Blacksmithing: Penannular Brooch *

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Teacher: Tõnis Luik

Blacksmithing is the art of shaping heated metal. This craft has been practiced in Estonia for about 2,500 years. Historically, blacksmiths created practical items like tools and weapons, decorative items such as jewelry, and artistic works including sculptures.

This course is suitable for beginners. Participants will learn the basic manual techniques of smithing and simple surface treatment methods. They will gain an overview of the tools and machinery used in a forge, and familiarize themselves with essential work safety rules. By the end of the course, participants will create their own wrought iron item to take home.

At first, participants will practice the basic techniques of smith work. They will then fashion a few nails to hone their skills. The final project will be creating a penannular brooch, which is included in the workshop fee.

The course fee includes all necessary accessories, materials, and equipment, such as steel, carbon, beeswax, safety goggles, aprons, leather gloves, and steel brushes. For safety, all participants must wear clothes made from natural fibers (no synthetic fabrics) and footwear that fully protects the whole foot (closed-toe shoes).

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Tõnis Luik is a graduate of the Vana-Vigala Technical and Service School in the field of blacksmithing and the UT Viljandi Culture Academy’s native blacksmithing speciality. Tõnis teaches blacksmithing at the academy, works as a coordinator of the Viljandi Centre for Creative Industries smiths centre and teaches continuing education in the same field. He is an active member of the Estonian Association of Blacksmiths.

https://www.instagram.com/t6nisluik/

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