the basics of forging steel in the GAC blacksmith forge. Geared towards the absolute beginner, this workshop is designed to be educational and enjoyable for everyone. Learn techniques to build confidence in the forge under the guidance of experienced instructors. Students will shape and forge hot steel using a hammer and an anvil to complete a variety of projects.
Students will need safety glasses, dust mask or respirator, leather work gloves, (welding gauntlets not needed) and should wear jeans, a non-flammable cotton shirt and/or jacket, and closed-toed boots or leather shoes. Our forge is an outdoor building that is only semi-enclosed; please dress accordingly
Teen Blacksmithing: Session B
This class will teach teen students basic forging techniques. Students will learn how to build and maintain a coal fire, and use the new skills to make several small projects such as hooks, fire pokers, and hand forged jewelry. Students will need safety glasses, leather work gloves, (welding gauntlets not needed) and should wear jeans, a non-flammable cotton shirt and/or jacket, and closed-toed boots or leather shoes. Our forge is an outdoor building that is only semi-enclosed; please dress accordingly.
Forging Roses Workshop: Session A
Forge stunning iron roses to give as a gift or incorporate into your own projects. Roses are iconic in forged ironwork, architectural metal accents, and as standalone sculptures, and this workshop encourages your own unique interpretations. You’ll explore key blacksmithing techniques including sheet metal forming, riveting, symmetrical bending, and slitting to bring your rose to life.
The War Hammer Workshop
Students will forge their own war hammer, a historic weapon designed with a heavy striking face on one side and a pointed spike on the other. Learn to hot-punch holes in 1¼” round bar, split and shape the hammer’s face, and forge the spike on the back end. Instruction includes fitting and finishing a hickory handle, heat treating the head for strength, and grinding and sharpening for a functional tool. The workshop concludes with hands-on testing, striking a steel drum to experience the balance and impact of your creation.
Forging Cooking Utensils:Spoons, Ladles & Bowls Workshop
Let’s get ready for soup season! We’ll make bowls out of sheet steel and create a useful and beautiful ladle hand hammered out of sheet metal. Several options and skills will be shown for forging the ladle handle, including shouldering, splitting, punching, twisting and braiding.
Forging a Tomahawk Workshop
Students will forge a tomahawk from start to finish, using the traditional slit and drift method to form the head and create the eye. The instructor will also demonstrate the wrap and weld technique and explain how and when the different approaches are used. Hands on blacksmithing topics include shaping the head, drifting and sizing the eye, fitting and finishing a handle, grinding and polishing the bit, heat treating for strength, and final sharpening—so you’ll learn both technique and the why behind each step.
Forging Skulls & Faces Workshop
Students will craft their own forge tools, like punches and chisels, and then put them to imaginative use by creating expressive iron skulls and faces. This hands-on workshop blends technical forging skills with creative expression, giving you the chance to experiment with form, texture, and detail as you bring unique metal faces and skulls to life.