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. And you’ll make decorative and useful hooks and leaves.
Class size 6
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, 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, displays his work, and accepts commissions.
Workshops
Explore Gas Forge Blacksmithing – June
Add the $115 Woodlanders Day Fee for Friday 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.
Friday, July 9, Workshop Schedule:
7:30-8:30 Registration check-in
8:30-11:30 B01 Found Object Sculpture: Donovan
8:30-11:30 B02 Leaf Stamp and Stitch Table Runner: Thuli
8:30-11:30 B03 Forging Leaf Hooks: Aavang
8:30-11:30 B04 Crackle Finished Gourd Bowl: Ready
8:30-4:00 B05 Bottle Cap Fish Sculpture: Wollangk & Wollangk
11:30-1:00 Lunch on the Green
1:00-4:00 B06 Nature Imprints in Clay: Johnston
1:00-5:00 B07 Todd’s Xmas: Kingery
1:00-5:00 B08 Forging a Calla Lilly and a Hook: Aavang
1:00-5:00 B09 Rustic Bathroom Ensemble: Arendt
5:00-6:30 B10 Picnic on the Green
630-8:00 B11 Rustic Twig War
18 Shake Rag St.
Mineral Point, WI 53565
(608) 987-3292
