Beginners Blacksmithing 3-Day - WINTER 2026 CLASS IS FULL

Dates: The classes are held on the following Saturdays - Jan 3, Jan 10, Jan 17,   9 AM – between 3 - 5 PM

Location: Minnesota School of Horseshoeing, 6250 Riverdale Dr NW, Ramsey MN 55303, just off Hwy 10 near the Anoka Vocational College (see map below).

Class Description:  This foundational, three-day workshop is designed to give all students a shared understanding of the essential tools, techniques, and terminology of the trade. Whether you’ve never held a hammer or you’ve already dabbled at the anvil, this course ensures that everyone is speaking the same “blacksmith language” before moving on to more advanced work.
Completion of this class (or proven proficiency) is required before taking any of the many specialty and advanced classes the Guild offers.  That way, those future classes can dive right into higher-level forging without needing to stop and revisit the basics.
During this hands-on workshop, students will cover the core elements of traditional blacksmithing, including:
•    Safety
•    Tools & fire control
•    Forging dynamics
•    Tapers (ribbon, fishtail, and point)
•    Twisting
•    Riveting
•    Shouldering
•    Upsetting
•    Cutting
•    Splitting
•    Punching
•    Heat treating
•    Scrolling & bending
•    And yes — forge welding
Whether you dream of blacksmithing as a hobby, a trade, or simply want to try your hand at something bold and time-honored, this course is the perfect place to start.

Class Level:     Beginners     Intermediate     Advanced

Class Size:  8 maximum, 4 minimum

Instructor:  Larry Wasmund

Class Champion:  Laurel Larkin at frogwench@comcast.net  or call/text 651-955-9379

Cost: $230 for NON members, $200 for Guild members (covers everything you need: the facility, coal, metal tools and workbook)
         Minors (under 18) must have a parent present. Minors under 14 need one adult per child.  There will be no sharing of forges.

What you need to bring: The usual for forging with coal: gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, clothing of natural fiber with no cuffs or fraying, and leather boots or shoes.

Tools: Tools are provided but if you have a favorite hammer, punches, chisels and tools, bring them along.  A small 1-to-2-pound ball peen hammer would work. We have various hammers for you to try and get a feel for what is comfortable.

Other Equipment: Questions? Enthusiasm? Great- those are the only tools we can’t supply!

Typical day:  Classes start at 9 but people usually show up earlier to swap stories or show off your recent projects. Feel free to bring projects you are working on to show. We have a break for lunch. Classes end between 3 and 5.Lunch: You can either bring a brown bag or go out to a local fast-food restaurant.

*** Registration acceptance will be in the order submitted, based on the transaction date, and each person will be notified individually.

Questions? Email Laurel at frogwench@comcast.net