ladysmith

Quench, I love that idea!...I do something similar with leaves, but it gets more girls buying than boys. Mind if I stea....urrr...borrow the idea? Pam

Usually the kids I demo for could care less what I make (or even if I hammer anything) as long as I dunk the peice in the slack tub and make it steam. Today, I did a cool off-the-cuff demo for a bunch of kids that worked really well. Usually when no one is around I work on my own stuff...Today, I had a leaf hook that the leaf that just didn't turn out, so I cut off the leaf end, and was trying to figure out what to do with the hook end when the group of kids walked in... I told them I was going to tie the end in a knot and wanted to see who could untie it. (It was a small thin hook, so I "tied" a hole in the end instead of flattening the end and cutting or drilling a hole to screw it into the wall.) I then dunked it in the slack tub to cool, and passed it around. Those kids tried so hard to "untie" it! It had never occured to me that they didn't quite understand that the metal need to be red hot to bend as easily as I "tied" it. I had those kids undivided attention for the next half hour or so, asking suprisingly astute questions, like how each of the different types of hammers move the metal different ways. (I was using a couple of different hammers to make a leaf.) To say the least, I was amazed! That demo is sure a keeper! Pam

Tinker, If you get out toward Pennsylvania (or the eastern panhandle of WV) look me up. I may even be able to get you some paid work out this way if you need. Pam

Guys, Doing the demo doesn't bother me. I demo for an average of almost 400 people each and every weekend. It's the concept of someone asking how much I charge to do a demo that has me perplexed. I demo at the State Park for free (and yes I know they should be paying me). I've given it alot of thought and I'm telling them that for the weekend (I'd need to be there and set up by 8am and can't pack up until after 5pm) and a 20 minute to half an hour (or more) demo every hour will cost them $500 for the weekend. That gives me a bit of room to negotiate if necessary. Ok thoughts on the price? It covers all expenses plus some. Pam

Nolano, I get to demo every weekend during the summer (90% kids). Unfortunately just as an unpaid volunteer. Still I have a blast! And I'll tell you that seeing the look in some of these kid's eyes, makes it so much better. If you ever get out toward Gettysburg PA during the summer give me a call...I'll let you demo, and I'll watch. Pam

Thanks everyone for the good ideas. Pam

Krstofer, Try some of the less expensive refractory cements from here: http://refractory.elliscustomknifeworks.com/ I know Darren, and he is a great guy to work with and is more than willing to answer any questions you might have. Pam

Thank you all for your suggestions on how to price this demo. They accepted my offer! I will be the paid blacksmith at the Whitetail Ski Resort's Outdoor Festival on Oct. 22nd and 23. Pam Hi all! Most of you know me as alchemyknife or Pam in Anvilfire Chat. 8) I got a call yesterday from the local ski resort out here about blacksmithing for their Outdoor Festival. Seems they'd been looking for a blacksmith for the festival for years, but hadn't found one until they read an article about me in the local paper. They want to PAY me to demonstrate! I have very little idea what to charge. (Didn't tell them that though.) The festival is 2 days, 10am to 5pm each day. I need suggestions on 1) what to charge, and 2) how often to demonstrate. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance, Pam