Cumming Nature Center > Programs & Events
Blacksmithing
Explore blacksmithing in small-group, hands-on sessions with expert instructor Jonathan Bernard. Join in at the intro level or more advanced!
Our ever-popular blacksmithing workshops are back! Join instructor Jonathan Bernard to learn the heritage craft of blacksmithing in small-group, hands-on training sessions at Cumming Nature Center.
Classes for all skill levels will be offered this fall, ranging from Intro to Blacksmithing to Advanced Blacksmithing.
Each class participant will go home with an object they created during the class to enjoy for years to come. See the full schedule below!
Intro to BlacKSmithing: wall hook or bottle opener | $65
Learn the fundamentals of blacksmithing in our small-group, hands-on training session. Topics will include learning how to heat with a coal-fired forge and techniques for safe hammer usage. The student will have the choice of creating either a wall hook or bottle opener. All tools and materials are included with registration. There is a maximum of four students per session for Intro/fundamentals classes to provide adequate one-on-one instruction.
Students are recommended to bring their own safety glasses and wear a long sleeve shirt and jeans for protection. Other safety gear will be available if needed.
REGISTER FOR INTRO TO BLACKSMITHING
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Intermediate BlacKSmithing: Letter opener or Keychain | $80
Intermediate blacksmithing introduces students to heat management skills when working with dissimilar sizes of metal on the same piece. For both intermediate classes, students are required to have either taken the introduction/basic class or have prior experience blacksmithing. There is a maximum of four students per session to provide adequate one-on-one instruction.
Letter Opener: The focus of the class will be on how to draw out an open handle style of knife known as a Blacksmith blade. This class will establish a basic understanding of forming the point and bevel on a blade.
Leaf Keychain: The focus of the class will be on how to upset (push back) metal to thicken up and form the leaf using a tenoning tool. Details will be added to the leaf via use of a texture tool.
Students are recommended to bring their own safety glasses and wear a long sleeve shirt and jeans for protection. Other safety gear will be available if needed.
register for intermediate blacksmithing
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15
ADVANCED BlacKSmithing: Railroad spike knife | $80
Advanced blacksmithing introduces the student to the art of knife making using a railroad spike to create the wider form of a skinning blade. Topics will include the use of the cross peen fuller to draw out the width of the blade as well as quench or case hardening to form a simple working edge.
This class will test the endurance of a student who has either taken the intermediate class or has prior experience in bladesmithing. There is a maximum of four students per session to provide adequate one-on-one instruction.
Students are recommended to bring their own safety glasses and wear a long sleeve shirt and jeans for protection. Other safety gear will be available if needed.
register for advanced blacksmithing
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Jonathan Bernard began blacksmithing at the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, MA where he volunteered from 2000-2013 in their Colonial-era smithing shop. In 2012 Jonathan purchased a portable forge and farrier’s anvil, and began demonstrating at school programs as part of the 9th Mass Light Artillery, a Civil War reenactment unit. In 2014 he moved to the Rochester, New York, area and currently works with school groups as part of the 1st NY Light Artillery Civil War reenactment unit. For the past three years he’s been invited by the Gettysburg National Parks service to the Spangler Farm site for presentation of his craft with the unit’s traveling forge wagon. Jonathan takes great joy in teaching blacksmithing to people of all ages and skill levels to ensure that the craft lives on.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
These classes are designed for adults, so if someone younger wants to join, they will need to be mature and focused enough to handle the class. Beyond this, blacksmithing requires a certain amount of strength and endurance to be safe with the heavy tools. Ages 13+ are accepted in the Intro to Blacksmithing class with an adult actively participating alongside. Ages 15+ are accepted in the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced classes with an adult actively participating alongside. Before registering, parents should evaluate their child’s maturity, strength and focus to keep the class safe, enjoyable, and rewarding for all participants.