Blacksmithing At John C. Campbell Folk School
Several years ago my husband, @jal627, took level 1 and level 2 blacksmithing classes at a local natural center when we lived in Michigan. He would then volunteer at their two festivals each year using their blacksmith studio and demonstrating for those attending the festival. He truly enjoyed it and dreamed of eventually having his own shop. In 2013 he had the opportunity to take a promotion with his job, which moved us to Kentucky. This prolonged our home search, which ultimately prolonged his ability to have his own blacksmith shop. Two years ago we bought our homestead and was able to take a week long blacksmithing course through John C. Campbell Folk School. They have many really great programs there, including blacksmithing. He spent a week there working from the moment they opened the shop until they closed the shop in the evening, breaking only to eat real quick. Due to major renovations on the house on our homestead along with starting a new job, expanding our farming venture, and a tight budget his blacksmith shop was further delayed.
Over the past two years we have picked up things here and there so that he can eventually have a shop of his own here on the farm. He now has everything he needs to get a shop up and going! He just needs the TIME to invest in getting it all put together. We are hoping to have this all squared away before the baby comes in June. In the meantime, here are some preview pics of some of the work he has done.
This is the blacksmith shop at John C. Campbell. Isn't it cool looking?
In this picture he is creating a form to make a small shovel to be used for a fireplace set.
His first attempt at a shovel head using the form he made.
I just love this decorative hook he made!
Our daughters had an interest in spinning, so he made them each a drop spindle.
Here is a picture of him making a form to make an acorn top!
Here is an image of an acorn top he made using the form.
This is my favorite item! He learned to make brooms for fireplace sets! Isn't it awesome? And yes, we do use this at home to sweep out our wood stoves.
He also made me knitting needles!
This is one of his favorite pieces. He created this bottle opener and then painted it. I think @papa-pepper will appreciate this one. ;)
Stay tuned! Hopefully later this year @jal627 will be getting his shop up and going and will be posting his creations!
I have always been fascinated with blacksmithing, I would like to try it. Something really cool about taking a raw piece of metal and crafting it into something both useful and decorative!
Nice work! Blacksmithing is the original metalwork method. The acorn top die is nice, and variants of that same technology give a world of uses! I like the shovle forming die, and the shovel looks good. The bottle opener is very cute, and he should be, rightfully, proud. That is a tough job of forming!
The school building is perfect for a Blacksmith shop, LOL! Keep posting, I enjoy the pictures!
I hope to also have the Time to come up to y'all's place for a week and learn from him some day. Learning to blacksmith is one of many things on my list of things I want to learn when I'm free from debt and not having to work for "the man" 60 hours a week.
You're welcome here anytime, brother. Josh has a dream to someday blacksmith full time. With our debt load though it will be several years. For now he can have fun and hone his skills. :)
I recently saw a class in blacksmithing being offered nearby. You have made me want to take a second look at the class. I know it was for beginners so I hope it isn't full. This was very inspiring for me. I loved the hook and the idea he made you knitting needles. Such a sweet and personal gift. Thank you for sharing!
I definitely recommend signing up for the class! My husband has really enjoyed it!
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