Classes for Women
If you told me a few months ago that I would be teaching a class on blacksmithing for women, I probably would not have believed you. Where do I start and how much can we fit in for a session were just a few questions running through my mind. Dina and Barb made that simply - we want to make jewelry, ok I have never made any where would you like to start. That is not truly fair, as I have been design metal stuff for years for my step-daughters Amie, Nat and Kim. As the years go on these ladies "demanded" that I step up my act.
This is no different for Dina and Barb wanted cool bling that is in vogue with the up and coming metal wearer on line. That was easy just consult You-tube from other women who do blacksmithing - there is this woman down south from the Christ Center Iron works site who was just the ticket. She was easy to learn from and understand. I am a more visual person anyways and took onto her format right away. First off I would recommend a couple of things - have your act together with eye protection, gloves and hearing plugs. Then, clean up you darn shop as us guys can tolerate a lot of dirt but you figure out the rest. Have all your stock prepped and ready to go to the next process. Have plenty of bottled water on hand and prepare a waver for them to sign.
Lower your expectation in the sense that things you can do in 15 minutes with take the new persons longer.
I had a ball working with these women. Even when we got bogged down on making simple rings, Dina and Barb displayed great team work solving design problems. This gave me, as an instructor, time to evaluate that process and see works and what does not. For the three items I had them make, I should plan about three hours. It turned out to be a nice day for Wisconsin in March and we were able to have the doors open on my small shop. The bracelets went a little smoother as hammer control and forming techniques started to improve. These girls did all kind of forming techniques and fully utilized the multi faceted areas of my shop. I even let them work on their own to "freelance" on techniques and finish sanding on the power grinder. Their welcomed back anytime and maybe in the Springtime so that I can demonstrate coal forging in a most elegant manner. Thanks for stopping by at the Rustic Anvil Forge LLC.