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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

  • Blacksmithing Basics 2

    • Sun, January 05, 2025
    • Sun, February 23, 2025
    • 8 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 3
    Register

    For blacksmiths with experience, this class is aimed at continuing to develop your knowledge and skills. The approach will be less structured than Blacksmithing Basics 1 and more focused on your individual projects and exploration. You'll be able to take on new forging challenges including slitting, punching, and drifting as a lead in to forged joinery, along with variations on twists that require slitting and multiple passes. You'll practice drawing and tapering multiple splits in wider bar by making leaves. You'll leave this class able to design projects that combine multiple elements either in a single piece or multiple parts. Coming with a few design ideas will help you focus on skill development.

    Prerequisite: Blacksmithing Basics 1 (with gas forge) or equivalent experience/permission from instructor. 

    $365 ($310 tuition + $55 materials)  |  8 weeks

    Open to ages 16 and up. 

    Instructor: Brad Buxton


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  • Blacksmithing Basics 1 (TUE AFTN)

    • Tue, January 07, 2025
    • Tue, February 25, 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 18 and up, or 17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Becca Cerra

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  • Blacksmithing Basics 1 (TUE EVE)

    • Tue, January 07, 2025
    • Tue, February 25, 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 18 and up, or 17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Becca Cerra

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  • Build Your Own Forge

    • Tue, January 07, 2025
    • Tue, February 25, 2025
    • 8 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    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.

    Fee: $640 ($310 tuition + $330 materials)  |  8 weeks
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Jim Ricci

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  • Forged Wearables: Jewelry-Scale Blacksmithing

    • Sun, January 12, 2025
    • Sun, February 09, 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Blacksmithing is not all swords and armor! It can also include making small forged objects that you can wear. In this class, we'll explore designing unique jewelry pieces, including pendants and earrings. You can expect to create at least of three steel or copper jewelry projects. These projects will vary in size (from small to extremely small), allowing you to practice and gain skills in forging fine and detailed objects with a hammer and anvil. We'll practice delicate tapering, twisting, punching holes, chisel work, and finishes. *Some* blacksmithing experience is recommended, but we can accommodate beginners.

    $230 ($195 tuition + $35 materials)  |  5 sessions
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Pete Gierzynski 


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  • Creating Curves with Oxy-Acetylene and Blacksmithing Techniques

    • Wed, January 15, 2025
    • Wed, February 12, 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 5
    Register

    In this intro to bending workshop, you'll learn how to harness the heat of the flame to create intricate and complex bends and shapes. You'll learn and practice techniques using an oxy-acetylene torch and blacksmithing forge. By pairing these two tools, you'll create a tabletop sculpture that bends and wraps around itself and stands on its own without any welding necessary.  Leave this class a master at making squiggles! Materials for practice are provided and you are welcome to create your personal project using our scrap or you can purchase your own metal stock.

    No prior experience is necessary though some blacksmithing and/or oxy-acetylene knowledge is a plus.

    $215 ($195 tuition + $20 materials)  |  5 weeks
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Becca Cerra

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  • Blacksmithing Basics 1 (WED EVE)

    • Wed, January 22, 2025
    • Wed, March 12, 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: Dan Osadchuk

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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Forged Flowers & Leaves

    • Fri, January 24, 2025
    • Fri, February 07, 2025
    • 3 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    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.


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

    Instructor: Sergey Vaynshenk


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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Bottle Openers for Beginners

    • Fri, February 14, 2025
    • 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Valentine's Day edition! Call it date night.. or not. 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: Charcuterie Set

    • Sun, February 16, 2025
    • Sun, March 02, 2025
    • 3 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Combine your love of food and craft! Dive into the world of blacksmithing with our hands-on workshop in which you’ll create a stunning hand-forged cheese knife and fork set. This class is designed for enthusiasts of beginner to intermediate skill levels who are eager to learn the traditional techniques of metalworking and craft their own eating tools.

    In this class you will gain a solid understanding of blacksmithing basics by learning key forging techniques such as drawing out, tapering, twisting, and scrolling. You will start by forging a handle and blade to shape. Then, you will move on to making a unique twisted fork to complete your bespoke charcuterie set. On the last day of class, students are invited to bring their favorite meats and cheeses to share in a charcuterie potluck meal.

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

    Instructor: Sergey Vaynshenk


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  • Open Forge Time

    • Sat, February 22, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 4
    Register

    Open Forge Time is available to people who have taken (or are currently taking) a blacksmithing class at CAFAC.

    Let's fire up the forges and 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 class at CAFAC.

    $45 ($40 tuition + $5 materials)

    Instructor: Sergey Vaynshenk


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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Penannular Brooch

    • Sun, March 02, 2025
    • 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Want to pin your kilt or cloak, or add a clever brooch to your scarf? Have an appreciation for Celtic fashion? In this introductory blacksmithing workshop, you'll make make a penannular brooch of your very own! Penannular refers to an incomplete ring, which when combined with a pin serves as a clothing fastener. You'll be introduced to and practice basics blacksmithing techniques while you twist and taper your penannular and sharpen its accompanying pin. No experience necessary. 

    $85 ($70 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Gaea Dill-D'Ascoli



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  • Yakutian Knife Workshop

    • Fri, March 07, 2025
    • Sun, March 09, 2025
    • 3 sessions
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Almost since the beginning of humankind the knife has been one of the most widely used tools. First versions were fashioned from stone, until humans discovered how to smelt ore and forge the resulting metal into workable billets. These billets were shaped with fire and force into the first knives and from there, multiple purposes developed. It continues to be used to cut, chop, dig, slice, carve, hunt, fish, and more. Over time, tribal cultures across the world adapted the knife into styles that reflected their traditions and that met their specific needs. Knife styles were also informed by the raw materials most abundant and easily obtained in their environment.

    This weekend workshop focuses on the Yakutian Knife from the Sakha Republic (or Yakutia) region of Siberia. You'll forge a minimum of three blades of various lengths, then heat treat and sharpen them. We'll also install handles so that you'll leave with a complete set of knives. You may find these smaller, handy knives become your “go to” for a variety of tasks.

    Prerequisite: Forging experience is required for this class. We recommend that you've completed at least Blacksmithing Basics 1, or have similar experience in the smithy.

    $410 ($380 tuition + $30 materials)  
    Open to ages 18 and up, or 17 with a parent/guardian in attendance.

    Instructor: Dan Osadchuk & Jim Ricci

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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Soup Spoons

    • Fri, March 14, 2025
    • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    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 one day workshop, we'll learn basic blacksmithing techniques and have fun designing and creating a unique and functional piece. At the end of class, you'll get to try out your spoon on some ice cream! No experience necessary. 

    $80 ($65 tuition + $15 materials)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Gaea Dill-D'Ascoli



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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Bottle Openers for Beginners

    • Fri, March 21, 2025
    • 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 1
    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: Helene Carlson-Dakes



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  • Blacksmithing Project Shop: Pizza Rocker

    • Sun, March 30, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • 3749 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Combine your love of food with forging in this introductory blacksmithing workshop! You'll learn and practice basic blacksmithing processes while making a pizzeria-style curved pizza rocker with two handles, ideal for your pizza slicing needs. We'll start by covering safety in the smithy and then move on to manipulating metal with heat and hammer. Your pizza rocker will include twists, bends, and an edge bevel.

    Open to beginners, but this is a project that requires a significant amount of heavy hammering, so you'll be more successful if you have some blacksmithing experience.

    At the end of class, we'll order a couple pizzas from Jakeeno's and you can try out your new rocker! (Note: pizza time is after class time, so plan on staying beyond 4 p.m.)

    $115 ($85 tuition + $35 materials & pizza!)
    Open to ages 16 and up.

    Instructor: Sergey Vaynshenk



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

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