A Few Action Shots...

All photos were taken by my instructor, Rusty Laidlaw, of White Rose Forge and Foundry.  Find him on Facebook here!

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.