Cascadia Center For Arts & Crafts

Beginner Blacksmithing with Mark Aspery: Level I (part 1) August 11th & 12th, 2025
2025-08-11 09:00 - 2025-08-12 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | South Summit Blacksmithing Shop, Milepost 54, Mt Hood Highway, Government Camp, OR, 97028, United States
Level I – Basics of Blacksmithing
Start your journey in Blacksmithing with Master Smith Mark Aspery! Learn the basic skills such as drawing a point, making some basic hand tools, and learning the parts of an anvil and what they are used for. You will learn to make punch and chisels forged and heat treated and flux spoon for projects. You will also learn hammer techniques, general safety, and how to use a propane forge.
Tapers, forging your own tools and heat treatment, basic forge welding (flux spoon).
To see the high caliber of Marks work, visit his website
What to wear/safety equipment :
-DRINK WATER THE NIGHT BEFORE AND DURING CLASS,
HYDRATION IS VERY IMPORTANT!
-Cotton pants and long sleeved shirt (synthetics are potentially flammable).
-Leather boots (NO open toed sandals/shoes-tennis shoes are not recommended for safety). Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in.
-Safety glasses, ear plugs, and a dust mask. Long hair must be tied back.
-Leather gloves to protect your hands and a notebook to take notes.
-Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and snacks if you want.
PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE 10 MINUTES BEFORE CLASS IS SCHEDULED SO EVERYONE CAN GET SET UP.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Mark Aspery:
I currently own and operate my own school for blacksmiths in California, USA. My training as a smith began after leaving high-school in the UK, after starting work at a small fabrication & engineering firm that boasted a blacksmith shop. Over the years, I have worked for several smiths, as well as teaching in trade schools.
A certified journeyman smith with the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, and currently an Associate of the company (AWCB); I’m also a certified farrier with the American Farriers Association (AFA). Although I maintain that these qualifications and a Dollar/Pound will only get you a cup of pretty-poor tasting coffee/tea, but that the endeavors were priceless.
Currently, I’m writing a fourth volume in my ‘How to’ blacksmith book series, “The Skills of a Blacksmith”. I’m careful not to call myself a traditional smith, perhaps classical is a more apt phrase. I do not take any regular commission work, just the occasional small job, I am quite out-of-touch with that side of the profession, but I have put of lot of effort into teaching blacksmithing, and that is how I am known in the profession.
I’m as much a student of blacksmithing as the next smith, and always ready to learn more, taking classes where and when I can; with a subject this vast, how can I say anything else.

Beginner Blacksmithing with Mark Aspery: Level I (part 2) August 13th & 14th, 2025
2025-08-11 09:00 - 2025-08-12 15:00
Level II final project – Gate latch
The project consists of the tapered staple, the latch and the keep. Hot forged.
What to wear/safety equipment :
-Cotton pants and long sleeved shirt (synthetics are potentially flammable).
-Leather boots (NO open toed sandals/shoes-tennis shoes are not recommended for safety). Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in.
-Safety glasses, ear plugs, and a dust mask. Long hair must be tied back.
-Leather gloves to protect your hands and a notebook to take notes.
-Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and snacks if you want.
PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE 10 MINUTES BEFORE CLASS IS SCHEDULED SO EVERYONE CAN GET SET UP.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Mark Aspery:
I currently own and operate my own school for blacksmiths in California, USA. My training as a smith began after leaving high-school in the UK, after starting work at a small fabrication & engineering firm that boasted a blacksmith shop. Over the years, I have worked for several smiths, as well as teaching in trade schools.
A certified journeyman smith with the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, and currently an Associate of the company (AWCB); I’m also a certified farrier with the American Farriers Association (AFA). Although I maintain that these qualifications and a Dollar/Pound will only get you a cup of pretty-poor tasting coffee/tea, but that the endeavors were priceless.
Currently, I’m writing a fourth volume in my ‘How to’ blacksmith book series, “The Skills of a Blacksmith”. I’m careful not to call myself a traditional smith, perhaps classical is a more apt phrase. I do not take any regular commission work, just the occasional small job, I am quite out-of-touch with that side of the profession, but I have put of lot of effort into teaching blacksmithing, and that is how I am known in the profession.
I’m as much a student of blacksmithing as the next smith, and always ready to learn more, taking classes where and when I can; with a subject this vast, how can I say anything else.

Blacksmith Week 2025 August 14th - 17th
2025-08-14 08:00 - 2025-08-17 17:00
Please join us for a full week of spectacular live demonstrations, classes and comradery!
Special kick-off live demonstrations at Timberline Lodge, August 10 & 11 by Darryl Nelson & Joe Vachon. Ullman Patio 11am-3pm. Free event!
https://www.timberlinelodge.com/events
CCAC Blacksmith Shop Demonstrators:
Darryl Nelson, Mark Aspery, Hunter Dahlberg, Joe Elliott, Anton Yakushev, & Ben Czyhold.
Mark Aspery will be teaching two classes starting August 11th (separate ticket required for this class, limited to 6 participants)
Level 1 (part 1): Beginning Blacksmithing
Level I (part 2): Making a Gate Latch
Details:
Sunday 8/10 & Monday 8/11 Free demonstrations @ Timberline Lodge with CCAC’s Darryl Nelson & Joe Vachon. Ullman Patio 11am-3pm
Thursday 8/14:
4pm Meet, Greet, Pre-registration & Check-in
6:30pm– Darryl Nelson, “Joggeling for Fun & Profit”

Friday 8/15:
8am registration open
9am-Hunter Dahlberg, “An exploration of joinery in pursuit of a lamp”
1pm-Mark Aspery, National curriculum project.
6:30pm-Joe Elliott, Architectural detail in structural steel.
8pm-Open forge & gas propane campfire

Saturday 8/16:
8am registration open
9am-Hunter Dahlberg, “An exploration of joinery continues”
1pm Mark Aspery, projects from the National curriculum.
7pm-Open forge & gas propane campfire

Sunday 8/17:
9am Anton Yakushev, sculpture
12pm– Break down
Adult, Student & Family tickets on sale now!
IF you would like to DONATE to the CCAC and support further Art Education, please do so at this link.

Intermediate - Creating Metal Art in a Functional form with Anton Yakushev August 23 & 24th
2025-08-23 09:00 - 2025-08-24 15:00
Class description:
Sculptural forms that can be adapted to functional works. Students will be able to focus on traditional and nontraditional methods and techniques of joinery and design. We will practice how ancient forging craft of blacksmithing can make a contemporary modern piece of functional art. This is a 2 day class.
Skills and techniques to be covered/taught:
Hand forging a sculptural piece in the form of an human/fantasy, etc. Tricks of forging about 15 individual pieces, then seeing how they all join together to make a full sculptural piece.

ABOUT the Instructor:
Anton Yakushev, is a sculptor and artist blacksmith who creates one-of-a-kind hand forged in fire sculptures. Every artwork consists of more than 50 details each forged separately and has a special and unique meaning. My artistic device is experiment and improvisation, in fact, I do not use
one-size-fits-all techniques. The key message of his artwork is humanism, love, and compassion for humanity. Anton realized he was destined to turn ideas into metal when at the age of 16 he started working as a blacksmith. Now an award-winning sculptor, his artworks have been exhibited nationally, as well as in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the United States. He is a nationally and internationally distinguished artist, whose works
are in permanent collections all around the world, including National Museums and Parks in the USA. He loves to create independent and isolated worlds for his heroes which are dreams, cloudland cities, and otherworld realities. To see more of his work, go to his website .
What to wear/safety equipment :
-Cotton pants and long sleeved shirt (synthetics are potentially flammable).
-Leather boots (NO open toed sandals/shoes-tennis shoes are not recommended for safety). Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in.
-Safety glasses and ear plugs. Long hair must be tied back.
-Leather gloves to protect your hands and a notebook to take notes.
-Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and snacks if you want.
PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE 30 MINUTES BEFORE CLASS IS SCHEDULED SO EVERYONE CAN GET SET UP.
SELECT NUMBER OF TICKETS NEEDED THEN “GET TICKETS”

Intermediate Blacksmithing with Joe Vachon: Forging a Dragon's Head September 20th, 2025 1-4pm
2025-09-20 13:00 - 16:00
***PLEASE NOTE: This class has been cancelled. Joe will be teaching this again next year, please email us at blacksmithing@cascadiaart.org if you want to be put on the list to be notified when it is scheduled again***
Broaden your blacksmithing skills with Joe Vachon (joetheblacksmith.com), a Self employed blacksmith and bladesmith since 2007 and the Season 6, Episode 27, Forged in Fire Champion, in this 1 day, hands on course.
You will learn to sculpt a dragon’s head on the end of a bar of steel; learn how to pre-form the head by hammer and anvil, chisel out the beard, ears, mouth and teeth; punch the eyes and nostrils; and form additional details that will bring it; and new possibilities in your work, to life.
***It is recommended that you are somewhat proficient with the craft to get the most out of this class. Taking a beginner class prior should adequate.***
What to wear/safety equipment :
-Cotton pants and long sleeved shirt (synthetics are potentially flammable).
-Leather boots (NO open toed sandals/shoes-tennis shoes are not recommended for safety). Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in.
-Safety glasses and ear plugs. Long hair must be tied back.
-Leather gloves to protect your hands and a notebook to take notes.
-Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and snacks if you want.
PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE 30 MINUTES BEFORE CLASS IS SCHEDULED SO EVERYONE CAN GET SET UP.

SELECT NUMBER OF TICKETS NEEDED THEN “GET TICKETS”

Beginner Bladesmithing with Joe Vachon: Forging Knives to Shape-September 21, 2025 9am-1pm
2025-09-21 09:00 - 13:00
***PLEASE NOTE: Ticket sales will close on September 15th. If you miss the deadline, email us at blacksmithing@cascadiaart.org and we will see if we can fit you in***
Forge your own knife with simple tools with Joe Vachon (joetheblacksmith.com), a self-employed blacksmith and bladesmith since 2007, and Season 6, Episode 27, Forged in Fire Champion, in this 1 day, hands-on course.
In this class we will be exploring the rudimentary hammer techniques used, step by step, to forge a knife blade to shape from scrap steels with very little use of a grinder. This class is centered around the clever techniques of ancient smiths melded with the minimal help of modern tools. Research the “Neo-Tribal Bladesmithing” movement and “Tai Goo” for more info on this philosophy and methodology.
You can expect to learn how to forge a point on the end of a bar, flatten your blade to its final thickness with a distal taper, create a counter-bend, forge your bevels, shape an all-steel handle, clean up your work with a file and/or small grinder, heat treat by eye, and sharpen on a stone.
We will start by using mild steel for a practice knife, then move up to high carbon steel to help your progression as a novice smith. We will also inevitably be discussing and demonstrating what goes into proper heat treating and learn about various types of blade geometry and their applications.
What to wear/safety equipment :
-Cotton pants and long sleeved shirt (synthetics are potentially flammable).
-Leather boots (NO open toed sandals/shoes-tennis shoes are not recommended for safety). Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in.
-Safety glasses, ear plugs, and a dust mask. Long hair must be tied back.
-Leather gloves to protect your hands and a notebook to take notes.
-Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and snacks if you want.
PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE 5 MINUTES BEFORE CLASS IS SCHEDULED SO EVERYONE CAN GET SET UP.

SELECT NUMBER OF TICKETS NEEDED THEN “GET TICKETS”

Cascadian Style Coat Rack
2026-05-30 09:00 - 16:00
May 30, 2026, 9 am until done (break from 12 pm to 1 pm)
Instructor: Darryl Nelson
Level: Intermediate
Cost: $275

This one day intermediate level class will explore the northwest’s own Cascadian style created by the architects and designers of Mt. Hood’s Timberline Lodge.
Each participant will forge and assemble a spread eagle wall mounted coat rack. By hammer and hand, forge and sculpt a profile eagle head mounting strap with integrated collar and three various length cross bars containing square corners and upset finials.
Required tools and materials are provided.
Participants need intermediate forging skills,
eye and hearing protection, natural fiber clothing, leather footwear and gloves. Personal hand hammer and other tools appropriate to the project are recommended but not required.

What to wear/safety equipment :
-Cotton pants and long sleeved shirt (synthetics are potentially flammable).
-Leather boots (NO open toed sandals/shoes-tennis shoes are not recommended for safety). Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in.
-Safety glasses, ear plugs, and a dust mask. Long hair must be tied back.
-Leather gloves to protect your hands and a notebook to take notes.
-Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and snacks if you want.
Registration ends one week before the class date. If you would like to sign up for this class after that day please contact us at ccacblacksmith@cascadiaart.org and we will try to accommodate you.

Hand-forged and Fabricated Sculptural Art Composition with Anton & Pavel Yakushev
2026-06-06 09:00 - 2026-06-07 16:00
This is an intermediate class.
Unlock your creativity in this workshop where you’ll learn to design and assemble 2D sculptures with a mix of color, texture, and different metal elements. Discover the secrets of composition, rivet assembly, and artistic accents that bring your work to life. Taught alongside my brother, a renowned street art metal artist from Spain – Pavel Yakushev, this class offers a fresh perspective and an exciting opportunity to step beyond traditional techniques. Perfect for anyone looking to experiment, innovate, and push their artistic boundaries.
What to wear/safety equipment :
-Cotton pants and long sleeved shirt (synthetics are potentially flammable).
-Leather boots (NO open toed sandals/shoes-tennis shoes are not recommended for safety). Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in.
-Safety glasses, ear plugs, and a dust mask. Long hair must be tied back.
-Leather gloves to protect your hands and a notebook to take notes.
-Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and snacks if you want.

Registration ends one week before the class date. If you would like to sign up for this class after that day please contact us at ccacblacksmith@cascadiaart.org and we will try to accommodate you.

Class Cancellation and Registration Policy
If the minimum enrollment of three (3) students is not met at least one (1) week prior to the scheduled class start date, CCAC reserves the right to cancel the class without obligation, upon timely notice to the instructor. Registration closes one (1) week prior to the class start date. If the minimum enrollment has been met, late registration may be permitted with instructor approval. Students seeking to register after the deadline must email CCAC to inquire about availability.

Blacksmithing Fundamentals With Mark Manley Hand-Forged Tongs: The Basics and More
2026-06-13 08:00 - 17:00
Learn one of the most essential skills in blacksmithing – making your own tongs.
In this hands-on class, students will forge a functional pair of blacksmith tongs from start to finish. Tongs are a foundational tool in the shop, and learning how to make them will deepen your understanding of forging techniques, tool design, and efficient workflow at the anvil.
Participants will come away with the skills and knowledge to design and forge tongs that will meet their own specific needs as a blacksmith.

This class will be 8 hours with a mixture of instructional time and forging time from 8 am to 5 pm with a 1 hour lunch break.

Class will focus on core blacksmithing skills including:

Drawing out and tapering
Isolating material
Punching and drifting
Riveting and fitting moving parts
Understanding proportions and jaw geometry

Students will work with mild steel and be guided step-by-step through the process, with plenty of individual instruction. By the end of the class, each participant will leave with a completed pair of tongs and the confidence to make more on their own.
Skill Level
Suitable for smiths with some basic forging skills and knowledge, as well as intermediate smiths looking to strengthen their forging skills.
What’s Included

All materials provided
Use of shop tools and equipment
Finished hand-forged tongs to take home
Handouts with notes and dimensional drawings that you can reference long after the class is over.

What to Bring

Sturdy leather boots
Cotton or wool clothing (no synthetics)
Safety glasses (available if needed)
The forging hammer that you are comfortable using.

Whether you’re new to blacksmithing or looking to sharpen your fundamentals, this class offers a solid, practical foundation that carries over into every aspect of forging.
Mark has been a serious part time blacksmith for over 30 years. He has shared his knowledge of the craft, demonstrating and teaching at Northwest Blacksmith Association conferences and demonstrating at CCAC Blacksmith Week events over the years.
Registration ends one week before the class date. If you would like to sign up for this class after that day please contact us at ccacblacksmith@cascadiaart.org and we will try to accommodate you.

Introduction to Blacksmithing - One-Day Class
2026-06-20 09:00 - 16:00
Instructor: Jon Anderson
Level: Beginner- no prior experience required
Date: June 20
Cost: $275
Have you ever wanted to shape iron to your will? Now’s your chance!
This one-day Introduction to Blacksmithing class is perfect for beginners with little to no experience.
You’ll learn the fundamentals safely, confidently, and hands-on from the start.
Throughout the day, you’ll discover:

Shop safety and forge basics
Hammer control and efficient striking techniques
Fundamental forging skills such as drawing out, tapering, bending and twisting
Proper use of basic blacksmithing tools

This is a fully hands-on class, and each student will complete foundational projects, leaving with their
own forged creations. All materials are included. Just bring sturdy boots, natural fiber clothing, and a
willingness to learn.
Spots are limited to six to keep instruction personal and focused.
Come spend a day at the anvil and discover the art of blacksmithing!
What to wear/safety equipment :
-Cotton pants and long sleeved shirt (synthetics are potentially flammable).
-Leather boots (NO open toed sandals/shoes-tennis shoes are not recommended for safety). Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in.
-Safety glasses, ear plugs, and a dust mask. Long hair must be tied back.
-Leather gloves to protect your hands and a notebook to take notes.
-Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and snacks if you want.
Registration ends one week before the class date. If you would like to sign up for this class after that day please contact us at ccacblacksmith@cascadiaart.org and we will try to accommodate you.

Frog Class with Anton Yakushev
2026-07-11 09:00 - 2026-07-12 16:00
This is an advanced class.
Join us for a sculptural workshop where you’ll create your own frog sculpture! Learn how to calculate the right amount of materials, forge, shape and adjust metal pieces, and use rivets to assemble your work. I’ll guide you step by step through the process, sharing techniques and tips that bring your sculpture to life. Perfect for anyone eager to explore metal sculpting and create something truly unique.
What to wear/safety equipment :
-Cotton pants and long sleeved shirt (synthetics are potentially flammable).
-Leather boots (NO open toed sandals/shoes-tennis shoes are not recommended for safety). Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in.
-Safety glasses, ear plugs, and a dust mask. Long hair must be tied back.
-Leather gloves to protect your hands and a notebook to take notes.
-Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and snacks if you want.

Registration ends one week before the class date. If you would like to sign up for this class after that day please contact us at ccacblacksmith@cascadiaart.org and we will try to accommodate you.

Class Cancellation and Registration Policy
If the minimum enrollment of three (3) students is not met at least one (1) week prior to the scheduled class start date, CCAC reserves the right to cancel the class without obligation, upon timely notice to the instructor. Registration closes one (1) week prior to the class start date. If the minimum enrollment has been met, late registration may be permitted with instructor approval. Students seeking to register after the deadline must email CCAC to inquire about availability.

Forged Bamboo Desk Lamp
2026-08-12 09:00 - 2026-08-13 16:00
Intermediate Blacksmithing Workshop
Instructor: Joe Elliot
This two-day workshop focuses on designing and forging a sculptural desk lamp inspired by the form and growth of bamboo. The class is geared toward students with intermediate forging skills who are ready to combine traditional hand forging with light fabrication techniques.
Over the course of two 6-hour days, students will complete a fully functional forged steel desk fixture, including a wired socket and base.

Skills Covered
Participants will deepen their skills in both forging and fabrication, including:

Forging controlled tapers and organic forms
Upsetting and isolating material for bamboo “nodes”
Hot piercing and shaping irregular openings
Riveting and mechanical assembly
Forging and texturing leaf forms
Basic fabrication techniques:

Drilling
Tapping
Welding (MIG or stick, depending on shop setup)

Layout and proportional design for functional objects
Basic lamp wiring and socket installation

Materials & Construction
Students will work with the following materials:

3/8” steel plate for the base
3/8” round stock for forged leaves
3/4” Schedule 40 pipe for the bamboo stalk

Lamp socket and wiring components (provided)

The project emphasizes intentional surface texture, clean joinery, and thoughtful transitions between forged and fabricated elements.

Finished Project
By the end of the class, each student will leave with:

A completed forged steel desk lamp
A deeper understanding of combining sculptural forging with functional design

Practical experience integrating electrical components

Schedule
August 12th & 13, 2026 from 9am to 4pm

Day 1: Forging the bamboo stalk, nodes, leaves, and base components
Day 2: Piercing, riveting, fabrication, welding, final assembly, and wiring

Blacksmith Week 2026 - August 12th - 16th
2026-08-14 09:00 - 2026-08-16 16:00
Each year, the CCAC proudly presents blacksmithing classes, demonstrations, and camaraderie. The demonstration events are open to all ages and feature the exceptional craft and knowledge of master blacksmiths. Demonstrators Patrick Maher, Aaron & Jesse Bushey, Darryl Nelson, Joe Elliot.

Hummingbird Class with Anton Yakushev
2026-08-29 09:00 - 2026-08-30 16:00
This is a beginner class.
Discover the art of hand-forged metalwork in this hummingbird sculpture workshop! You’ll learn to work with various metal thicknesses, experiment with different forging techniques, and bring your own unique style to life. By the end of the class, you can choose to turn your composition into a functional 2D sculpture, perfect for display or everyday use. This experience is ideal for anyone looking to combine creativity, technique, and the elegance of nature in their art.
What to wear/safety equipment :
-Cotton pants and long sleeved shirt (synthetics are potentially flammable).
-Leather boots (NO open toed sandals/shoes-tennis shoes are not recommended for safety). Make sure your pants fit over the tops of your boots so nothing hot can fall in.
-Safety glasses, ear plugs, and a dust mask. Long hair must be tied back.
-Leather gloves to protect your hands and a notebook to take notes.
-Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and snacks if you want.

Registration ends one week before the class date. If you would like to sign up for this class after that day, please contact us at ccacblacksmith@cascadiaart.org, and we will try to accommodate you.

Class Cancellation and Registration Policy
If the minimum enrollment of three (3) students is not met at least one (1) week prior to the scheduled class start date, CCAC reserves the right to cancel the class without obligation, upon timely notice to the instructor. Registration closes one (1) week prior to the class start date. If the minimum enrollment has been met, late registration may be permitted with instructor approval. Students seeking to register after the deadline must email CCAC to inquire about availability.
