Custom Experience Day with Orchard Blacksmith
Description
For those truly passionate and eager to experience the true process of a blacksmith from start to finish, our Custom Experience Day allows you the opportunity to work 1 on 1 with our skilled blacksmith to design and bring to life a bespoke piece of metalwork entirely of your own creation. With expert guidance, we will help you ensure that your design reflects your vision and is achievable within the skills you'll acquire during the day. Unleash your creativity and take home a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
What's included in the price?
During our Experience Days, you'll have the opportunity to forge your own unique pieces using traditional blacksmithing techniques. Our experienced blacksmith will be by your side, sharing their expertise, and providing insights into the rich history of the craft. Experience the joy of craftsmanship and unlock your creative potential, with the opportunity to design and create beautiful objects.
Duration
7 hours
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
The founders of Orchard Blacksmith, Andy and Mikey Orchard started the business in 2017 following their extensive training. They both studied blacksmithing and creative ironwork at Plumpton College in Lewes, East Sussex. Andy has gone on to develop his designs in contemporary blacksmithing through his work with established craftsmen. Mikey concentrates on traditional and organic features within his projects inspired by knowledge gained from fellow artisan metalworkers. Andy and Mikey pride themselves on the quality of their work and in keeping close relationships with their clients throughout the design process through to installation; ensuring that customers are always happy with the finished product, in addition to the level of service provided.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Fairs, festivals & exhibitions
- Easter
- School holiday workshops & activities
- Public transport
- Father's Day
- Suitable for beginners
- Parking provided
- Mother's Day
- Intermediate level
- Romantic
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- UK Holiday
- Advanced/pro level
- Christmas
- Corporate days out & team building
FAQs
We ask you to bring a big lunch and water bottle. We have a microwave available as well as a kettle if you have anything to heat up.
Hot beverages are available all day with complimentary biscuits.
Please dont worry about PPE, will be supply ear and eye protection as well as an a leather apron.
The course starts at 9am, so we ask for you to turn up 10 minutes before to get ready for the lesson.
Your day starts with a health and safety briefing, then we get into the forge to start with the basics.
We will use the basics to create the products you make. The product making will start after the mini break at 10:30.
In your first break there will be time to define the product you would like to make and how it would look. You will start your product till 12:30 (or 1pm if a half day where your day will finish) when you will have lunch and then continue.
There will be another break at 2:30pm and then course finishes at 4pm, which is when you will have your product finished and ready to take home.
The best thing to wear are clothes you would paint or garden in, there is a chance you will get dirty from the forge and damage your clothing. We provide leather aprons to protect you but it doesn't cover your arms and lower legs.
For footwear we recommend hiking boots or shoes with a thick sole. We do not allow open toed shoes or sandals.
We ask for you to contact us directly before a lesson if you have any medical condition.
We are based just off the main street in Framfield Village outside of Uckfield.
The best way to get to us is by bus, we recommend getting the:
29A Brighton and Hove from Heathfield-Imperial Arcade via Uckfield & Isfield
231 Compass Travel from Uckfield - Etchingham
The bus stop is just outside the workshop driveway.
Depending on your blacksmithing experience we would advise to stick to our inspiration list.
We want to make sure that all attendees of the course takes home the completed product that they forged as well as good memories.
If there is time at the end of the lesson and you have completed your product then you are more than welcome to try and create something else to tame home with you.
Saddly, we dont have the facilities to make blades of an type.
