2011 has been good to me, I feel revitalised. I've been catching up on time mis-spent and searching out new ways of making stuff. I'd always been attracted to the elemental nature of blacksmithing; iron, fire and muscle. But how to begin? Well as it turned out, I work with the partner of Rebecca Clarke who is both a Blacksmith in her own right and the daughter of renowned metalworker Terrence Clark. Even better than that their forge is right on the path of my lunchtime run, about 10 mins form the office.
Bex is an excellent tutor and a pleasure to be with. She took me from complete novice to making items I'm genuinely proud of in a matter of hours. Call her, commission her, you won't regret it!!
She started off by teaching me to make tongs, a basic tool of the trade and then some 8cm nails which I need for another project of mine.
I had a thoroughly rewarding time doing this. It's probably the most engrossing thing I've done in a long, long time and something I intend to pick up again when time permits. Perhaps even build a forge.
I had a thoroughly rewarding time doing this. It's probably the most engrossing thing I've done in a long, long time and something I intend to pick up again when time permits. Perhaps even build a forge.
