Overview
Half-Day Blacksmithing — Forged Hook with Leaf
A half-day introduction to traditional blacksmithing, focused on hand forging simple, functional forms at the anvil.
This course offers a shorter, focused session at the forge, making it ideal for beginners who want to work with fire and steel and leave with a finished piece.
What you’ll do You’ll begin with a welcome to the forge, safety briefing, and an introduction to the tools, fires, and materials. You’ll learn how to light and manage a traditional forging fire using hand-blown bellows before moving to the anvil. Guided step by step, you’ll forge steel using hand tools only, learning fundamental techniques such as drawing out, tapering, bending, and texturing. You’ll also be introduced to decorative elements, including forging a simple leaf form. Throughout the session, the focus is on control, rhythm, and understanding how hot steel moves under the hammer.
What you’ll make You’ll forge a decorative steel hook with a hand-forged leaf, finished during the session and ready to take home. Each piece is individual, shaped by hand, and suitable for use indoors or outdoors.
Who it’s for
What’s included
What to wear & bring
What you’ll do You’ll begin with a welcome to the forge, safety briefing, and an introduction to the tools, fires, and materials. You’ll learn how to light and manage a traditional forging fire using hand-blown bellows before moving to the anvil. Guided step by step, you’ll forge steel using hand tools only, learning fundamental techniques such as drawing out, tapering, bending, and texturing. You’ll also be introduced to decorative elements, including forging a simple leaf form. Throughout the session, the focus is on control, rhythm, and understanding how hot steel moves under the hammer.
What you’ll make You’ll forge a decorative steel hook with a hand-forged leaf, finished during the session and ready to take home. Each piece is individual, shaped by hand, and suitable for use indoors or outdoors.
Who it’s for
- Complete beginners
- Those new to blacksmithing
- Anyone looking for a shorter, hands-on forging experience
What’s included
- All forging tools and safety equipment (excluding footwear)
- Steel and materials
- Expert tuition in a small-group setting
- Tea, coffee and water
What to wear & bring
- Long sleeves and long trousers (cotton or denim recommended)
- Sturdy boots (no open-toe footwear)
- Warm layers — the forge can be cool away from the fires
- Long hair must be tied back
Please speak to your doctor before booking if you have concerns about physical activity.