Blacksmithing Classes
Learn about our project-based classes, or book an upcoming class immediately.
Classes are taught by Celeste Flores, Patrick Posta, and her blacksmith crew in Richmond CA
“Intro” Classes for Beginners.
3½ Hours. This class is a gentle introduction to forging metal. The bronze is soft and the project is simple. Choose to shine your bracelets up, or lean in to a dark oxidized finish. Create your own unique texture or use our stamps. Silicon Bronze, a copper rich bronze alloy, is easier to work than steel, but comes with unique challenges that steel doesn’t. Book a Bronze Bracelet class
3½ Hours. This blade features sharp, symmetrical edges and a needle-like profile. This is Celeste’s “remix” of the classic blacksmith’s knife; modified for a shorter class time and an additional sharp edge. This blade is faster and easier to make than the RR Spike Knife. Cute, pointy, sturdy, and fits in a garter belt sheathe! Book a Sword Box Cutter class
6½ Hours. The classic beginner project, this blade has a very distinct profile and a beefy blunt end. You’ll taper down a RR spike (challenging), shape your profile, bevel the edge and add a twist in the handle for grip. This six hour class for brand-new or experienced smiths uses thicker steel, and often requires the use of teamwork to complete the project. The need for two people at times makes this a great class to take with a friend. Book a Railroad Spike Knife class
Copper Feather - Our Easiest Class
3½ Hours. Back by popular demand! Super soft copper will teach you basic techniques in forging while focusing on heat and control instead of force. Use your feather as a necklace, keychain, or charm. Book a Copper Feather class
Bronze Spoon
(class will return soon!) 3½ Hours. This class tests your restraint, detail, and timing. Design your own handle, dish depth, and size using bronze. The metal here is easy to forge, but the level of detail will require you to hone in on your control. The finished spoon is food safe and useable after cleaning. Bronze (copper) is anti-microbial and makes a great breakroom sugar spoon.
Further Class Information
Wondering what to wear or bring? Read Preparing for Class.
Open Forge for Continuing Blacksmiths: Blacksmith Labs (tues/weds eve)
Want details about our shop? Visit our About our Classes page.
See our Class Google Calendar for schedules and public lab availability.
Contact us for ANY other questions!
A quick glimpse of classes in our smithy
Intermediate Classes
(prior blacksmithing experience highly recommended, not required)
It is recommended to take an “Intro” class but you do not have to.
Choose a hammer or a blade: hand tools as old as time, still useful in the modern world. Clay and Steel’s “Intermediate” classes teach each tool in a safe and guided way, with plenty of forging time and opportunities to work as a duo (or trio). Classes are extended to two days but some advanced students may request a single day class. Inquire here.
“Intermediate” projects produce genuinely useful tools, as well as the tooling to make the tools. Any finished products can be heat-treated, balanced, and dressed for real work…. Preppers take note?!
If you want to jump right in with an “Intermediate” class and skip an “Intro” class, read How to attend a free Safety Lecture. One safety lecture session per year attendance is required for Intermediate classes. Class Size: 2-4 students per session (Age 16+ permitted)
Intermediate classes may take multiple days.
Forge a Full-Tang Blade (2 day class, runs by request)
A “proper” knife with a comfortable handle. This is the gateway into designing your own blade. New or returning students are encouraged to begin knife making here. Members can save on this and CBA Classes.
Forge a Blacksmith’s Hammer (2 day class)
AKA “Intro to Hammer Making” This is a scaled down (but still challenging) version of a much harder certification project. Excellent for a returning student.
“Special” Classes
CBA Level 1 Tasters
(returning soon) Forge a Tomahawk - A difficult class that consists of a hardened bit forged onto a tomahawk head. Blacksmith and CBA Education Board Member Jake Trogdon instructs.
(sold out) Copper Relief with Douglas Pryor - This well known and highly sought after smith will hammering copper reliefs in September. This class gives you the rare and privileged opportunity to learn from an incredible artist!
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Classes by Guest Blacksmiths
6 Hours. The focus is not on a project, there is no beautiful art to take home, rather you will focus on technique, control, force, and repetition.
Class is slow to moderately paced
Handouts and schematic drawings (.PDF) available for study ahead of class, or just wing it!
Covers the first 4 items covered on the CBA Level 1 course: https://calsmith.org/Level-I
All students welcome: 13+, teens, and adults may learn together from a talented instructor (youth may require guardian presence to participate).
You have the option to make this class difficult by choosing a free “sidegrade” to a thicker steel stock. Have fun!
NOTE:
Students must become a member of the California Blacksmith Association: This class is subsidized and insured for students who join the California Blacksmith Association: calsmith.org.
Or just ask Celeste: she knows the guy who does memberships.
Special Classes Information:
We sometimes run classes with local or far-away metal artists who come to teach their skills. Past smiths have included Jake Trogdon (re-appearing this summer), Ellen Durkan, Douglas Pryor, and others.
Celeste herself often attends these! These classes are rare but are oftentimes a big event, some have catering or in-house BBQ.
Subscribe to find out when guests come by!
Classes in Development
Celeste is known for her artistic natural forms and her use of forged forms to create sculpture. She is also known for her cute leather apron. Keep an eye out for special classes, such a forging from nature and fantasy weaponry. Have an idea for class? Contact Celeste and tell her what you want to see