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In a world full of distractions, it’s the moments we share that stand out. Frederick offers a range of experiences that let you reconnect—with yourself, with your loved ones, and with the joy of creating. These activities are more than just classes—they’re opportunities to bond, grow, and make something memorable, so whether it's a date night, an excursion with friends, or a solo adventure, check out these amazing opportunities in Frederick, MD.
Forge New Memories at Ms Caitlin's School of Blacksmithing 26 West All Saints Street, Frederick, MD Step into the forge and feel the heat—literally and figuratively. At Ms. Caitlin’s School of Blacksmithing, you can learn the basics of forging metal under the guidance of a skilled instructor. Make a hook or a candle-holder! These projects not only teach you foundational techniques but also leave you with a handmade piece to take home. Whether you’re brand new to the craft or looking for a deeper understanding of blacksmithing, there’s something for everyone. Check out upcoming classes and secure your spot today—you won’t regret creating something with your own two hands. Mold Your Creativity at Frederick Clay Studio 119 North East Street, Shab Row, Frederick MD 21701 Located in the heart of Shab Row, Frederick Clay Studio offers a welcoming space for all ages and skill levels to explore the art of pottery. Their diverse classes range from wheel throwing and hand-building to sculpture and glazing techniques. For beginners, the One-Day Pottery Class provides a hands-on experience to create your own piece. Intermediate and advanced students can delve deeper with courses like Intermediate/Advanced Wheel with Cassidy, which focus on refining techniques and personal expression. The studio also offers Open Studio Hours for enrolled students, providing additional time to work on projects in a supportive environment. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby or enhance your pottery skills, Frederick Clay Studio fosters creativity and community in a relaxed setting. Shape Your Vision at Hot Fired Arts 1003-D West 7th St. - Frederick - MD - 21701 Pottery painting, fused glass, and wet clay await you at Hot Fired Arts. This open studio has something for everyone, from drop-in painting sessions to structured classes like Intro to Glass Blowing, and Charcuterie Board Resin Workshop. Seasonal projects, like holiday ornaments or themed painting nights, are always a hit, making this a perfect spot for festive fun or a casual creative outing. Their calendar is packed with opportunities to explore your artistic side, so be sure to book your session in advance. Craft the Written Word at the Frederick Book Arts Center 127 South Carroll St., Frederick, MD 21701 Dive into the world of bookmaking, printing, and storytelling at the Frederick Book Arts Center. This creative hub offers workshops in Cyanotype Printing and Toning, letterpress printing, bookbinding, paper marbling, and more. Beginners can start with foundational classes like Intro to Bookbinding, while advanced creators can refine their skills with specialized courses like Handmade Journals or Custom Type Design. The center’s emphasis on preserving traditional book arts while fostering modern creativity makes it a must-visit for writers, artists, and makers alike. Check out their upcoming workshops and events to start your next creative chapter. Celebrate Local Creativity at Frederick MADE 31 W. Patrick St Frederick, Maryland 21701 If you love supporting local artists, Frederick MADE is a must-visit. In addition to selling beautiful, handcrafted goods, they host workshops like Beginner Crochet with the Yarn Arts, and a painting (they have a great 3-class pass!), and don’t forget to check out their Bead Bar! Classes are designed for all skill levels, making them a great option for everyone from curious crafters to seasoned creators. These workshops often sell out, so don’t wait to grab your tickets. Unleash Your Creativity at The Delaplaine Arts Center 40 S Carroll St • Frederick, MD 21701 A cornerstone of Frederick’s vibrant art community, The Delaplaine Arts Center offers workshops and classes for all skill levels. Current opportunities include Intro to Ceramics, Figure Drawing for Beginners, and even a Family Painting Night, perfect for all ages. Their ever-evolving schedule means there’s always something new to try, and the historic setting adds a touch of charm to your artistic journey. Visit their website to see the full schedule of classes and events—spaces fill quickly! Sharpen Your Culinary Skills at the Frederick YMCA 3481 Campus Dr, Ijamsville, MD 21754 Step into the kitchen and get cooking at the Frederick YMCA! Their cooking classes provide hands-on experiences for all ages and skill levels, focusing on healthy, delicious meals you can recreate at home. Whether you’re interested in learning quick weeknight recipes or exploring global cuisines, the YMCA offers a supportive and fun environment to expand your culinary horizons. With a focus on health and community, these classes are perfect for families, aspiring chefs, or anyone looking to add flavor to their life. Visit their website for the latest class schedule and details. Paint Outside the Lines at Dream FREE Art 1341 Hughes Ford Rd., Suite 111 Frederick, MD 21701 For something completely different, check out Dream FREE Art, where fun and creativity take center stage. Try their popular Splatter Paint Experience, where you can throw, drip, and splatter paint on a canvas in a safe, playful space. Looking for something a little calmer? Join their DIY Craft Sessions or sign up for a Guided Acrylic Painting Class, where you can follow step-by-step instructions to create your masterpiece. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended for larger groups. It’s a great way to get messy, have fun, and leave with a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Collaborate and Create at Art Collective Frederick 141 A N. Market St. Frederick, MD 21701 Art Collective Frederick is more than just a studio—it’s a hub for artistic collaboration and growth. Their current workshops include Mixed Media Journaling, Resin Art Basics, and Intro to Abstract Painting, all taught by local artists who are passionate about sharing their craft. Their warm, welcoming environment makes it easy to feel inspired and supported, whether you’re trying a new medium or expanding your creative repertoire. Spaces are limited, so check their website to reserve your spot today. And a little bit further away, but SO worth checking out: Waterford Craft School Ready to dive into the world of traditional craftsmanship? The Waterford Craft School offers incredible hands-on workshops where you can learn heritage skills like basket weaving, woodworking, spinning, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artisan, their classes provide a unique opportunity to connect with skilled instructors and explore the artistry of handmade crafts. It’s the perfect way to embrace creativity and keep timeless traditions alive! Check out their offerings and start your next project! ---UPDATED for 2024!--- Someone you know has gotten into blacksmithing and you're looking for an appropriate gift! Never fear! I can get you pointed in the right direction. Honestly, I've lost track of how many gift ideas are in this increasingly epic post. There were 60+ ideas here a few years ago. Compiling and updating this list takes a LOT of time and effort, so there are affiliate links that will give the school a tiny kick-back (I think I made $43 last year, this is an act of love, not a get-rich scheme!). Please feel free to comparison shop and leave me feedback if you find a better product or better deal.  Tongs
I don't know of a single blacksmith who would turn down a well-made set of tongs. You could keep a blacksmith happy for years by buying a different size pair of tongs for every major gifting occasion. Marking and Measuring
Joinery
Finishing
Cutting & drilling
 Education Classes I SUPER DUPER recommend getting your blacksmith at least one class a year. Yes, I know that classes can be expensive and can take up precious vacation time. But, it's the fastest way to recharge your blacksmith. They'll come home with new skills, projects, techniques, and ideas. And friends. This list is East-coast-centric, because that's where I've been able to take the most classes. If you run a school that you want included on this list, drop me a line! (In no particular order...)
 The big tools Your blacksmith is just starting to set up their own shop and you want to help them get there. The most important tools for smithing (forge, forge stand, fuel, anvil, anvil stand, post vice, post vice stand, hammer) are actually the most challenging items to list in a gift guide because so much depends on their shop setup and their personal preferences.
 Safety Eyes
Face
Hands/Arms
Workwear
First Aid
Fire safety
Other good stuff A blacksmith shop takes time and energy to maintain. Having good quality tools helps your smith spend time doing what they like best: forging. This part of the list includes the stuff that helps me stay productive in the shop.
Giving back
Maybe your blacksmith has it all! Or, perhaps you're interested in supporting the craft as a whole! You may support these organizations with funding to support daily functions, scholarships, or relief grants:
All of these organizations would be happy to work with you to set up regular donations or planned giving.  Ms Caitlin draws out the stem of a red-hot steel leaf on the horn of the anvil. Someone you know has gotten into blacksmithing and you're looking for an appropriate gift! Never fear! I can get you pointed in the right direction.
I teach blacksmithing full-time at Ms Caitlin's School of Blacksmithing in Frederick, Maryland. People always want to know how they can support someone who is learning blacksmithing. I created this list to make it easy to get a gift that will be appreciated. Over the last TEN years, I've compiled, edited, and updated a truly epic list of gifts for the blacksmith on your gift list. I use these tools and products (or equivalent) in my shop unless noted. The annual updates to this list now take three full days to complete. The great news is that there are gifts that fit any budget that will be a great addition to any blacksmith shop -- large or small! So, without further ado, please check out 60+ Gift Ideas for Blacksmiths!
I would love to have you join me for a class at my school: Ms Caitlin’s School of Blacksmithing. We’re based in Frederick, Maryland, USA. See https://MsCaitlinsSchool.com to schedule a class. Check out https://diyblacksmith.blogspot.com/p/blacksmith-schools.html for a school near you if you live in the United States. My student had just made the transition from hammering with effort to hammering with ease and his face was alight with wonder.
Hammering with ease DOES feel joyful. Most folks come into my shop expecting to hammer with all their strength. And they do a great job showing me how strong they are. But the reality of it is that you don't need to be particularly strong to blacksmith. It can help, certainly, but it's not required. We are conditioned to believe that we must hold the hammer tightly, that we must hit with effort, that we must control the movement tightly. But hammering with tension in our body makes each blow less effective and makes us more prone to injury. Additionally, with tension in our body, we're less able to see the effects of each hammer blow and less able to notice the sensory feedback that helps us to make the next hammer blow better. (Don't even get me started talking about reaction time -- that's a post for another day!) The challenging part is that transitioning to hammering with ease can be challenging for folks who have years of experience: switching technique often means that the hammer control will be a bit funny for a few hours. Many folks find this temporary loss of accuracy frustrating and they may find themselves defaulting to their old method. The good news is that the accuracy comes back pretty quickly and the payoff can be joyful. We are really so so so so very excited to be throwing our doors open September 26 from 6-9PM.
You'll get to see some blacksmithing, get to eat some snacks, and get to meet some cool people! You MIGHT even walk away with some cool stuff! :D There will be opportunities to hear about what we're doing to support diversity in the craft (Ms Caitlin was a founding member of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths, and we're PASSIONATE about teaching blacksmithing in a way that is appropriate for YOU and YOUR individual needs), and ways that YOU can contribute to a scholarship fund to help get folks in the door who have financial barriers. Please note that there will be NO on-site parking available in the parking lot by the school -- this is all reserved for residents -- but there is street parking and parking in the Court Street Garage. Truly, we are SO excited to see you! <3  Martha Bird demonstrates use of a rapping iron on her hand-crafted basket arts. (This story is, uh, FIVE YEARS overdue! I have so many things to share with you, but, uh, things have been very busy!)  The finished "rapping iron".  Kest Schwartzman, of Vagabond Metalworks, sipping tea in their natural environment My studio mate and dear friend, Kest Schwartzman, of Vagabond Metalworks, made a pretty big announcement about buying a permanent location for Vagabond Metalworks in Western Massachusetts. Although nothing has been finalized yet, I am excited for them! (And sad, too. Kest and I have been sharing space since 2015!) Ms Caitlin's School will be staying in the existing space.
If the deal goes through (it looks pretty good--but one never knows), there will be some disruption of class time as we navigate moving Kest's metal shop out--likely in late August or early September. Moving a metal shop is... well, to be honest, it's something I can't even comprehend. There's SO MANY HEAVY TOOLS! And moving out of state DURING a pandemic is just... complicated. And EXPENSIVE. And time-consuming. If you have a little extra to spare to help Vagabond Metalworks transition, I'd appreciate it! What does this mean for Ms Caitlin's School? EXCELLENT QUESTION! In the short term (end of August, early September), there will be some class session cancellations to execute the move. If this impacts you, I will contact you as soon as possible. In the medium short term (mid-Septemberish), classes will resume as normal. After that, well, I'm kicking around a lot of very exciting ideas. But the transaction has not been finalized yet and I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. :) In the meantime, stay tuned, donate to Kest's GoFundMe, and stay cool!
I used to struggle with making leaves. The leaf part would break off long before I finished working on the stem. I thought I was making the stem too thin. Turns out, I had some thin places which I could protect by making MORE of the stem thin.
If that sounds weird and backwards, check out why in this video! |
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