amyj Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 I have had an interest in Blacksmithing for some time and have been reading and watching videos, and had access for a week last year to a forge, but it wasnt enough. I really want to take classes, learn more, and get more hands on. I am in southern Illinois, within 30 minutes of St. Louis. Anyone have names/places that offer classes in my area? Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 From ABANA.org affiliate list I found for you: ILLINOIS VALLEY BLACKSMITH ASSOCIATION Pres: Tom Schertz PO Box 37 Tiskilwa, Illinois, 61368 Home: (815) 646-4748 Cell: (815) 866-4776 [email protected] Ed: John R. Lovin 21735 E. Bakerville Rd. Belle Rive, IL 62810 (618) 756-2331 [email protected] www.illinoisblacksmith.org I hope that you find this information helpful and contact them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thingmaker3 Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 http://www.bamsite.org/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithgartner Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 SIU-E, has both, credit and non credit, artist blacksmiting classes. We have a Hammer-in at Trying-it's smithy in August, in Picneyville, IL. Welcome to IFI, looking forward to hearing from you. Keith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 Might check out the Indiana Blacksmiths Association's Conference in early June and give long hard thought about trying to get to Quad-State in Western Ohio, (Troy) in late September. I try to get to that one and I live in New Mexico---when I hit St Louis I start feeling like I'm on my last leg of the trip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Dean Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 Howdy from East TEXAS!! and welcome to IFI! Once you have checked all of the above links and such (all of them good one I might add) Check out this site; http://www.blacksmithchic.com This is the link to Lorelei Sims. She is the author of "The Backyard Blacksmith" (I also recommend this book!) She is in Charleston, Il, don't know if she would take on a student but the worst she could say is 'no', right? Once again, welcome. Hope you enjoy your stay! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurlyGeorge Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 I agree with Thomas Dean. Contact Lorelei and talk with her. She is a VERY good smith and has always been eager to help answer any questions that I have asked her. I live about 35 miles west of her shop. Her phone # at the shop is 217-345-1159.My guess is that if she's not interested in an apprentice, she will still give you a hand getting started. Welcome to IFI. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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