What to expect

A mounted hook (antigravity device) is the first project.

*Students must demonstrate excellent listening, attention, and fine motor skills before working with hot metal. Folks under age 13 will start off working with cold metal (see "Cold Metal and Clay for Children 12 and under"). 
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**Not all students will complete the project in one class session. Students may purchase additional class sessions as needed.
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Where we are located

• 26 West All Saints Street, Frederick, MD 21701
• We are set back from the street in a parking lot
• Park parallel to the purple steps for class (all of the other spaces in the parking lot are rented to other people)
• Please note that our hours are by appointment only 

What to bring & wear

• Natural fiber clothes (100% cotton, wool, linen, silk) that can get dirty.  
• Closed-toe shoes, preferably leather boots or canvas shoes that can get dirty
• Safety glasses If you wear glasses, consider picking up some safety glasses that are designed to go over your glasses.  These are generally pretty inexpensive and will last a long time. Safety glasses are required in the shop.
• Earplugs  Please protect your hearing; long exposure loud noises can cause hearing loss.  
• Water  Blacksmithing is tough work, please bring plenty of water. We have tap water at the shop. 
• Snack Blacksmithing can be dangerous work if you're out of calories.  There is a bodega ("Toniq") within walking distance if you need to take a break and grab something while at the studio. 
• Face masks are optional at this time. Our instructors are fully vaccinated and boosted. If you need further accomodations, please let us know; we are interested in doing all we can to support you. ​​

Typical class plan

• Introduction to the shop, safety rules, discussing goals, adjusting tools
• Demonstration of technique in clay and steel
• Work on project (which may include further demonstrations) 
• Breaks may be taken as needed
• Class runs about 2.5 hours (maybe a bit more or less)
• Not all students will complete a project in one session. Additional sessions may be purchased as necessary, OR the student may finish their project independently.

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Frequently asked questions

• Do I need to bring my own tools? No. We'll provide you with all the tools necessary. But if you have a favorite tool, please feel free to bring it. 
• I have a child who is interested in learning blacksmithing. Can you teach them? Yes, provided that a parent or guardian accompanies them in the class at all times.  Depending on the child's age, abilities, and dexterity, we may start them off in clay, or in a metal that can be worked cold (copper or aluminum), and progress to working with hot metal as appropriate.  Because fatigue is a major risk factor for injury, if the child seems to be getting tired, we will stop forging. (See "Cold Metal and Clay for Children 12 and Under")
• I have never worked with hot metal before.  Can you teach me? Absolutely. 
• I am differently-abled.  Can you teach me?  Absolutely. Let's talk about what accommodations you may need before the class starts.  We are relieved to (FINALLY) have a more accessible back entrance!  The concrete floors are neither level, nor a uniform color, which may be difficult for folks with mobility or vision challenges. Blacksmithing can be strenuous, and there are risks involved. It may not be appropriate for everyone, but we will do our best to get you hammering! Please email info@mscaitlinsschool.com to get the conversation started.
• Do you do commissions? VERY rarely. Teaching takes up a lot of my time and creative energy. But I'm happy to teach YOU how to make what you want!