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Learn the basics of blacksmithing from Hal, as well as how to use a portable propane gas forge. You’ll learn the use of the hammer, anvil, and vise as you practice drawing, tapering, and twisting. You’ll make decorative and useful hooks and leaves.
Class size 6
Level Beginner and above
Student Supply List Wear cotton or non-acrylic outerwear and leather full-coverage shoes. Long hair should be tied back.
This workshop requires a Woodlanders Day Fee. Learn more here.
After retirement as an architect, Hal Aavang was looking for a way to combine a practical skill with his lifelong love of working with metal, and to also use this skill as an art form. He found the blacksmithing program at Shake Rag Alley, and started with a basic blacksmithing class taught by Bob Tuftee using the traditional coal forge. In order to continue blacksmithing at home, the propane gas forge provided a clean and readily available forging heat for his projects. A MIG welder and oxy-acetylene torch added additional support for his home blacksmithing shop where he works on many pieces such as traditional hooks, fire pokers, flowers, custom live art tables, other art projects, and an expanding list of future works. Hal is a member of the Upper Midwest Blacksmith Association. He keeps, sells, donates to charitable causes, and displays his work, and accepts commissions.
Workshops
Add the $115 Woodlanders Day Fee for Friday (or $60 Half-Day Fee) to your cart, then select as many Friday workshops as you wish, ensuring that your choices don’t overlap times. Materials fees listed at the end of each workshop description will be added to the shopping cart as you make your selections.
Day fees include: your choice of workshops, lunch, snacks, beverages, and evening activities. Thursday and Sunday registrants are welcome to attend evening events on Friday or Saturday.
Half-day fees include: your choice of morning/afternoon workshops, am/pm snacks, and beverages. Does NOT include lunch, which can be purchased separately.
Friday, July 14, Workshop Schedule:
7:30-8:30 Registration check-in | Art Cafe
8:30-11:30 B01 Forging Hooks & Leaves: Hal Aavang
8:30-11:30 B02 Leaf Stamp & Stitch Pillow Cover: Evy Thuli
8:30-11:30 B03 Broken Pieces Mosaic Tile: Cindy Fleming
8:30-11:30 B04 Personalized Walking Stick: John and Marcia Whitt
8:30-10:30 B05 Create a Comforting Doodlebird: Ann Ristow
11:30-1:00 Lunch on the Green
1:00-5:00 B06 Forge a Calla Lily: Hal Aavang
1:00-4:00 B07 Nature’s Garlands: Evy Thuli
1:00-4:00 B08 Nature Imprints in Clay: Diana & Claire Johnston
1:00-4:00 B09 Rustic Wood Hooks: David Eagan
1:00-4:00 B10 Willow Garden Trellis: Jim Arendt
1:00-5:00 B11 Spirit of the Garden Twig Sculpture: Scott Kingery
5:00-6:30 Picnic on the Green
630-8:00 Friday Evening Fun Event
18 Shake Rag St.
Mineral Point, WI 53565
(608) 987-3292
