After Hours at the Blacksmith Shop

One evening, after dinner, I went with some of my students to the Blacksmith Studio where we were treated to a demonstration.

Dave ( gray shirt) was the instructor and Steve (blue shirt) was his assistant.

Dave showed us a cross that had been fashioned from a single bar with some strategic cut in it. . .

Dave explained the process in general. . .

And demonstrated making a leaf . . .

 . . .

It was fascinating to see a piece of steel become so malleable

so quickly.

So beautiful.

These guys were so accommodating. 

Next Steve made a cross.

.

Blacksmithing is really popular at J.C. Campbell. I suspect that the classes fill quickly. It's loud, hot, dirty, physical work -- pretty much the complete opposite from writing -- probably why we so enjoyed watching the men at work.

Notice the beam ends carved in anvil shapes.