Blacksmithing Fundamentals
Part of the Level 1 California Blacksmith Association Curriculum
“Spice” Level 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/6
Certify as a Blacksmith
Level 1 - Skills
Join us for a skills building and tool making experience. Youth age 13+ permitted with a CBA Membership and signed safety waiver
To receive your blacksmithing certification you must sign up to be a member of The California Blacksmith Association. Membership comes with a subscription to their magazine and allows you to attend CBA events in person and online. Youth under the age of 16 must join the California Blacksmith Association in order to attend. This class is covered by CBA insurance. Email Celeste @ clayandsteel.com with your membership info to receive $65 off your first class when you join the CBA.
CBA classes are scheduled monthly. New projects and techniques are taught every class. If any students have done the current project I will give them a different assignment
APRIL: We will be forging tenons. We will be creating a staple and hammering over a tenon
MAY: We will be forging and heat treating tools
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 challenging. The first portion of the class will be focused on a project from the CBA curriculum. After lunch students will work on individual projects based on their personal focus. It may be a CBA curriculum project or a small personal project within their skill level. (This class is not intended for bladesmithing. No welding or larger architectural pieces.)
The goal of this class is to build skills. Projects may be completed by attending blacksmithing labs.
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
