Blacksmithing
When it comes to studying the art of blacksmithing , it is difficult to find a better location than Bryn Athyn . In addition to offering a beautiful and well-equipped shop that would
be the envy of any professional smith , we also provide access to an incredible collection of metalwork that challenges the very notion of what blacksmithing is . Working under the direction of professional instructors who are nationally recognized as some of the best in the industry today , you will have the opportunity to experience metalworking in a most exciting and comprehensive way .
Early American Wrought Iron Hardware with Luke DiBerardinis
July 10-14 — $ 675
Learn the fundamentals of blacksmithing and improve your skills through the forging of historic hardware . Students can expect a daily demonstration of colonial hardware forging and will be able to customize their projects based on skill level . Topics and demonstrations will cover strap hinges and all their various finials , rams horn hinges , rat tail hinges , pintles , rivets , and clinch nails . Pull handles , thumb latches and all their parts , and installation procedures of the hardware will also be covered . While forging functional , yet highly decorative pieces of house hardware , students will learn slitting , punching , drifting , upsetting , drawing , bending , forge welding , and fire management techniques .
Luke DiBerardinis is a restoration contractor specializing in reproduction hardware . He was born in an 18th century mill house and forged his first thumb latch in 7th grade metal shop . Blacksmithing has been his passion ever since . He has forged hardware for numerous different architects , contractors , museums , historic sites and private homeowners across the country . Luke has studied with Michael McCarthy and Paul Spaulding from the Cooperstown Farmers Museum and has worked for years under master smith James Kieffer , house hardware specialist .
Volume and Form with Maegan Crowley
July 17-21 — $ 675
This course is designed to stimulate your metal vocabulary . We will be forging structural materials ; learning the tricks of forging pipe , tubing , and channel . Hot and cold sheet forming techniques will also be demonstrated . Pattern making and layout methods will be discussed as we use sheet metal to achieve volume . Students will then have the opportunity to combine techniques to create their own forms . We will also address fabrication methods and metal finishing . There will be an emphasis on individual expression as the instructor works with each student to develop their own representation of form . Bring a sketchbook and an open mind .
Maegan Crowley owns and operates her own shop in Dolores , Colorado where she produces custom metalwork for residential , public and commercial sites . Her work is in private collections and is exhibited nationally . She received a BFA from University of the Arts in metalsmithing and earned her MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art . Maegan has taught blacksmithing at Haystack , Penland , Ox-Bow , Peters Valley School of Craft and the New England School of Metalwork . Her work can be seen in books such as “ From Fire to Form ” and “ 500 Vessels ” and she has demonstrated at numerous regional blacksmithing conferences across the country .
Register at workshopsatbrynathyn . com 5