This is either the perfect opportunity for someone who wants to learn key forging techniques needed to work with smaller grade steel and achieve finer results OR … anyone else who’s always wanted to have a go at blacksmithing but thought their biceps might not be up to the job!
During the one day session with artist blacksmith Adrian Wood and his lovely assistant, Andy, you will forge a range of items but none will involve steel any thicker than 6mm…it could be coat hooks, hearts, a snail key ring…
– Understand how to work safely with fire and hot metal.
– Learn how to handle the tools and equipment correctly.
– Create a number of items with your own hands.
Blacksmithing doesn’t get any lighter than this, however, there’s not much we can do about the heat and smut so please be aware that the day is still a challenge and if you have any fitness or health issues please let us know. The workshop takes place outdoors but undercover.
Please click the title below to find out if there is anything you should bring.
What to expect
Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all and provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas and experiences. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
Arrive in time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning your session at the appointed time. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a homemade 2 course lunch. The main course will be delicious but don’t overdo it as the puds are usually worth waiting for! There will be a further afternoon break with the most wonderful cakes from Roots & Fruits Home Bakery, a North Yorkshire micro-bakery producing handmade bread and cakes. All food and refreshments are included in the price of the workshop.
Finish time is given as a target – there are occasions when the session may overrun so do let us know if you need to be away promptly.
We aim for your day to be a real treat… of course you could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make it a day being looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
What you’ll need to bring with you
Make sure you wear robust clothing - jeans or thick trousers, stout shoes etc. Especially AVOID synthetic fabrics on clothing and shoes.
We will be working outside under our covered wooden structure so if you think the weather looks cool make sure you bring something warm (although you'll be working hard over a hot forge). Alternatively, if the weather looks sunny, you might want to bring some sun screen.
Everything else you need will be provided.
