Yard Courses Calendar

A perfect introduction to the craft of metalworking, this course will teach the basics of heating and shaping steel. In this course we will cover fundamental blacksmithing skills such as tapering, spreading, bending, scrolling, and shouldering. These techniques are present in all levels of blacksmithing: from creating simple hooks to more complicated projects. Exposure to the pace of working the material and understanding the forge and the tools will provide the beginner with the ability to take their ideas further.

Students in this course will utilize both coal and gas forges and will learn safe practice in the shop. No previous experience necessary, metal will be provided for practice and exercises, but students must pay for additional metals needed for their independent work.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Move beyond the appreciation of jewelry to creation by learning the fundamentals of jewelry-making techniques, design and fabrication. A range of hand-tool processes will be covered through practical exercises and imaginative concept-based projects. You will acquire a solid set of technical skills, and will also exercise your creative design skills. The non-technical side of the class focuses on idea development and the critical-thinking skills needed to realize a vision. This course will review sawing, filing, soldering, scoring/bending, texturing, forming, linkages, wire construction and more. No prior metal-smithing skills are necessary. Metal will be provided for practice and exercises, but students may need to pay for additional metals needed for their independent work.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Mugs are the coziest and most huggable pots. A good mug is comforting to hold, pleasant to drink out of, and visually inviting. There are lots of ways to make good mugs without a potters' wheel, and we'll explore pinched, coiled, and slab-built forms, as well as various kinds of handles (pulled, coil, slab, hollow). We'll focus mainly on construction, with a brief overview of basic glazing. Students of all experience levels are welcome and encouraged.

In this course, students will be introduced to a variety of techniques to investigate new ways of approaching the clay surface. Each week, a new surface technique will be demonstrated. We will explore mark making, under-glaze painting, slip trailing, sgraffito, mishima, newsprint transfers and luster to emphasize the relationship between form and surface. This class will inspire students to think about surface in new ways and learn how their inspirations and abstract ideas can inform their work. 

This class emphasizes surface techniques, however introductory hand-built methods will be demonstrated. Basic clay experience is always helpful, but is not required. Students of all levels are welcome! Students will receive a complimentary 25-pound bag of cone 6 clay but may need to purchase additional clay for their personal projects. All other materials and tools will be provided. Enrollment in this course includes additional access to one monitored Open Studio session per week.

Unfinished student work should be picked up within two weeks of the last class.

Blacksmiths stand out among craftspeople for their ability to forge all of their own tools in the smithy. In this class, students will work in pairs to make their own forging hammers, as well as the tools to make future hammers. Students will learn basic toolmaking, punching, drifting, handle fitting, and striking. Students will leave class with a simple functional forging hammer to use in future smithly endeavors! 

This course is appropriate for participants who have successfully completed a Fundamentals of Blacksmithing class, or similar 20+ hour introductory blacksmithing class. All tools and materials will be provided, and students will leave the course with a completed hammer.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Move beyond the appreciation of jewelry to creation by learning the fundamentals of jewelry-making techniques, design and fabrication. A range of hand-tool processes will be covered through practical exercises and imaginative concept-based projects. You will acquire a solid set of technical skills, and will also exercise your creative design skills. The non-technical side of the class focuses on idea development and the critical-thinking skills needed to realize a vision. This course will review sawing, filing, soldering, scoring/bending, texturing, forming, linkages, wire construction and more. No prior metal-smithing skills are necessary. Metal will be provided for practice and exercises, but students may need to pay for additional metals needed for their independent work.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Come get down and dirty while learning to make functional and sculptural forms on the potter's wheel! In this course, students will learn how to use the potter's wheel to create cups, bowls, plates, vases, and pouring vessels. Students will practice throwing, trimming, making handles and spouts, and finishing and firing their pieces.

Students will experience clay both as a functional building material and as an expressive medium. Color and texture will be explored through a variety of slips and glazes. The instructor will lead demonstrations to give students more ideas as to what type of clay forms they could like to pursue. Students will also be exposed to the creative thought processes behind intellectual and intuitive decisions in ceramics.

Each week, a new technique will be demonstrated, and a new artist's artwork will be presented to ignite your imagination! No previous ceramics experience necessary—this class is open to all levels. Students will receive a complimentary 25 pound bag of cone 6 clay, but may need to purchase additional clay for their personal projects. All other materials and tools will be provided. Enrollment in this course includes additional access to one monitored Open Studio session per week.

Unfinished student work should be picked up within two weeks of last class.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a jewelry course at The Steel Yard! In this weekend workshop, you and your sweetheart(s), platonic or romantic, can spend some creative time together learning a new skill while making a sterling silver rings.

You will focus on learning the basic techniques used in jewelry fabrication:sawing, piercing, filing, texturing, forming, and soldering. These techniques will enable you to get a feel for working with metal to create a variety of shapes and forms.  In this weekend course, you will design and fabricate a sterling silver ring and explore bezel settings. 

This class is open to all levels, and is suitable for beginners. Copper and brass will be provided for practice, silver will be provided for the finished ring. If students wish to incorporate stones into their design, they will have to pay an additional fee to cover the cost of these.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Spend a weekend learning the basics of metalworking: ripping through steel with gas torches and fusing it back together with a 10,000° electrical arc! This two-day workshop will introduce students to MIG welding, the oxygen-acetylene torch, various metal saws, and the grinder. By the end of the first day you will be able to heat, cut, join, bend, and polish. On the second day you will have the full day to use your new skills creating a project to take home. No previous experience necessary—this is a great opportunity to explore welding for the first time. Materials and tools will be provided.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a jewelry course at The Steel Yard! In this weekend workshop, you and your sweetheart(s), platonic or romantic, can spend some creative time together learning a new skill while making a sterling silver rings.

You will focus on learning the basic techniques used in jewelry fabrication:sawing, piercing, filing, texturing, forming, and soldering. These techniques will enable you to get a feel for working with metal to create a variety of shapes and forms.  In this weekend course, you will design and fabricate a sterling silver ring and explore bezel settings. 

This class is open to all levels, and is suitable for beginners. Copper and brass will be provided for practice, silver will be provided for the finished ring. If students wish to incorporate stones into their design, they will have to pay an additional fee to cover the cost of these.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Spend a weekend learning the basics of metalworking: ripping through steel with gas torches and fusing it back together with a 10,000° electrical arc! This two-day workshop will introduce students to MIG welding, the oxygen-acetylene torch, various metal saws, and the grinder. By the end of the first day you will be able to heat, cut, join, bend, and polish. On the second day you will have the full day to use your new skills creating a project to take home. No previous experience necessary—this is a great opportunity to explore welding for the first time. Materials and tools will be provided.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

A perfect introduction to the craft of metalworking, this course will teach the basics of heating and shaping steel. In this course we will cover fundamental blacksmithing skills such as tapering, spreading, bending, scrolling, and shouldering. These techniques are present in all levels of blacksmithing: from creating simple hooks to more complicated projects. Exposure to the pace of working the material and understanding the forge and the tools will provide the beginner with the ability to take their ideas further.

Students in this course will utilize both coal and gas forges and will learn safe practice in the shop. No previous experience necessary, metal will be provided for practice and exercises, but students must pay for additional metals needed for their independent work.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Move beyond the appreciation of jewelry to creation by learning the fundamentals of jewelry-making techniques, design and fabrication. A range of hand-tool processes will be covered through practical exercises and imaginative concept-based projects. You will acquire a solid set of technical skills, and will also exercise your creative design skills. The non-technical side of the class focuses on idea development and the critical-thinking skills needed to realize a vision. This course will review sawing, filing, soldering, scoring/bending, texturing, forming, linkages, wire construction and more. No prior metal-smithing skills are necessary. Metal will be provided for practice and exercises, but students may need to pay for additional metals needed for their independent work.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Mugs are the coziest and most huggable pots. A good mug is comforting to hold, pleasant to drink out of, and visually inviting. There are lots of ways to make good mugs without a potters' wheel, and we'll explore pinched, coiled, and slab-built forms, as well as various kinds of handles (pulled, coil, slab, hollow). We'll focus mainly on construction, with a brief overview of basic glazing. Students of all experience levels are welcome and encouraged.

In this course, students will be introduced to a variety of techniques to investigate new ways of approaching the clay surface. Each week, a new surface technique will be demonstrated. We will explore mark making, under-glaze painting, slip trailing, sgraffito, mishima, newsprint transfers and luster to emphasize the relationship between form and surface. This class will inspire students to think about surface in new ways and learn how their inspirations and abstract ideas can inform their work. 

This class emphasizes surface techniques, however introductory hand-built methods will be demonstrated. Basic clay experience is always helpful, but is not required. Students of all levels are welcome! Students will receive a complimentary 25-pound bag of cone 6 clay but may need to purchase additional clay for their personal projects. All other materials and tools will be provided. Enrollment in this course includes additional access to one monitored Open Studio session per week.

Unfinished student work should be picked up within two weeks of the last class.

The bottle opener ... it's everyone's favorite tool and a great conversation starter at a party! In this workshop, students will learn the fundamentals of blacksmithing, while focusing on forging their own unique, handmade bottle openers.

A perfect introduction to the craft of forging, this course teaches the basics of heating, hammering, and shaping steel. In three hours, we will cover techniques such as punching, drifting, tapering, bending, twists, and texturing. This class focuses on forging techniques for small pieces; think less brute force and more precise detail. No need to be big and burly for this course.

No previous experience necessary; all tools and materials are provided. Students will leave the workshop with a completed bottle opener.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Move beyond the appreciation of jewelry to creation by learning the fundamentals of jewelry-making techniques, design and fabrication. A range of hand-tool processes will be covered through practical exercises and imaginative concept-based projects. You will acquire a solid set of technical skills, and will also exercise your creative design skills. The non-technical side of the class focuses on idea development and the critical-thinking skills needed to realize a vision. This course will review sawing, filing, soldering, scoring/bending, texturing, forming, linkages, wire construction and more. No prior metal-smithing skills are necessary. Metal will be provided for practice and exercises, but students may need to pay for additional metals needed for their independent work.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Come get down and dirty while learning to make functional and sculptural forms on the potter's wheel! In this course, students will learn how to use the potter's wheel to create cups, bowls, plates, vases, and pouring vessels. Students will practice throwing, trimming, making handles and spouts, and finishing and firing their pieces.

Students will experience clay both as a functional building material and as an expressive medium. Color and texture will be explored through a variety of slips and glazes. The instructor will lead demonstrations to give students more ideas as to what type of clay forms they could like to pursue. Students will also be exposed to the creative thought processes behind intellectual and intuitive decisions in ceramics.

Each week, a new technique will be demonstrated, and a new artist's artwork will be presented to ignite your imagination! No previous ceramics experience necessary—this class is open to all levels. Students will receive a complimentary 25 pound bag of cone 6 clay, but may need to purchase additional clay for their personal projects. All other materials and tools will be provided. Enrollment in this course includes additional access to one monitored Open Studio session per week.

Unfinished student work should be picked up within two weeks of last class.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

A perfect introduction to the craft of metalworking, this course will teach the basics of heating and shaping steel. In this course we will cover fundamental blacksmithing skills such as tapering, spreading, bending, scrolling, and shouldering. These techniques are present in all levels of blacksmithing: from creating simple hooks to more complicated projects. Exposure to the pace of working the material and understanding the forge and the tools will provide the beginner with the ability to take their ideas further.

Students in this course will utilize both coal and gas forges and will learn safe practice in the shop. No previous experience necessary, metal will be provided for practice and exercises, but students must pay for additional metals needed for their independent work.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Move beyond the appreciation of jewelry to creation by learning the fundamentals of jewelry-making techniques, design and fabrication. A range of hand-tool processes will be covered through practical exercises and imaginative concept-based projects. You will acquire a solid set of technical skills, and will also exercise your creative design skills. The non-technical side of the class focuses on idea development and the critical-thinking skills needed to realize a vision. This course will review sawing, filing, soldering, scoring/bending, texturing, forming, linkages, wire construction and more. No prior metal-smithing skills are necessary. Metal will be provided for practice and exercises, but students may need to pay for additional metals needed for their independent work.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Mugs are the coziest and most huggable pots. A good mug is comforting to hold, pleasant to drink out of, and visually inviting. There are lots of ways to make good mugs without a potters' wheel, and we'll explore pinched, coiled, and slab-built forms, as well as various kinds of handles (pulled, coil, slab, hollow). We'll focus mainly on construction, with a brief overview of basic glazing. Students of all experience levels are welcome and encouraged.

In this course, students will be introduced to a variety of techniques to investigate new ways of approaching the clay surface. Each week, a new surface technique will be demonstrated. We will explore mark making, under-glaze painting, slip trailing, sgraffito, mishima, newsprint transfers and luster to emphasize the relationship between form and surface. This class will inspire students to think about surface in new ways and learn how their inspirations and abstract ideas can inform their work. 

This class emphasizes surface techniques, however introductory hand-built methods will be demonstrated. Basic clay experience is always helpful, but is not required. Students of all levels are welcome! Students will receive a complimentary 25-pound bag of cone 6 clay but may need to purchase additional clay for their personal projects. All other materials and tools will be provided. Enrollment in this course includes additional access to one monitored Open Studio session per week.

Unfinished student work should be picked up within two weeks of the last class.

Move beyond the appreciation of jewelry to creation by learning the fundamentals of jewelry-making techniques, design and fabrication. A range of hand-tool processes will be covered through practical exercises and imaginative concept-based projects. You will acquire a solid set of technical skills, and will also exercise your creative design skills. The non-technical side of the class focuses on idea development and the critical-thinking skills needed to realize a vision. This course will review sawing, filing, soldering, scoring/bending, texturing, forming, linkages, wire construction and more. No prior metal-smithing skills are necessary. Metal will be provided for practice and exercises, but students may need to pay for additional metals needed for their independent work.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Come get down and dirty while learning to make functional and sculptural forms on the potter's wheel! In this course, students will learn how to use the potter's wheel to create cups, bowls, plates, vases, and pouring vessels. Students will practice throwing, trimming, making handles and spouts, and finishing and firing their pieces.

Students will experience clay both as a functional building material and as an expressive medium. Color and texture will be explored through a variety of slips and glazes. The instructor will lead demonstrations to give students more ideas as to what type of clay forms they could like to pursue. Students will also be exposed to the creative thought processes behind intellectual and intuitive decisions in ceramics.

Each week, a new technique will be demonstrated, and a new artist's artwork will be presented to ignite your imagination! No previous ceramics experience necessary—this class is open to all levels. Students will receive a complimentary 25 pound bag of cone 6 clay, but may need to purchase additional clay for their personal projects. All other materials and tools will be provided. Enrollment in this course includes additional access to one monitored Open Studio session per week.

Unfinished student work should be picked up within two weeks of last class.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Spend a weekend learning the basics of metalworking: ripping through steel with gas torches and fusing it back together with a 10,000° electrical arc! This two-day workshop will introduce students to MIG welding, the oxygen-acetylene torch, various metal saws, and the grinder. By the end of the first day you will be able to heat, cut, join, bend, and polish. On the second day you will have the full day to use your new skills creating a project to take home. No previous experience necessary—this is a great opportunity to explore welding for the first time. Materials and tools will be provided.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Spend a weekend learning the basics of metalworking: ripping through steel with gas torches and fusing it back together with a 10,000° electrical arc! This two-day workshop will introduce students to MIG welding, the oxygen-acetylene torch, various metal saws, and the grinder. By the end of the first day you will be able to heat, cut, join, bend, and polish. On the second day you will have the full day to use your new skills creating a project to take home. No previous experience necessary—this is a great opportunity to explore welding for the first time. Materials and tools will be provided.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

A perfect introduction to the craft of metalworking, this course will teach the basics of heating and shaping steel. In this course we will cover fundamental blacksmithing skills such as tapering, spreading, bending, scrolling, and shouldering. These techniques are present in all levels of blacksmithing: from creating simple hooks to more complicated projects. Exposure to the pace of working the material and understanding the forge and the tools will provide the beginner with the ability to take their ideas further.

Students in this course will utilize both coal and gas forges and will learn safe practice in the shop. No previous experience necessary, metal will be provided for practice and exercises, but students must pay for additional metals needed for their independent work.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.

Move beyond the appreciation of jewelry to creation by learning the fundamentals of jewelry-making techniques, design and fabrication. A range of hand-tool processes will be covered through practical exercises and imaginative concept-based projects. You will acquire a solid set of technical skills, and will also exercise your creative design skills. The non-technical side of the class focuses on idea development and the critical-thinking skills needed to realize a vision. This course will review sawing, filing, soldering, scoring/bending, texturing, forming, linkages, wire construction and more. No prior metal-smithing skills are necessary. Metal will be provided for practice and exercises, but students may need to pay for additional metals needed for their independent work.

Visit thesteelyard.org to register for classes and find out more about our registration and enrollment policies.