Forge Basics: Creating Hooks for Your Mantle

Instructor: Elizabeth Belz

Saturday, December 9

10:00 a.m.  –  5:00 p.m.

This workshop takes place on the John C. Campbell Folk School Campus in the Clay Spencer Blacksmith Shop.  Campus Map 

Ages: Intergenerational (16 and up)

All levels are welcome. No experience required.

Student Supplies:

• All cotton clothing.
• Closed-toed shoes.
• Eye protection and hearing protection (we have some shared ones in the shop for use).
• Long hair must be tied back.
• Lunch

Spend a day in the Folk School forge with local instructor Elizabeth Belz. In this day-long workshop students will learn the basics of forging, including blacksmithing safety, general fire maintenance, and hand tool skills. Students will make a set of Christmas stocking hooks perfect for any shelf or mantel!

There will be a 1-hour lunch break. Bring a lunch or explore local dining options.   

All materials are included with a $25 PAYABLE TO THE INSTRUCTOR at the time of the workshop. 

*Payment by cash or check is required for materials fees. 

About Instructor:

Elizabeth is a blacksmith, educator, and the owner of Black Widow Forge. She was the blacksmithing apprentice at the Metal Museum in Memphis, TN for two years where she trained under master smith Jim Masterson. She was a craft education intern at North House Folk School, a resident artist with the Science Museum of MN, and has spent time at craft and folk schools across the country. Elizabeth has shown her work, competed, and taught blacksmithing throughout the United States and internationally, and has most recently finished up an artist residency at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Elizabeth sits on the board of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths which is an international nonprofit committed to building equity and diversity in the field of blacksmithing.