CBA Level 1 - Skills of a Blacksmith

“Spice” Level 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/6

Certify as a Blacksmith

Level 1 - Skills

Join us at Clay and Steel for an immersive experience in blacksmithing and tool making. All day classes are $130 for members of the California Blacksmith Association

It is recommended that you take a starter blacksmith class before signing up for these classes but it is not required.

Become a member of The California Blacksmith Association to receive $65 off this class and future CBA classes. Membership comes with a subscription to their magazine and allows you to attend CBA events in person and online. The California Blacksmith Association certification program was designed to teach the skills needed to become a blacksmith through a series of increasingly challenging projects. CBA classes are scheduled monthly. We will go through the CBA Level 1 curriculum one project at a time. New projects and techniques are taught every month. Projects are determined based on the experience of people enrolled in the class.

Get ready to work hard and stay focused - this class is designed to teach you blacksmithing fundamentals and build up your skills over time. We will be moving at a fast pace and completion of your project is not guaranteed. If you want close personal attention and a finished project at the end of class, please sign up for any other class. The goal of this class is to build skills rather than leave with a pretty project.

Youth 13+ permitted with a parental safety waiver. Youth under the age of 16 must join the California Blacksmith Association in order to attend. This class is covered by CBA insurance.

Book a Class

To book a class with Clay and Steel, enter the “quantity” of class slots (bringing a friend is recommended), scroll to the class date/time you want, then press Book.

If you’re hoping to “Squeeze one more person” in to a nearly sold out class, we can usually accommodate. Email for details.

Class Policies

Please wear all natural fabric/materials such as cotton jeans, t-shirts, wool or leather.

An ideal outfit is closed toed leather or cotton shoes w/rubber soles, a t-shirt (long sleeves OK), and jeans. Long hair should be tied up in a really cute way. Stud earrings are OK but larger earrings should be removed, the radiant heat can and will heat them! Aprons, goggles, and ear protection are provided.

DO NOT WEAR SYNTHETIC FIBERS. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, nylon and spandex melt and stick to skin and feet when heated. Do not wear synthetic clothing or shoes when working with fire.

Clay and Steel is located at Seaport Studios in Richmond, CA. Seaport Studios is a very impressive shop and studio space filled with individually owned private art businesses. It is an active, working place made by artists and dreamers. Expect there to be fire, noise, welders, grinders, woodworkers, art cars, shop dogs and shop cats.

This smithy aims to feel like a safe place for all people. We love the differently abled. We are strong LGBTQ+ allies and treat fellow humans with respect.

How to prepare for class:

Read Preparing for Class and About Our Classes