Decorative housewares
August 14-16, 2026
Instructor: Lashen Orendorff
This class will focus on the fundamental forging techniques of shaping steel by hand at the anvil. Students will develop an understanding of how to swing a hammer safely, and how the material can move, and be shaped with each blow. We will explore different forging techniques through a progression of skill-building exercises. Hooks, leaves and scrolls and some introduction to the use of top tooling, swages and working in teams will be introduced. Students will leave the workshop with hand forged forged S hooks, a decorative wall hook, and a tea light candleholder.
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Personal Protective Equipment
All Students attending workshops are required to have the appropriate PPE while working in the Nearside shop:
Eye Protection Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection either Safety Certified Ear Muffs or Ear Plugs
Closed Toe shoes or preferably CSA Steel Toe Safety Footwear
Gloves - Heavy leather gardening gloves or welding gloves
We strongly encourage:
Wearing clothes you can work in - Cotton or natural fibers - non melting fabric choices
Nothing too loose or with dangling strings that could get in the way, or caught in machinery
Bringing a notebook and a writing utensil, a water bottle, and a good attitude!
Lunch:
Baker street and its amenities as well as local cafes and restaurants are all within walking distance of the shop. You can bring a packed lunch and eat on campus or in the park across the street
If you have any questions, just reach out: info@nearsidearts.org