BL_S01: Blacksmithing Safety Sign-off: Forging a Decorative Leaf

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can inspire a Zen-like appreciation for nature and bring you closer to the natural world. But it also involves dirt, bugs, and doesn’t mesh well with super-high temperatures.

Nova Labs blacksmiths have our own version of gardening, in which we hammer glowing-hot metal into naturalistic floral shapes made of sturdy STEEL – proof from predations by caterpillars, deer or other herbivorous threats.

In this class we will teach you the basics of forging a decorative leaf.  Over the course of the afternoon you will learn to use Nova Lab’s blacksmithing equipment (forges, anvils, hammers, & tongs) to create a steel leaf and stem suitable for any number of displays or a keychain.
There are no pre-requisites for this class (other than age)!  Completing this class will also count as the safety sign-off for Nova Lab’s blacksmithing equipment and will allow you to attend blacksmithing Open Office Hours.

INSTRUCTOR:  Robert M.

Instructor Bio: Robert has been a Nova Labs member since 2021 and a blacksmith since 2022. He is a mentor for Nova Labs' high school robotics team, Newton Squared, and is active in all the loud and/or smelly shops. In the forge, his main interest is small-scale artistic blacksmithing - hooks, keychains, and jewelry.

PREREQUISITES: None

AGE: 16 and over. Any person aged 16 or 17 must have a parent remain on the premises in case of emergency.