List of Blacksmithing Classes in Louisiana 2023 [Updated]
Louisiana is a southern state that supports traditional and creative crafts due to its unique history and culture. New Orleans is known for its picturesque French Quarter, Mardi Gras celebrations, and one-of-a kind food and music.
The city is also home to blacksmithing classes that carry on the legacy of traditional crafts in the state. Rural communities across Louisiana also offer quality blacksmithing classes and workshops for beginner, intermediate, and advanced blacksmithing students.
Traditional blacksmithing was a vital occupation in the early years of the state’s history, and the skills used by rural blacksmiths continue to be taught and refined. If you are new to the craft, try your hand at traditional and artistic blacksmithing and get inspired by the history and culture of the state.
If you have been blacksmithing for a while or are just starting out, consider joining one of several blacksmithing organizations that meet in locations across Louisiana.
The following are the top blacksmithing classes and memberships being offered in the state of Louisiana this year.
- Hoffman, Liam (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 162 Pages - 08/25/2017 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
1) Chappapeela Crafts
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing, Welding, Casting
- Classes: small group
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://www.chappapeelacrafts.com/
- Telephone: (985) 542-4346
- Location: Robert, LA
Chappapeela Crafts is a new traditional craft education center located in Robert, Louisiana. The center is owned and operated by the husband and wife team of John and Nancy Perilloux.
The Perilloux couple have over 20 years experience in blacksmithing, bladesmithing, welding, metal casting, sculpture, and other traditional crafts.
It is their mission to share their knowhow with the community, and are currently growing their business to include a wide range of crafting classes.
Those interested in taking a class at Chappapeela Crafts will be glad to know that John and Nancy Perilloux are planning blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes for the upcoming season!
For more information on future class offerings, dates, and pricing, check out the Chappapeela Crafts website or contact the school directly.
2) New Orleans School of Metalsmithing
- Type: General Metalsmithing
- Classes: small group, multiple week sessions, weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://nolametalsmithing.com/
- Telephone: (504) 427-8010
- Location: 2712 Royal St. New Orleans, LA 70117
The New Orleans School of Metalsmithing is a general metalsmithing school that teaches jewelry making and blacksmithing principles. Metal artists of any specialization can benefit from the techniques and topics covered in the school’s curriculum.
Steven M. Donnelly is the owner and main teacher of the New Orleans School of Metalsmithing. He earned his MFA in metalsmithing in 2003 and opened the school the same year.
Since his school’s opening, Donnelly has taught hundreds of students fundamental metalsmithing techniques such as soldering, cutting, annealing, bending, sheet work, texturing, bezeling, forging, and more.
Beginner through advanced metal artists are sure to learn something new from Donnelly. His classes are organized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels to ensure that skills learned are appropriate for each individual.
The New Orleans School of Metalsmithing website has tons of information about class levels and topics covered in each class. Make sure to read through the information before signing up.
3) Church Mouse Forge
- Type: Blacksmithing
- Classes: small group, private, open forge
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://www.churchmouseforge.com/
- Telephone: N/A
- Location: 3249 Chippewa St. New Orleans, LA 70115
Church Mouse Forge is owned and operated by blacksmith Olof Rolfsson. He worked as an industrial designer for many years before transitioning to full time blacksmithing.
Rolfsson offers classes for all skill levels as well as open forge opportunities by appointment. Rolfsson is happy to work with your schedule.
Church Mouse Forge will be offering more classes in the future. Contact the Forge directly for more information on upcoming learning opportunities and to schedule a private lesson with Rolfsson.
4) The Knifemaker
- Type: Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, weekends
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://theknifemaker.com/bladesmithing-classes/
- Telephone: (318) 865-8166
- Location: 4887 Dixie Garden Loop Shreveport, LA 71105
Dan Graves is The Knifemaker. He began forging back in 1995 and specializes in creating one-of-a-kind and functional custom knives.
Graves invites smiths of all skill levels and backgrounds to attend his weekend classes. Topics covered include forging, heat treating, tempering, grinding, handle making, tool use, Damascus steel, and various methods.
Classes are customized to meet the needs and skill level of each participant. Regardless of experience level, students complete their very own knife in the duration of the class.
According to his website, Dan Graves offers his classes on Sundays. If you are interested in participating in a bladesmithing class with The Knifemaker, be sure to reach out to him directly for specifics on class dates and times.
5) Gulf Coast Blacksmith Association (GCBA)
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, monthly meetings, weekends, conferences
- Price: $25 annual membership
- Website: https://gulfcoastblacksmith.com/
- Telephone: (985) 892-1137
- Location: 61 Hyacinth Dr. Covington, LA 70433
The Gulf Coast Blacksmith Association or GCBA is a non profit blacksmithing organization that is affiliated with the Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America. It is currently led by Sid Gale, a pilot turned metalworker.
GCBA was founded in 1998 and has been promoting the traditional craft of blacksmithing and related metalworking techniques ever since.
Membership with the GCBA is extremely affordable and allows blacksmiths across Louisiana to meet and trade tools and tips.
Members meet monthly at the specific location listed above. Besides monthly meetings, members are also welcome to participate in annual conferences and other events in the state of Louisiana.
Whether you have been blacksmithing for years or are just starting out, membership with the GCBA is a great way to meet fellow smiths, trade advice, and collaborate on project ideas.
6) Louisiana Metalsmiths Association (LAMA)
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, monthly meetings, weekends
- Price: $20 annual membership
- Website: https://lama-blacksmith.org/index.html
- Telephone: (337) 319-7591
- Location: Multiple locations across Louisiana
The Louisiana Metalsmiths Association or LAMA is another non profit blacksmithing organization in Louisiana. As an affiliate with ABANA, the LAMA provides helpful resources for its members and hosts special events throughout the year.
Monthly meetings take place on weekends at different member workshops around Louisiana. Because the location is always rotating, members are able to meet new smiths and get inspired by the workspaces of fellow members.
For only $20 per year, members of the Louisiana Metalsmiths Association gain access to a wide range of tools and resources that are otherwise unavailable.
Make sure to take advantage of this great opportunity in your state!