Discover traditional blacksmithing in this hands‑on weekday class and forge a functional letter opener you can take home. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll work at the forge and anvil with basic hand tools to learn core techniques; heating and hammer control, tapering for clean profiles, spreading for shape, decorative scrolling, controlled bending, and secure riveting. The session balances safety, demonstration, and supervised practice so beginners gain confidence with hot‑work fundamentals and leave with both a finished piece and practical skills to pursue more advanced metalwork.
What you’ll learn
• Forging basics: safely heating, controlling the hammer, and shaping hot steel on the anvil.
• Forming techniques: precise tapering and spreading to create clean, balanced profiles.
• Decorative work: scrolling and controlled bending to add intentional form and visual interest.
• Assembly skills: punching and riveting to join components for a sturdy, usable finish.
By day’s end you’ll leave with a finished letter opener and a solid foundation in blacksmithing fundamentals you can build on for future projects.
Instructor
Al Stephens brings more than three decades of professional blacksmithing experience to the workshop. A practicing smith since 1992 and an active member of the Alabama Forge Council’s Athens Forge chapter, Al combines deep technical skill with patient teaching. He has taught hands‑on classes at Burritt on the Mountain and Athens State University and frequently demonstrates at regional blacksmithing gatherings. Al’s clear demonstrations, emphasis on safety, and years of studio practice make him an ideal instructor for beginners who want practical, confidence‑building instruction and real-world tips for continuing their metalwork.
Costs, level, and supplies
• Tuition: $110.00
• Supply fee: $25.00; covers metal, consumables, and shared workshop supplies
• Level: Beginner / Novice
• Bring: safety glasses if you own them
• Provided: all tools, forge time, anvil access, and workshop materials beyond personal safety glasses
• Attire: durable, non-synthetic “work” clothes; jeans and cotton shirts recommended; closed‑toe shoes with socks are required (no sandals or Crocs)
• Optional: leather work gloves for added hand protection
• Physical note: the class requires standing and active participation throughout the day; plan accordingly and bring a water bottle and any personal comfort items you may need.
Registration, policies, and contact
• Register by: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM; registrations close promptly at that time.
• Workshop date & time: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
• Location: Burritt on the Mountain, 3101 Burritt Drive SE, Huntsville.
• Eligibility & consent: By registering you confirm you are 19 years or older, consent to photographs/video that may be used for Burritt promotional materials, and accept the workshop liability release for Burritt on the Mountain and the City of Huntsville.
• Cancellation policy (strict): 25% of all ticket purchases is a non‑refundable deposit. Cancellations made 30+ days before the class are refundable minus the deposit. Cancellations 14–29 days before the class are eligible for a 50% refund of the total price. No refunds will be issued within 14 days of the workshop. There are no exceptions to this policy.
This beginner‑level forging workshop fills fast; register by November 4 at 5:00 PM to guarantee your place. Secure your spot early to avoid disappointment and ensure materials are prepared for every student.
For registration, payment, or schedule questions, contact Burritt’s program team or Jana Watson at jana.watson@huntsvilleal.gov. Bring safety glasses if you have them, and come dressed for hands‑on work in jeans and closed‑toe shoes.
Join the Folklife Arts & Crafts series
This Letter Opener workshop is part of Burritt’s Folklife Arts & Crafts Adult Workshops, a rotating lineup of hands‑on traditional craft classes designed for beginners and curious makers. Each session pairs skilled instructors with small‑group instruction, clear demonstrations, and plenty of supervised practice so you can learn new techniques, build confidence, and meet fellow craft enthusiasts in the Rocket City. Reserve your spot by November 4 at 5:00 PM and come prepared to forge a useful, well‑crafted keepsake you’ll be proud to show off.