Family Programs –

Online class registration is now closed – you may register for available classes onsite at the conference starting at 8am Thursday

NOTE: A $2.00 processing fee is added to each online class registration to cover merchant fees and admin costs. It is included the price listed on the PayPal button.

JEFF MOHR – BROOM MAKING FOR THE BLACKSMITH

Class Description: Students will learn how to hand tie a broomcorn hearth broom.  Students may bring their own forged handle with a finish already on it and a hole drilled in the bottom or a ready to forge handle will be supplied. Students are encouraged to bring a sharp pocket knife or knives will be available to share.  Steps include: preparing the handle, preparing the broomcorn, tying the broom, stitching the broom, and finishing the broom.  A hand out of the steps will be provided. Class & Material fee: $40 per student. This is a 3+/- hour class with two classes offered, one Friday afternoon, one Saturday morning from 8:30am to 11:30am. Class size limited to 15 students.

DINA ESTENSON – BASKET WEAVING

                  Students will learn how to make an egg basket with your choice of fibers and colors. Dina has taught at many blacksmith conferences, along with teaching at 4H Camps to children and adults. She’s been teaching basket making for nearly 25 years. This is a 4 Hour class where you will be able to make a sweet basket to take home and use. Never done basket weaving before? No experience needed. Come and learn something new. Cost for supplies is $20 and the class size is limited to 10 students. Friday, 8:30 AM

DINA ESTENSON – DRIFTWOOD w/ WOVEN FIBERS WALL HANGER

This class is an easy weaving project using driftwood and different types of fibers. Everything is provided to do this project. Dina has been teaching weaving for nearly 25 years at blacksmith conferences and other places around Florida to children and adults. Come make a unique piece for your home or give as a gift. This is a 4 hour class and no experience is necessary. Cost for supplies is $20 and the class size is limited to 10 students. Friday, 1:30 PM

SHILOH THOMAS – RIBBON FLOWERS

Learn to make different types of flowers by folding, twisting, and looping ribbon to form beautiful flowers you can attach to baskets, barrettes, hats, etc. or to form a bouquet for a special occasion. This class uses hand stitching with needle and thread so if you need magnification or have dexterity issues, bring your magnifier and/or brace. Class & Material fee: $20 per student. This is a class with two class slots offered on Friday, 1-5 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Class size limited to 6 students per class.

LISA ANNE CONNER – LOOP IN LOOP JEWELRY

Basic Loop-In-Loop Jewelry Made with Wire and Beads.

In this three hour class session, you will have the opportunity to create earrings, bracelets, and even a necklace, utilizing basic wire loop techniques. I will also show you some techniques for creating Holiday Ornaments and sun-catchers. All tools and supplies will be provided; however, if you have some broken or found jewelry pieces that you might like to incorporate, please bring them!Moderate hand-strength and dexterity are required; good eyesight or personal magnification are suggested.  Please note this will not be “real” gold or silver wire, but mostly copper, and some colored wire will be available.  Beads and charms of plastic, metal, and glass will be available for your use. Materials and class fee is $20. Thursday, 1:30 – 4:30, Friday, 8:30 – 11:30.

Marge Kusczwara  – BASICS OF KUMI HIMO (JAPANESE BRAID)

Learn the basics of Kumi Himo, Japanese braiding. Various colors will be available. Material and class fee is $20. Class will be held Thursday afternoon from 1:30 to 4:30. Max class size 6CLASS IS SOLD OUT

GREEN COAL BLACKSMITH CLASSES

This class is a must for beginning blacksmiths, and no skill is required. The class will be hands on, and students will be one-on-one with an instructor. All students will take home their own “masterpieces”. Expect to leave with printed handouts as well as a better understanding of the techniques of the trade. Sign up for one or more classes and sign up early! 

SAFETY

The minimum age to take a Green Coal class is 12. Youths between the ages of 12 and 16 must be accompanied by an adult for help and supervision. The classes require the use of sharp objects and manual dexterity.The SBA will provide workstations, tools and materials. Bring your own safety glasses if you have them; if not, the SBA will offer some for sale.  If you have a hammer or other tools that you prefer to use, you may bring them.

Be sure to bring eye and ear protection to wear while watching the demonstrations or when in the green coal area. The SBA will have safety glasses for sale if needed. Parents must closely supervise their children at all times. Due to the nature of blacksmithing, all unsupervised children can pose risks – not only to themselves, but to other attendees as well.