Blacksmithing
For more information: Virginia Blacksmithing Institute Website
Try Your Hand at Blacksmithing! NEW
Swing a big hammer to strike a glowing piece of metal against a solid anvil and create something beautiful, useful – or both!
BRCC blacksmithing courses are held at the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing in the South River complex, 200 W. Twelfth Street, Waynesboro, one Saturday and Sunday, from 9 am-4 pm. Unless otherwise noted, all courses are led by instructor Dale Morse.
Morse began blacksmithing at age nine in the Booker T. Washington National Monument’s living history program. He later attended Penland and John C. Campbell craft schools in NC, and studied in Germany and Italy. His ironwork, ranging from lighting fixtures to railings and gates, is found in homes and businesses.
Each two-day blacksmithing workshop fee is $249. BRCC also offers four two-day courses covering basic welding and fabrication techniques ($399 each) and six four-day courses covering the art of metal fabrication and forging ($399 each).
Beginning Blacksmithing: Fire, Rakes and Leaves
Learn basic blacksmithing skills plus an introduction to leaf making. Projects will include a forge fire rake. This class will be taught by guest instructor David Tucciarone of Sunrise Forge.
Mar 17-18 OR Jun 2-3
Beginning Blacksmithing: Wall-Mounted Pot Rack
You will learn basic skills plus riveting and bending tools and techniques along with creating a wall mounted pot rack.
Feb 18-19 OR May 19-20.
Beginning Blacksmithing: Hook, Rack and Candlestick
Hammer metal to create a candlestick and wall-mounted coat rack in this beginner level weekend course. Class includes safe shop practices, fire management, efficient hammer techniques and basic forging.
Jan 14-15 OR Apr 21-22.
Intermediate Blacksmithing Classes
(Prerequisite: Beginning Blacksmithing)
Tongs, Tools and Knives
Jan 28-29 OR Apr 28-29
Cabin Hardware
Mar 24-25
Pattern Welded Damascus
(additional prerequisite: Traditional Joinery Trivet class)
Feb 25-26 OR May 26-27
Roses and Leaves
Dec 3-4, 2011
Introduction to Welding and Fabrication Techniques
Designed for the “hobby welder, this class covers the basics of mig welding and metal shop tools as you work on layout and fabrication of a basic project. Practice in class before purchasing for your own shop.
Dec 10-11, 2011 OR Jan 21-22 OR Mar 10-11 OR May 12-13 OR Jun 9-10
New Fantasy Series Classes
Beginning Blacksmithing: Wizard Heads
Learn basic skills plus the technique of hot chasing to create a couple of whimsical wizard heads in bar stock to become hooks or bottle openers. You will also create tools needed for the chasing.
January 7-8 OR June 23-24
Beginning Blacksmithing: Wizard Staffs
Pick up basic skills as you create a unique finial for a staff ready to cast spells and defeat Balrogs. Each finial will be affixed to a wooden dowel.
Feb 4-5
Beginning Blacksmithing: Build a Shield
Learn basic blacksmithing skills plus how to create a shield with your own emblems ready for mock battle. Make a great piece to show off at the next Renaissance Fair.
Mar 3-4
Beginning Blacksmithing: Build a Helmet
Learn basic skills and how to create a helmet with your own embellishment to show off at the next Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) event or Renaissance Fair.
Mar 31-Apr 1
Beginning Blacksmithing: Build a Spear
Put newly learned basic blacksmithing skills to work as you fashion a spear head worthy of Middle Earth. A dowel will be provided for each spear head.
May 5-6
Beginning Blacksmithing: Hearts and Roses
Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Learn all you need to know about shop safety, fire management, and hammer control. For that special someone, make a heart shape with a rose that will never wilt. A perfect Valentine's Day gift!
Feb 11-12
Beginning Blacksmithing: Kitchen and Bath Hardware
Practice basic skills and make a towel ring or bar, paper towel and toilet paper holder, and a bottle opener.
Apr 7-8
Beginning Blacksmithing: Garden Gizmos
Build a hose holder, bird feeder stand, and a porch plant hook to use around your home, as you work on your beginning blacksmithing skills.
Apr 14-15 OR Jun 30–Jul 1
