One of seven courses available for the May 11 – 14, 2023 MCA Weekend Workshop @ Haystack
Forging for Charcuterie- CURRENTLY FULL/ Waitlist only
Instructor: Beth Holmberg
Haystack Studio: Blacksmithing
Materials Fee: $60, see below
Enrollment Limit: 10
Level: Beginner – All levels welcome!
Class Description:
Level up your cheese-and-meat board with a set of elegant, hand-forged utensils. These one-prong forks and swoopy cheese knives are based on Bronze and Iron Age Scandinavian designs (oh, that Scandinavian design tradition!). In this skill-building through projects class, we’ll take you from how to light a forge for the first time to a solid foundation of blacksmithing skills. You’ll learn to taper, twist, bend, scroll, and even the basics of blade forging while working in (unhardenable) mild steel. If you already have a bit of experience, you’ll probably expand your ability to use the peen, learn to ‘dance the anvil’ more effective forging, and enjoy a chance to riff on designs.
Expect a focus on solid fundamentals and healthy and effective technique, which should provide a great foundation for future smithing endeavors. And to go home with some nifty usable utensils!
Materials:
Core materials used in this workshop will be supplied by the Haystack Studio and covered under the $60.00 materials fee.
Additionally, students should expect to bring:
- 100% natural fiber clothing, only
- Leather shoes are recommended – Closed toed shoes only!
- Hearing protection
- Safety Glasses- Proper eye protection is required. Folks who wear glasses may want to find something that fits over their glasses comfortably and stays on while looking down.
- A sketchbook and pencil are recommended- Handouts will be provided
- 6″ flex metal ruler
- If you have tools that you like (esp. a hammer), feel free to bring ‘em along!
About the Instructor-
BETH HOLMBERG is a CBA- and ABANA-certified journeyman and instructor, and a member of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths and Blacksmiths Without Borders. She has been teaching blacksmithing at all levels for nearly 20 years. She likes forging useful stuff from various times and cultures, loves to travel with a hammer, and is passionate about helping folks learn to blacksmith successfully.