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
Students under 16 are welcome to join this class by becoming members of the California Blacksmith Association (CBA). CBA membership includes a subscription to their magazine, access to in-person and online events, and provides the insurance coverage that allows younger students to participate in our classes.
If you're joining the CBA for the first time, email your membership information to Celeste@clayandsteel.com, and we'll send you a $65 discount to use toward your first class.
About the Class
CBA Blacksmithing classes are offered monthly, with a different project or technique featured each session. Projects are selected based on the experience and interests of the students attending, but common lessons include forging hooks, tapers, leaves, and a variety of useful shop tools.
This ongoing class is designed to help you build a strong foundation in blacksmithing through hands-on practice. Classes move at a steady pace and are intended to be both engaging and challenging. We'll begin each session with a project from the CBA curriculum, and our instructors will work closely with you to help you complete it. If you need a little more time to finish your project, you're always welcome to continue working on it during one of our Blacksmithing Lab sessions.
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
