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Classes  >>  Blacksmithing


The art of blacksmithing has been practiced for thousands of years to manipulate metal into objects from horseshoes to swords to furniture. Blacksmiths heat iron in a forge and use tools such as a hammer and anvil to shape it to a desired form. 


Click on the course name to see all class meeting dates, times, and course fee.

If you're looking for a Reheater option, select the class you'd like to Reheat and choose the appropriate fee when registering.

Please read these FAQs for details about what to bring/wear, refund policy, age requirements and more. We've also compiled a sensory rubric with more information about what to expect in a particular type of class. 

Joining a waitlist? Before you add yourself to a waitlist for a class that's full, it helps us if you're pretty certain you'll be available. If a spot becomes available, you'll be automatically registered and given about 24 hours to confirm your registration by paying. If we have a long list of folks who are no longer interested, it can be time-consuming to fill that spot. Thank you!

Upcoming classes

  • Coal Forge Blacksmithing Basics 1

    • Thu, May 22, 2025
    • Thu, July 17, 2025
    • 8 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6

    Join us for a 8-session dive into the basics of blacksmithing at Dodge Nature Center's new smithy at Shepard Farm! CAFAC is thrilled to announce a new partnership that will extend opportunities to learn blacksmithing in the metro area.



    Register here through Dodge Nature Center. (Please note: classes at Dodge are not eligible for CAFAC scholarship awards.)

    Questions? Get in touch with us at info@cafac.org.

    This course is designed to ignite your passion for blacksmithing and introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of expressing yourself by shaping iron with fire and hammer. You'll gain basic knowledge of iron and its characteristics, an understanding of the dynamics of a coal forge, and the ability to safely shape iron with heat and a hammer.

    By the end of class, you'll have covered the basic forging processes, including drawing and tapering, drifting, punching, twisting, and setting shoulders. You'll develop those skills through projects such as: quick tongs, scribe/center punch, round punch/drift, basic heat treating, hooks, multi hook rack, trivet… and you'll know what a clinker is!

    $400 (includes all materials and supplies)  |  8 sessions 
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Dan Osadchuk

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  • Forged in ASL

    • Sun, June 08, 2025
    • Sun, June 29, 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    This class is for anyone who is interested in forging by hand, while speaking with their hands! In this introductory blacksmithing workshop, we will be forming copper discs into artisanal scoops with forged iron handles. Techniques covered will include dishing, planishing, shouldering, twisting, and riveting. You should have a completed spoon, conditioned in food-grade beeswax, to take home by the end of class.

    As the smithy can be a loud place, visual language can be our superpower! ASL Interpreters will be present to translate the workshop from spoken English to American Sign Language. Signers of all levels welcome!

    $120 ($105 tuition + $15 materials)   
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 16-17 with a parent/guardian present.  

    Instructor: Dani Sanchez
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  • Metal + Glass: Hand-Forged Frame & Stained Glass Window Key Rack

    • Thu, July 10, 2025
    • Tue, August 12, 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 3
    Register

    In this one-of-a-kind, hands-on class that blends the heat of the forge with the beauty of colored glass, you'll create a custom key rack featuring a hand-forged metal frame and a vibrant stained glass insert.

    The course begins with three sessions in the Smithy, where you’ll learn foundational blacksmithing techniques to shape and form a sturdy, decorative frame with integrated hooks. Then, you’ll move to the Glass Salon for three sessions focused on the leaded stained glass process—cutting, fitting, and soldering your own colorful design to complement your forged piece.

    By the end of the course, you'll have a functional and eye-catching wall-mounted rack, suitable for hanging keys or other small items, combining craftsmanship and creativity—perfect for your home or as a unique handmade gift.

    Class meets 3 Thursdays, 7/10 - 7/24, and 3 Tuesdays, 7/29 - 8/12.

    $285 ($235 tuition + $50 materials)
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Sergey Vaynshenk and Evalin Becker


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  • Blacksmithing Basics 1 (SUN MORN)

    • Sun, July 13, 2025
    • Sun, September 07, 2025
    • 8 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    If you had a hammer, would you use it to drive a nail? Or would you rather use it to forge a nail from red hot iron? This course is designed to ignite your passion for blacksmithing and introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of expressing yourself by shaping iron with fire and hammer. You'll gain basic knowledge of iron and its characteristics, an understanding of the dynamics of forging, and the ability to safely shape iron with heat and a hammer.

    By the end of class, you'll have covered the basic forging processes, including drawing and tapering, splitting, cutting, drifting, punching, twisting, upsetting. You'll develop those skills through projects such as: hooks, utensils, bottle openers, trivets, and forging tools.

    $365 ($310 tuition + $55 materials)  |  8 weeks
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Lee Meilleur

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  • Blacksmithing Basics 1 (TUE EVE)

    • Tue, July 15, 2025
    • Tue, September 02, 2025
    • 8 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    If you had a hammer, would you use it to drive a nail? Or would you rather use it to forge a nail from red hot iron? This course is designed to ignite your passion for blacksmithing and introduce you to the seemingly endless ways of expressing yourself by shaping iron with fire and hammer. You'll gain basic knowledge of iron and its characteristics, an understanding of the dynamics of forging, and the ability to safely shape iron with heat and a hammer.

    By the end of class, you'll have covered the basic forging processes, including drawing and tapering, splitting, cutting, drifting, punching, twisting, upsetting. You'll develop those skills through projects such as: hooks, utensils, bottle openers, trivets, and forging tools.

    $365 ($310 tuition + $55 materials)  |  8 weeks
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Becca Cerra

    Show details

  • Open Forge and Weld Shop

    • Sat, July 19, 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 2
    Register

    Open Forge  and Weld Shop is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a blacksmithing and/or welding class at CAFAC.

    Open Shop is your opportunity to practice the skills you've used in class while you work on personal projects. Let's fire up the forges and oxy-acetylene rigs to work on personal projects! This is a great opportunity to make tools or finish something you've been working on, with an instructor on hand to answer questions as needed. You'll provide your own metal and CAFAC will supply the tools, equipment, and shop consumables. 

    Experience is required. Please don't sign up if you haven't taken a blacksmithing and/or welding class at CAFAC.

    $45 ($40 tuition + $5 materials)

    Instructor: Becca Cerra


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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Spoon-Making

    • Sun, July 20, 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 2
    Register

    Dip your fingers into basic blacksmithing and come out with a spoon, suitable for slurping soup (or anything else you'd  eat with a spoon). In this short workshop, you'll learn basic blacksmithing techniques and have fun creating a unique and functional piece. We'll start with pre-cut spoon blanks, then dish the spoon using hammer and swage block, and finish the handle with twists, curves, or other decorative techniques.

    You'll make two spoons - one to keep for yourself, and one for our Bowls & Spoons Harvest Feast happening this fall! No experience necessary. 

    $70 ($55 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Pete Gierzynski



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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Bottle Openers for Beginners

    • Sun, August 03, 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    Register

    Either way you'll build your blacksmith skills with a fun and useful project: making a bottle opener. They’re quick to make and can incorporate all basic blacksmithing processes in one compact project. We'll end class with a celebratory bottle-opening to try out your new tool - that means a beer or soda is included! No experience necessary. 

    $90 ($65 tuition + $25 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Sergey Vaynshenk



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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Forged Flowers & Leaves

    • Wed, August 06, 2025
    • Wed, September 03, 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    Transform inorganic material into organic shapes in this hands-on workshop. You’ll learn how to manipulate metal into delicate, lifelike forms inspired by nature. Discover the intricate balance between strength and finesse as you hammer, bend, and texture steel to mimic the flowing lines of flower petals and leaves. By the end of the session, you’ll not only create a beautiful, hand-forged piece but also gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and precision involved in blacksmithing while practicing essential forging techniques.


    $235 ($195 tuition + $40 materials)
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Sergey Vaynshenk


    Show details

  • Coal Forge Blacksmithing Project Shop: Bottle Openers for Beginners

    • Sat, August 09, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 8

    Join us for a one-day intro to the basics of blacksmithing at Dodge Nature Center's new smithy at Shepard Farm! CAFAC is thrilled to announce a new partnership that will extend opportunities to learn blacksmithing in the metro area.



    Register here through Dodge Nature Center.

    Questions? Get in touch with us at info@cafac.org.

    Build your blacksmith skills with a fun and useful project: making a bottle opener. They’re quick to make and can incorporate all basic blacksmithing processes in one compact project. You'll gain basic knowledge of iron and its characteristics and an understanding of the dynamics of forging using a coal forge. We'll end class with a celebratory bottle-opening to try out your new tool - that means a beer or soda is included! No experience necessary. 

    $95 (includes all supplies and materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Jim Ricci is a jack-of-all-trades with decades of experience in woodworking and construction, who discovered his passion for metalworking right here at CAFAC. Once a student under David Mariette, Jim has been independently metalworking ever since. Some of his work can be seen in the gardens of the Circus Juventas Big Top. Jim attributes his love for craftsmanship in part to his grandfather, whose favorite saying was: “you can learn something new every day of your life.”





    Show details

  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Spoon-Making

    • Sun, August 10, 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    Dip your fingers into basic blacksmithing and come out with a spoon, suitable for slurping soup (or anything else you'd  eat with a spoon). In this short workshop, you'll learn basic blacksmithing techniques and have fun creating a unique and functional piece. We'll start with pre-cut spoon blanks, then dish the spoon using hammer and swage block, and finish the handle with twists, curves, or other decorative techniques.

    You'll make two spoons - one to keep for yourself, and one for our Bowls & Spoons Harvest Feast happening this fall! No experience necessary. 

    $70 ($55 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Pete Gierzynski



    Show details

  • Open Forge and Weld Shop

    • Sat, August 23, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 1
    Register

    Open Forge  and Weld Shop is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a blacksmithing and/or welding class at CAFAC.

    Open Shop is your opportunity to practice the skills you've used in class while you work on personal projects. Let's fire up the forges and oxy-acetylene rigs to work on personal projects! This is a great opportunity to make tools or finish something you've been working on, with an instructor on hand to answer questions as needed. You'll provide your own metal and CAFAC will supply the tools, equipment, and shop consumables. 

    Experience is required. Please don't sign up if you haven't taken a blacksmithing and/or welding class at CAFAC.

    $45 ($40 tuition + $5 materials)

    Instructor: Becca Cerra


    Show details

  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Hori Hori Garden Tool

    • Sun, September 07, 2025
    • Sun, September 14, 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 6
    Register

    Hammer your way to a unique gardening tool to use for many summers to come! In this workshop, you'll make a unique, hand-forged hori hori garden knife.  This traditional Japanese hand tool (meaning dig-dig) can be used for all your digging, planting and weeding needs. You'll gain a solid understanding of blacksmithing basics by learning key forging techniques such as drawing out and tapering as you create the blade of your hori hori. This class is designed for enthusiasts of beginner to intermediate skill levels who are eager to learn the traditional techniques of metalworking.

    $150 ($115 tuition + $35 materials)
    Open to ages 18 and up.

    Instructor: Sergey Vaynshenk


    Show details

  • Build Your Own Forge (TBD)

    • Wed, December 31, 2025
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    This class is generally offered twice per year. Click on 'Join Waitlist' to be notified when we schedule it again. When the class is opened for registration, everyone on the list is notified at the same time.

    Build a propane blacksmithing forge of your own to take home! In this introductory course, we will begin by learning the metal fabrication and welding techniques needed to build your own propane forge. This process will provide you with an intimate understanding of the equipment and how to safely operate and maintain it, inspiring the confidence to use it on your own. All supplies and materials needed to build your own forge are included.

    Please bring or wear the following personal protective equipment to class: safety glasses, head covering, long sleeves and long pants. Loose-fitting welding gloves are optional. Open to ages 18 and up.  |  Fee: $595 ($265 tuition + $330 materials)  |  8 weeks

    Instructor: Jim Ricci is a jack-of-all-trades with decades of experience in woodworking and construction, who discovered his passion for metalworking right here at CAFAC. Once a student under David Mariette, Jim has been independently metalworking ever since. Some of his work can be seen in the gardens of the Circus Juventas Big Top. Jim attributes his love for craftsmanship in part to his grandfather, whose favorite saying was: “you can learn something new every day of your life.”

    Show details

CHICAGO AVENUE FIRE ARTS CENTER   3749 Chicago Avenue  |  Minneapolis, MN 55407  |  612-294-0400  |  info@cafac.org 

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