Blacksmithing Lesson!

Sunday was nothing short of amazing!  I started off the morning with a lesson from a local blacksmith!  I've been waiting for an opportunity like this for ages.

Hubby found the ad for the lessons on Craigslist weeks ago, but I hesitated, too nervous to reply.  Afterwards, it felt like I missed a chance and I regretted not getting in touch with the guy.  Luckily, the ad came up again and this time I didn't hesitate!  I had my first lesson, and I'm smitten with the craft!

Hubby drove me out to Mission and lingered a long while before he took off.  My instructor Rusty, a long-time blacksmith, had me dive right in and soon I was hammering a taper on a long rob, rounding it, and eventually formed it into a hook!  We chatted the whole time and I tried to listen the best I could and get as much out of my time with him as possible.  He was so nice and patient, it really made it so much more relaxing being there.

I told Rusty how I planned to give the hook as a present for my dad since it was his birthday.  At the end of the lesson, he gave me the hook he made so I would still have one.  Super nice guy.

The only downside is my arm started to get really tired of the constant hammering.  Felt like a fool at the end because I could barely lift a 3 pound hammer.  Driving home with Earl, my arm was shaking something awful.  Earl laughed at me.  Meanie.

I can't go on enough about how great it was.  To learn a craft, even at its most basic, and to walk away with something useful that you made yourself gives you such a strong feeling of accomplishment.

Oh man... best 90 minutes of my day.  I would say week, but I getting to see my nieces and nephew, and my dad and brother's birthday make this week pretty sweet.

My hook in front.

My lovely hook.

I couldn't be happier if I tried.