The Sun Foundation and Illinois Blacksmithing Association

Presented by The Sun Foundation &
The Illinois Valley Blacksmithing Association

The Sun Foundation Blacksmithing Workshops will be held at the rural Edwards, Illinois workshop of Gary Jameson. Instructors will be Gary Jameson, John Simmons, Dave Kervin, all members of the Illinois Valley Blacksmith Association. Classes of varying difficulty are being offered. Scholarships are available for Illinois Valley Blacksmith Assoc. members through the Association.  Workshops made possible by grants from the Illinois Valley Blacksmithing Association and the Illinois Arts Council, a state Agency.

To register for any of the classes below, please go to Event Registration

Volunteers are needed for Workshops set-up and breakdown.  Call Gary Jameson 309-691-2410 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

1  BEGINNING BLACKSMITHING
Sept 11 and 12, 9:00 am-5:00 pm 
Instructor: Gary Jameson and John Simmons

This class provides all participants with the skills & knowledge to comfortably enter the world of blacksmithing on the right foot. Students will  gain a working understanding of the tools and equipment, and they will be introduced to the shaping of hot iron through a set of basic  exercises. Instructors will then present projects involving fundamental processes of bending, twisting, fullering, hot punching, and hot cutting.  By the second day, everyone will be forging a unique campfire cooking fork. No previous experience is required, and those with some  experience but no formal training should seriously consider this class.

2  INTERMEDIATE  BLACKSMITHING
September 18 and 19, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Instructor: Gary Jameson and Seth Springer

Students will work on an intermediate project

3   BEGINNING SHEET METALWORK
September 18 and 19, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Instructor: Dave Kervin

Through the creation of a choice of various traditional vessels such as a cup, breadpan, and coffeepot, participants will learn the basic processes of Sheet metal work  including pattern development. The project will be done by hand forming as well as the use of bar folders and hand crank forming jennies. Certain parts will be soldered  with copper soldering irons. No previous sheet metal experience is required. All tools and material will be provided. Enrollment will be limited to five students.

4    ADVANCED SHEET METAL
September 18 and 19, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Instructor: Dave Kervin

For those who have taken the beginning sheet metal class, this is an opportunity to further develop your skills and create a challenging new project.  All participants will make a lantern and a wrought iron hanger.  This class will be limited to six students, all of whom should haven completed the basic sheet metal class or have the equivalent experience.  Any questions concerning skill level should be directed to Dave Kervin at 217  529-8238.

5  3 DAY SEMINAR-2 Door Fireplace Front
October 1, 2, and 3, 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Instructor: Gary Jameson