Blacksmithing Classes
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(15% off “Intro” classes with newsletter signup!)
“Intro” Classes for Beginners
Bronze Bracelet - This class is the gentlest introduction to forging metal. The metal is soft and the project is simple. Make a test bracelet from copper and a final bracelet out of gorgeous silicon bronze. Choose to shine your bracelets up, or lean in to a dark oxidized finish. Create your own unique texture. The copper rich bronze alloy you’ll work with is more pliant than steel, but comes with unique challenges that steel doesn’t…
Bronze Spoon - This class tests your restraint, detail, and timing. Design your own handle, dish depth, and size using the same lush bronze as the bracelet. The soft bronze 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 cleaned. Bronze (copper) is anti-microbial and makes a great breakroom sugar spoon.
Sword Box Cutter - This blade features sharp, symmetrical edges and a needle-like profile. This is “remix” of the classic blacksmith’s knife; modified for a shorter class time and 2X edges. This blade is faster to make than the RR Spike Knife. Sharp, svelte, sturdy and reliable as a tool.
Railroad Spike Knife - The classic beginner project, this blade has a very distinct profile and a beefy blunt end. You’ll taper down a RR spike, 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.
Copper Feather - 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.
More Information:
Wondering what to wear or bring? Read Preparing for Class.
Open Forge for Continuing Blacksmiths. Blacksmith Labs
Want details about our shop? Read About our Classes.
A quick glimpse of classes in our smithy
Intermediate Classes
(prior blacksmithing experience recommended not required)
Intermediate Classes
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).
“Intermediate” projects produce genuinely useful tools (and often tooling to make the tools). Finished products are 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 - 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 Blacksmith’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
By Guest Blacksmiths
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.
(NEW) 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!
Sculptural Forging
(NEW) Steel Like Clay - Discover why Celeste named her smithy Clay and Steel. “Intro” level class focusing on sculpture and organic forms. Taught by Celeste.
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Certification/CBA
CBA Level 1 - Skills of a Blacksmith - “Traditional” and “Official” blacksmith courses to develop your skills as a blacksmith. This class is covered by California Blacksmith Association insurance. Youth 13+ may join this class after becoming a member of the California Blacksmith Association. (Some youth may require an adult presence to participate.)
These are subsidized (cheaper!) to students who join the California Blacksmith Association. calsmith.org.
CBA members receive a coupon code for $65 off all CBA classes at Clay and Steel
Guest Classes
We sometimes run classes with local or far-away Guest 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, sometimes with catering or in-house BBQ, fresh beer and good (cheap) wine.
Subscribe to find out when guests come by.
Future Classes
Celeste is known for her artistic natural forms and her use of forged forms to create sculpture. 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