Forging For All: Keychains

The Metal Museum offers a roster of innovative and affordable classes in blacksmithing, welding, casting and non-ferrous metals. Whether it's a "taster," a three-hour, one-day or weekend workshop, you are sure to learn a lot, have fun and make beautiful metal items that you can be proud of.
 

This class offers a skills-focused introduction to the basic techniques of blacksmithing in a safe, friendly environment. Participants will learn the fundamentals of managing a coal fire, handling a hammer, and manipulating an iron to create keychain charms. This class is taught by a nonbinary blacksmith. Women, nonbinary, and trans people are welcome to come learn a new skill, however all are welcome!

Objectives:

• Safety
• Coal fire management
• Body mechanics for swinging a hammer, holding metal, using tongs
• Fundamental blacksmithing techniques such as tapers, twists, bending, scrolls, hot-cutting, and punching holes
• Additional techniques for sculpting and mark-making with hand tools like fullers and chisels
• Finish work: filing and oiling/waxing

This class does not fulfill requirements for Blacksmithing I.