Classes | Iron Mike's

Blacksmithing Classes

Learn the blacksmith’s trade like our grandads did and upgrade your skills in badassery. Use fire, anvil, and hammer to shape metal and create a one-of-a-kind, functional work of art that'll stick around for generations to come. You’ll become a blacksmith’s apprentice for the day, with one-on-one and semi-private classes for kids and adults. Larger group classes are held at Littleton Studio School and AVA Gallery.

Browse through the gallery below for project ideas and information, or bring your own bold idea to the table, and Iron Mike will teach you how to make it. Experience the heat and hammer under skilled and patient guidance.

Project Ideas

Branding Irons

Brand your steak or make your mark on wood and leather. Custom branding irons can be made in any shape and size. Just bring your logo!

Cuff Bracelets

Adorn your wrist with hand forged metal, instantly upgrade your look to rock-star status.

Copper, steel, and sterling silver are easily shaped and twisted. The variety of colors and patterns will show off your new blacksmithing skills.

Hooks

Take a blacksmithing class focused on crafting hooks! Discover the artistry and foundational skills of blacksmithing as you learn to taper, flatten, twist, bend, and square metal. Under expert guidance, you'll create your own functional and aesthetically pleasing hooks, gaining a solid understanding of the techniques that form the backbone of this ancient craft.

Tomahawks

If you are in to axe throwing, chopping wood, or decorating your home like a boss, you might consider making your own tomahawk.

It's almost all forging in this class - lots of metal to move, flatten, and taper. After it's on the handle, leather or p-cord can really dress it up!

Kids Classes

Kids (age 5 and up) can forge too! With shorter attention spans, shorter duration projects are recommended at first such as a horseshoe picture frame with custom initials stamped in the metal, a copper cuff bracelet, or fire poker.

Classes for kids focus on learning personal safety, planning, creativity, focus, tradition, and a sense of accomplishment. A parent or guardian must always be present. Kid’s classes are a great opportunity to share an experience together and create a gift or personal treasure that will last generations.

Forged Copper

Discover the captivating world of forged copper jewelry and learn the skills and secrets behind transforming this versatile metal into wearable art. Practice the essential techniques of tapering, texturing, twisting, hammering, and shaping, to unlock the inherent beauty and versatility of copper. You will also learn the finishing touches that enhance the natural warmth and allure of copper jewelry.

At the end of the day, you'll leave with several handcrafted copper jewelry pieces that celebrate the inherent elegance and radiant warmth of this remarkable metal.

Golden Mean Calipers

The Golden Ratio is a math concept used in art and architecture for thousands of years. It’s found everywhere in nature – from seashells and flowers to butterflies and human bodies.

These Golden Ratio calipers follow the same proportions as they open and close to give sculptors, designers, farriers, painters, and potters an easy way to use this ratio with precision and grace.

Students can choose between simple and fancy caliper designs in copper and steel and will make a least one, maybe a whole set!

Bottle Openers

Pop your top like a pro. This project is great for beginners and establishes your high-ranking awesomeness amongst your friends.

First time blacksmiths enjoy this top-rated class because of the variety of techniques: bends, twists, fullers, and scrolls

Kids Classes

Kids (age 5 and up) can forge too! With shorter attention spans, shorter duration projects are recommended at first such as a horseshoe picture frame with custom initials stamped in the metal, a copper cuff bracelet, or fire poker.

Classes for kids focus on learning personal safety, planning, creativity, focus, tradition, and a sense of accomplishment. A parent or guardian must always be present. Kid’s classes are a great opportunity to share an experience together and create a gift or personal treasure that will last generations.

Outdoor Cooking

Decorative Twisted Handles

Forged Viking Jewelry

FAQs

What should I make?
Check out the gallery for project inspiration or get creative and tell Mike what you want to make. If it can be made with metal, Mike can help you make it. If you have a project idea that’s not listed, get in touch to discuss and see if it’s a good fit for your skill level and time schedule.

What if I've never tried blacksmithing before?
Beginners are welcome! Mike offers patient and skilled guidance, and you’ll be amazed at the things you can learn to do in just a couple of hours.

How big are the classes?
Just one or two students at a time, please. Individual instruction gives you the full benefit of 40 years’ experience. But choose your blacksmithing partner wisely. Roommates and family know how to navigate one another in the kitchen, which will come in handy around the forge. But it’s not a great plan for a first date unless you aren’t looking for a second.

Is there a minimum age?
Kids, age 5 years and up, are welcome to work on age-appropriate projects. A parent or legal guardian must be present at all times.

How do I book a class?
Get in touch using the form below and we’ll discuss your project and book you a time. Day, evening, and weekend classes are available.

How much does it cost?
Classes are $65 per hour per student, which includes the cost of materials. Some projects can be completed in an hour and others may take 2-4 hours. The gallery has more detail on each project, but if you have a special project in mind, just get in touch.

Preparing for Class

What to wear:

Dress like a woodchuck and expect to get dirty. Wear long jeans, leather boots, and a cotton work shirt. Sparks that bounce right off Carhartts will melt holes clear through those slick North Face synthetics. Do not show up wearing shorts or sandals.

What to bring:

· Water and snacks, as needed

· Safety glasses, if you have them. Otherwise they can be provided.

· Leather gloves, if you have them. Otherwise they can be provided.

Where to go:

Iron Mike’s Forge is located at 69 Cooley Hill Rd. Easton, NH. Find it on the map here.

Blacksmithing Classes

Project Ideas

Contact Mike