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BLACKSMITHING

BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

BLACKSMITHING AT MFS

At the Michigan Folk School, we pride ourselves on our ability to help students grow their skills. Our Blacksmithing program is the perfect example of scaffolded learning. Students will get their start in the forge by taking a beginner level class; where they will learn important skills like drawing and bending metal. Then, they have the ability to sign up for a wide variety of intermediate classes that will focus on building from the skills learned in the beginner classes. 

BEGINNER BLACKSMITHING

BLACKSMITHING 101

 In this introductory workshop, students will learn the basic tolls of the smith, how to set up a portable forge using coal or charcoal, and then practice basic blacksmithing skills including drawing and bending metal. Each student will make his or her own classic blacksmith product: a forged s-hook. This is the perfect class for the beginning blacksmith.

Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Sunday, August 2, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Sunday, November 1, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, December 5, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Sunday, December 6, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

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HAND FORGED KNIFE: INTRO TO BLADESMITHING

Saturday, June 27, 2026 and Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, August 22, 2026 and Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, September 26, 2026 and Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, October 3, 2026 and Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, October 24, 2026 and Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, November 21, 2026 and Sunday, November 22, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, December 12, 2026 and Sunday, December 13, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

BLACKSMITH OPEN STUDIO

Develop your personal blacksmithing vision with supervised access to our fully equipped smithy. Studio time gives you the freedom to pursue personal projects, practice techniques from previous classes, or experiment with new ideas—all with the support of experienced instructors.

Bring your own materials and work at your own pace on what excites you most. Whether you’re refining a skill, finishing a piece you’ve already started, or tackling an ambitious new project, this is where your blacksmithing journey becomes uniquely your own. Our instructors provide guidance, coaching, and safety supervision, while leaving the creative direction entirely in your hands.

Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Thursday, November 19, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

INTERMEDIATE BLACKSMITHING

FORGING A DRAGON HEAD HOOK

Students will learn more advanced techniques such as isolating mass, chisel work, team striking, and use of ball fullers to create an amazing hook out of 1/2” steel! These techniques can open the door to an infinite amount of possibilities toward your forged design.

Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 9am - 5pm

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FOLDED RASP TOMAHAWK

Learn to craft and throw a hand-forged tomahawk. With this new class, students will learn more advanced techniques that can open the door to an infinite amount of possibilities toward your forged design. 

Saturday, November 7, 2026 and Sunday, November 8, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

FORGED CANDLE HOLDER

This course connects students to blacksmithing's historical role in creating domestic necessities before the age of electricity. Students will forge a complete candle holder featuring traditional design elements, learning to create stable bases, proper candle wells, and decorative details that enhance both function and beauty. The project emphasizes the engineering principles behind stable, safe lighting fixtures while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of hand-forged work.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

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FORGED BOTTLE OPENER

The bottle opener perfectly demonstrates how traditional blacksmithing skills create solutions for modern needs. This class focuses on precision bending, proper leverage geometry, and creating clean, functional edges that will last a lifetime. Students will master the art of controlled bending and learn to work with tool steel to create a bottle opener that's both beautiful and supremely functional. This project teaches critical thinking about leverage, ergonomics, and durability - skills that transfer to countless other blacksmithing projects.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Wednesday, November 11, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

Wednesday, December 16, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm

TRADITIONAL FIRE POKER

The fire poker represents one of blacksmithing's most iconic products, combining practical function with the opportunity for artistic expression. This full-day project teaches students to work with longer stock while maintaining control and proportion throughout the piece. Students will forge a functional poker complete with traditional hook end and comfortable handle, learning to create the compound curves and tapers that characterize quality fireplace tools. The project emphasizes leverage, proportion, and the subtle details that distinguish handmade tools from manufactured ones. 

Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

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FORGED STEEL FLOWER

The forged flower project teaches advanced forming techniques while connecting students to the long tradition of decorative ironwork. This full-day intensive allows time to develop complex curves, multiple components, and refined finishing techniques. Students will forge realistic petals, stems, and leaves, learning to create organic forms that seem to grow naturally from the steel. The course covers advanced bending techniques, assembly methods, and surface treatments that bring the metal to life. 

Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

FORGED SHOEHORN

The shoehorn exemplifies how good blacksmithing creates tools that improve daily life through thoughtful design and quality construction. This class teaches smooth curve creation, gradual transitions, and the importance of finish work in functional pieces. Students will learn to create flowing curves and achieve the proper flexibility needed for a working shoehorn. The project emphasizes the balance between form and function that defines quality craftsmanship. 

Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

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CUSTOM GARDEN TOOLS

Students will design and forge a set of specialized garden implements tailored for specific tasks, emphasizing function, durability, and ergonomic comfort. Learn essential skills including blade geometry for soil work, handle construction for extended use, and heat treatment for tools that encounter rocks and roots. Each student will receive personalized design guidance to ensure tools match their physical needs and gardening style.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 and Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

COMPLETE GRILL SET

Students will forge a spatula, flipper, fork, and tongs—building a full arsenal for outdoor cooking. The class emphasizes ergonomics, durability, and the superior performance of handmade tools compared with mass-produced alternatives. You’ll learn advanced handle construction, precision joint work for tongs, and the heat treatment required for tools that will withstand heavy use. We’ll also cover design principles unique to cooking implements, including food safety and maintenance, helping you create tools that are both beautiful and practical.

Saturday, August 8, 2026 and Sunday, August 9, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

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FORGED TRIVET

Master advanced decorative ironwork while creating a functional household piece in this two-day intensive. Students will design and forge an intricate trivet, exploring complex pattern development, precision fitting, and aesthetic principles that define high-quality metalwork. Learn advanced bending techniques, precise measurement, and decorative surface treatments as you assemble multiple components into a cohesive design. This project not only builds technical skill but also introduces design thinking applicable to architectural ironwork and sculptural projects.

Saturday, June 13, 2026 and Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, October 10, 2026 and Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

FORGED THROWING KNIVES

Master precision blade work while creating traditional throwing implements that demand perfect balance and geometry. The throwing knife project teaches advanced blade profiling, weight distribution principles, and the exacting standards required for performance blades. This intermediate course combines historical weapon-making knowledge with the precision skills essential for advanced blacksmithing. Students will forge multiple balanced throwing knives, learning to achieve consistent weight, proper center of balance, and the aerodynamic profiles that ensure reliable flight characteristics. The project includes basic throwing instruction and safety protocols, along with historical context about throwing knives in various cultures.

Saturday, June 13, 2026 and Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

Saturday, October 10, 2026 and Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 9am - 4pm

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BLACKSMITHING STAFF

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Atticus Keesling

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Ivan Soucy

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Blake DesRosiers

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Mark Young

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Gus Schissler

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Wade Buck

Sydney K., MI.

"We had an awesome time with Atticus learning to forge. It was a really cool blend of learning a new skill, getting a better understanding of the underlying science and history, and just a fun hang out with interesting people. I highly recommend the Folk School to everyone, and this was another successful class."

Our Mission: The Michigan Folk School is committed to creating a community engaged in authentic, hands-on experiences through the teaching and sharing of traditional folk arts, crafts, music, and skills in an inspiring natural setting and to promote the preservation of forest and farmland.

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Contact Us
Addresses
MFS Campus Address
7734 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105

Business Address
2230 Platt Road
Ann Arbor, Michigan 49104
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The Michigan Folk School
is a proud member of the
Folk Education Association of America
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