Blacksmithing Classes
(15% off “Intro” classes with newsletter signup!)
“Intro” Classes for Beginners
Bronze Bracelet - Gorgeous and “easy.” Make one bracelet or two in this 3-hour class that’s great for beginners. Choose to shine your bracelets up, or lean in to a matte finish. The copper rich silicon bronze you’ll work with is more pliant than steel, but comes with unique challenges that steel doesn’t require…
Bronze Spoon - Also “easy,” this class tests your restraint, attention to detail, and critically your timing. Design your own handle, dish depth, and size using the same lush bronze as the bracelet. The finished spoon is food safe and useable after a good scrub down. Copper is anti-microbial naturally.
Sword Box Cutter - This slick blade is perfect for beginners. Our class guides students through the most important bits of blacksmithing, meaning you’ll have the core skills of a practicing blacksmith by the end of the session. Sharp, svelte, sturdy as any USA made tool should be: it feels great to hold.
Railroad Spike Knife - Classic blade with a distinct profile. You’ll taper down a beefy RR spike, shape your profile, bevel the edge and add a twist in the handle for grip. This 6-hour class requires more forging time due to the thicker starting steel, but it is not an advanced class… just more fun*
(*more forging. aka the fun part)
Intermediate Classes
(prior blacksmithing experience recommended not required)
These are designed to look intimidating, but be achievable for determined smiths, even new ones. It is recommended to take an “Intro” class but you do not have to. These classes are excellent for advancing towards Blacksmith Certification.
If you want to jump right in at Clay and Steel, read “How to attend a free Safety Lecture.” One safety lecture session attendance is required for Intermediate classes.
Class Size: 2-4 students per session (Age 16+ permitted)
Special Classes
By Guest Blacksmiths
Forge a Tomahawk - A difficult class that consists of a hardened bit forged into a tomahawk head. Blacksmith and CBA Education Board Member Jake Trogdon instructs.
(NEW) Copper Relief with Douglas Pryor - A class taught by a very notable chasing/raising/repousse artist!
Fantasy Forging
(NEW) Steel Like Clay - Discover why Celeste named her smithy Clay and Steel. A personal class, and an exploration of organic forms.
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Intro Classes:
Bronze Bracelet - Gorgeous and “easy”. Make one or two — Bronze is soft enough! Make sure to watch your heat and your angles. Shine your pieces up, or lean in to a matte finish. Great for gifts and satisfying to wear.
Bronze Spoon - Tests your restraint, tests your attention to detail. Good follow up to the bracelet class. These are legitimately useful as a tea spoon.
Sword Box Cutter - A slick blade. Could belong to Ezio Auditore. Sharp, svelte and easier than forging a huge RR spike.
Railroad Spike Knife - Classic blade with a distinct profile and a twist! Literally you have to twist it, one of the many fun steps in this 6 hour class.
Intermediate classes may take multiple days.
Forge a Full-Tang Blade - A “proper” knife with a comfortable handle. This is the gateway into designing your own blade. Members can save on this and CBA Classes.
Forge a Beginner’s Hammer - AKA “Intro to Hammer Making” This is a scaled down but still challenging version of a much harder certification project. Excellent for a third or fourth time returning student.
Special Classes
California Blacksmith Association Classes
These are subsidized (cheaper!), traditional classes that are geared to certify blacksmiths. Find out more at calsmith.org.
(Celeste is certified to teach the Level 1 CBA Curriculum).
Students taking CBA classes are gifted a year long membership to the CBA. This means they can join in at “Hammer-in” and “Conference” events with other blacksmiths. We love teaching new smiths at meet-ups!
Age 14+ permitted for CBA insured classes. (Younger may be considered with an adult present).
Guest Classes
We sometimes run classes with local or far-away Guest Blacksmiths who come to teach their skills.
Celeste herself often attends these! These classes are rare but are oftentimes a big catered event, since blacksmiths are poor and can seldom travel.
Subscribe to be the first to find out when guests come by.
Fantasy Classes
Celeste is known for natural shapes, fantasy shapes, and metal sculpting like an artist. These classes often stray far away from the realm of “tradition”