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December 23, 2023
Discovery Letter Opener
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory workshop Date: December 23, 2023 Time: 4 PM - 8 PM Location: Adam's Forge The Letter Opener is a Discovery workshop as well as a prerequisite for all of our blade workshops. This workshop introduces techniques that are useful in a wide range of blacksmithing projects. You'll learn how to work with slightly larger stock, and be introduced to the proper choice and use of tongs to hold the hot steel. You'll use the vise and a twisting wrench for the handle, and practice tapering and turning scrolls as well. In forging the blade, you'll learn about full-face and half-face hammer blows. Finally, you can apply a hot wax finish to protect your letter opener. Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!December 23, 2023
Penannular Pin
Prerequisite: Any Discovery Class Date: December 23, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 3 PM Location: Adam's Forge Having trouble keeping your superhero cape fastened? This class is for you! The penannular has been made for millennia in many cultures to fasten clothing. The Vikings made them, the Celts popularized them. This workshop is a perfect next step after Discovery Class. We'll teach you how to make a basic pin and suggest some design variations. The techniques used in making penannulars can be applied to many advanced projects. Come learn in the fun class! ps: Penannulars make great gifts! Skills learned: Tapers, twisting, bending over the horn, and finishing. This class runs from 9 AM- 3 PM with an hour meal break. Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!December 21, 2023
Discovery Letter Opener
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory workshop Date: December 21, 2023 Time: 2 PM - 6 PM Location: Adam's Forge The Letter Opener is a Discovery workshop as well as a prerequisite for all of our blade workshops. This workshop introduces techniques that are useful in a wide range of blacksmithing projects. You'll learn how to work with slightly larger stock, and be introduced to the proper choice and use of tongs to hold the hot steel. You'll use the vise and a twisting wrench for the handle, and practice tapering and turning scrolls as well. In forging the blade, you'll learn about full-face and half-face hammer blows. Finally, you can apply a hot wax finish to protect your letter opener. Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!December 17, 2023
Discovery Magic Wands Class
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory class. Date. December 17, 2023 Time: 4 PM - 8 PM Location: Adam's Forge Could you use more magic in your life? If so, this is the workshop for you! This super fun workshop is a great introduction to the forge and is suitable for more advanced students as well. In this workshop, students will be guided in forging their own magic wands from a 3/8" square bar. The instructor will demonstrate various design options, including different styles of twists and surface textures. And they'll assist students as they create their own magic. Once the wands are made, The instructor will show students how to add an optional magic orb (otherwise known as a marble) to the top of the wand for extra special power. Finally, they will go over finishing options. All materials will be provided. Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this class to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!December 16, 2023 - December 17, 2023
Turk’s Head Marlinspike
When: December 16, 2023: 4:00pm-8:00pm
December 17, 2023: 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: Adam’s Forge
Prerequisite: Any Discovery workshop
Note: This class takes place over two consecutive days. Students must attend both days.
A Marlinspike is a tapered iron pin that was used by sailors of old to do just about every manner of work on the ship’s rigging. Come to Adam’s Forge to learn how to make your own and learn some marlinspike seamanship as well!
This class is perfect for anyone interested in learning how to forge a tool of their own the way they would have made it back during the age of sail! On day one we will forge our own marlinspikes with Lead instructor, Dossain Valencia of Adam’s Forge and prep them for day two with our guest instructor Marc Casebolt. With Marc you’ll learn how to put in a Turks head knot on your marlinspike to not only create the handle but also put in a decorative covering knot to show off your knotwork prowess.
After your two days here you’ll be able to set foot on any sea vessel with your newly forged marlinspike worthy of its salt. Show your friends, show your crewmates!
Marc has been tying decorative knots since he was about 12 years old. After finding the Ashley Book Of Knots on his father’s bookshelf, he was hooked on the beauty and symmetry of what is called Marlinspike seamanship, which is the term for all knot work developed and used by the old time sailors. Marc is now a retired engineer and has the time to devote much more effort to the craft. Much of his recent work is now on display at the Channel Island Maritime Museum in Oxnard Ca, where he has been a volunteer for over 7 years. He now teaches knot tying to anyone who will sit still, listen, and give it a try!
Please note: All classes are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this class to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!December 17, 2023
Paring Knife
Date: December 17, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 3 PM Location: Adam's Forge Instructor: Kent Lulewich Prerequisite: Letter Opener Discovery WorkshopJoin us to create a paring knife to use in the kitchen or take on your next picnic. This is a high carbon steel knife made from 80CRV2 steel.
We start by creating the handle section that you can size to fit your hand perfectly. Then the blade is forged and heat-treated. Lastly, we will grind it to the level of sharpness you desire.
The handle will be cord wrapped for both comfort and durability. We will discuss other handle options you can try on your own.
While we will not have time in this class to make a sheath, we will show you examples so you can do this on your own.
You will leave with a complete knife, ready to use.
Tools: Students do not need to bring tools; we have everything that you will need. However, if you happen to have the following, please bring them so that you have the opportunity to use your own!
Coarse files (i.e. 12 inch Heavy Duty Set from Harbor Freight)
Tongs for ¼” x ¾” stock
Class runs from 9am - 3pm with a one hour meal break. Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this class to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!December 14, 2023
Discovery BBQ Tool Class
Prerequisite: None. This is the first workshop to take. Date: December 14, 2023 Time: 6 PM - 10 PM Location: Adam's Forge Start Smithing! The Ancient DIY Craft. Not sure what blacksmithing is or if you’re really interested? This workshop is for you! Come watch a demonstration and then give it a try in the forge with the help of one of our intrepid instructors. The pre-industrial art of blacksmithing has existed since the ancient times - copper making at high-temperature dates as far back as 5,000 BCE! Projects are simple and will give you a taste of what hot forging is about. In this 4 hour class you'll get an introduction to our forge and tools, learn how to work safely, and learn the fundamental techniques of blacksmithing. And you'll come home with a useful barbecue tool that you forged on your own! Come discover blacksmithing for yourself! SAFETY NOTES: The minimum age to register for this class is 12 years old. All students between the ages of 12 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while at the Forge. HYDRATION: If you’re not sweating you’re probably not doing it right. Please bring something non-alcoholic to drink. Water works perfectly! PROTECTIVE CLOTHING (COTTON, WOOL, or LEATHER): Nonflammable material is REQUIRED at all times. Tee shirts and jeans are perfect. FOOTWEAR (LEATHER, COTTON): Nonflammable and with the toes covered to protect the feet from the constant production of hot and sharp metal fragments which rain down on the feet constantly is REQUIRED at all times. A steel toe is optional and provides protection against a dropped hammer or work piece. Boots, with the pants outside the boot top will prevent the hot and sharp metal fragments from getting in and burning your feet. Tools and equipment are provided without extra charge. Eye protection is mandatory. Please bring your own safety glasses, or we can provide a new unused pair at no additional cost. Gloves are optional. We recommend that you bring a pair in case you have trouble getting hot pieces in and out of the forge. If you decide you need a pair on the day of your class you can purchase them from Adam's Forge for $7.00. Please note: All classes are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this class to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!December 03, 2023
Discovery Letter Opener
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory workshop Date: December 3, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 1 PM Location: Adam's Forge The Letter Opener is a Discovery workshop as well as a prerequisite for all of our blade workshops. This workshop introduces techniques that are useful in a wide range of blacksmithing projects. You'll learn how to work with slightly larger stock, and be introduced to the proper choice and use of tongs to hold the hot steel. You'll use the vise and a twisting wrench for the handle, and practice tapering and turning scrolls as well. In forging the blade, you'll learn about full-face and half-face hammer blows. Finally, you can apply a hot wax finish to protect your letter opener. Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!November 12, 2023
Cake Server
Date: November 12, 2023 Time: 2 PM - 8 PM Location: Adam's ForgeWould you like to add hand-crafted cooking utensils to your list of special skills? In this class, Adam’s Forge instructor Leif Bennett will demonstrate hand-forged cookware using stainless steel. We’ll use heavy gauge sheet for the server and solid bar stock for the handle. And, we’ll have all the tools and materials needed for you to create your signature piece.Skills practiced include drawing and tapering the handle, match drilling both pieces, cutting and dressing sheet metal, precision bending the server and fitting and riveting the pieces together.Leif will cover design, function, and you can use some of the techniques from your Discovery workshop, such as twisting or creating a loop on the handle if you wish. Seasoned beginners can expect to finish one implement during the class and more experienced smiths might finish two. Everyone will leave with knowledge of the skills to make more when time and circumstances allow. They also make beautiful gifts!The class will run from 2:00pm-8:00pm with an hour break for dinner.Prerequisite: Any Discovery class. This class is most suitable for the advancing student who has familiarity with the skills involved and has developed stamina and basic hammer control. Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!November 05, 2023
Corkscrew
Date: November 5, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 3 PM Location: Adam's Forge Instructor: John Drayer In this super fun class, students will forge a steel bar into a heart shaped corkscrew under the expert instruction of Adam’s Forge instructor John Drayer. In addition to making something both beautiful and functional, the goal of this class is for students to advance their repertoire of blacksmithing techniques to include: - Using a hot cut chisel to split steel bar - Learning how to use a “convenience” bend to isolate the ends of the heart for tapering and scrolling - Creating decorative elements such as twists - Coiling the tapered end into a corkscrew If you’ve had a chance to make your own hot cut chisel, this is the perfect opportunity to learn how to use it! The corkscrew itself has a simple and attractive design and the instructor will explain how these design elements can be incorporated into your own projects using the concepts he is teaching. Keep the corkscrew for yourself or add a bottle of wine to make this a perfect gift for someone special. Or use your creation at your next wine party! This class runs from 9 AM - 3 PM, with a 1 hour break for lunch. Prerequisite: Discovery Class or the Letter Opener Class. This class is most suitable for the advancing student with an interest in building skills and technique. While it is not required, we have found that students who have taken several project classes or workshops with us and/or spent time in Open Forge before starting this project are more successful and get more out of this class. Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!November 18, 2023
Spangenhelm with Tony Swatton
Date: November 18, 2023 Time: 9 AM - 5 PM Location: Adam's Forge Instructor: Tony SwattonPlease note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this workshop to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!Tony Swatton has been the armorer to the stars for many years. From Captain Hook’s infamous hook, to Jack Sparrow’s blade or the Armorer’s tools and weapons in the Mandelorian, you’re looking ant Tony’s work.
We are so fortunate to have Tony lead a workshop in making a Spangenhelm at Adam’s Forge.
This ancient style of helmet was worn in Viking times and beyond. Made of a band that encircles the head with two more that cross, the resulting 4 open spaces are filled with 4 pieces of cut and formed sheet and everything is riveted together.
With Tony’s expert help you will learn the basics of design, patternmaking, cutting & forming the metal, punching, drilling and riveting the elements together. More experienced smiths should take home a wearable Spangenhelm to impress your friends and frighten your enemies. And everyone will leave with the skills and pieces to be able to finish their piece at home or back in the forge at an Open Forge session.
Prerequisites: Any Discovery Workshop. Those with some sheet metal and smithing experience will have greater success.
Note: we’ve scheduled an Open Forge to follow this workshop for those intrepid smiths who want to keep working. Not yet a member? You can sign up here and have access to Open Forge sessions.
This workshop runs from 9:00am – 5:00pm with an hour meal break.
November 25, 2023
Blown Glass Ornaments
Prerequisite: None. This is an introductory workshop Date: November 25, 2023 Time: 1 PM - 4 PM Location: Adam's ForgeIn this workshop, Adam’s Forge is pleased to partner with Glass Artist Cathi Milligan. For over 30 years, she has mastered techniques such as torch working, kiln forming, mosaic, enameling and glass blowing. Cathi is also the publisher of LA Art News, a Northeast Los Angeles based online publication devoted to promoting art and culture in all of Los Angeles. She also teaches glass and jewelry classes at Pacific Art Glass, The Los Angeles Makery, and has taught at Otis College of Art and Design.
This is your gateway to glass blowing. Fondly referred to as remedial glass blowing, it’s the easiest way to experience it. We make 5 ornaments from pre-made capsules, which we add color to before they’re heated up with a torch and blown. Good times for all. This class runs about three hours, and everything is provided for you.
Please note: All workshops are released for member-only early registration for one week before they're available for general registration. If you're unable to add this to your cart, you can wait for general release or join our membership program at any time!
Adam’s Forge is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.