Description

Date: July 13, 2024

9 am – 4 pm

Skill Level: Beginner

Ages:  18 and older may participate unaccompanied. Ages 8-17 must be partnered with an also-registered adult (18 or older). Younger than 8 is negotiable, but generally not a good idea for a whole day. It would probably be fine for a child that young to be shadowing a registered adult, but not participating in any meaningful way.

Class Registration Fee:  Early bird – by June 24, 2024: $90.00

After June 24, 2024: $100.00

Learn the basics of blacksmithing, from starting and tending a coal fired forge, to the different techniques and tools of the trade. The class will start with the skills needed to make a simple post hook. In the afternoon, students will learn additional skills while making a heart shaped wall hook. Students can try other things at the end of the day, time and energy permitting.  We will be working in mild steel.

Materials fee: (To be collected directly from students by instructor in class):  $5.00

Trained as a machinist, Greg Winz brings a background in metallurgy to his blacksmithing workshops. Before he became a machinist, he made jewelry, and “if I ever needed a tool, I’d make it.” Greg discovered the joys of the forge at Folklore Village about 15 years ago, and apprenticed himself to smithy Tom Peterson. Greg enjoys sharing his love of the metal arts with aspiring students. He teaches blacksmithing at Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point and at other Folklore Village events, and demonstrates at the Hyde Blacksmith Shop and the Iowa County Antique Power Show. An emeritus research technician at UW Madison, Greg is also greatly appreciated within the Folklore Village community as a patient and genial dance instructor.

Please note:  Greg will also be offering a second Blacksmithing class on September 14, 2024.