Hi to all Blacksmith Doris wishes everyone a very fruitful New Year. This Saturday, which is the 5th, there is a Doris Day at the Hackett household and all are welcome.  We will be working between 10 am and 4 pm. Don't forget to wear safe clothing - natural fibre like wool or cotton etc.  Wear sturdy footwear.  It is recommended that you bring protective eye wear and ear muffs.  Please bring a hammer if you can, ideas or material if you have them; $4 for coke and a donation to Doris.  Oh, and something for lunch for yourself or to share.  If there are days of tot ..read more

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Filling in with bricks Space left around the air pipe (tuyere) for the fire to be built I have said it once and will say it again: Isn't she beautiful the air gate or valve which regulates the air flow.  It needs a bit of work. Adding the coke dust to build the hearth. Excitement builds The hole is filled ..read more

It is hard not to communicate in metaphors in the making of this first forge who has a name - Scarlet, due to her red legs - and a gender.  She is beautiful!  We are all very proud! Oh, the wailing! The adding of the air pipe  Beauty in making! Attaching the lungs ( blower ) a very tiring but satisfying experience ..read more

The members of Blacksmith Doris gathered together for a special day.   It was time to build ...  A Forge of One's Own.   It is not that we dislike the forges at the Australian Blacksmith's Association of Victoria, in fact we do love them very much.  It is just that every girl needs their own forge and the only way to get one is to make it yourself. A lot of the women were comfortable with the tools used, but some had never worked with them before.  Those who could taught those who couldn't and by the end of the day everyone could.   the pl ..read more

Saturday’s 10am - 4pm With forgemaster Brit (thankyou to Brit who is taking the reigns this year) 27th Jan 10th Feb 24th Feb 10th March 24th March 7th April 21st April 5th May 19th May Please note that if you join Doris, you are always welcome to attend the regular blacksmithing days of ABA Vic and these are always on the Sunday after Doris ..read more

Images by Arthorse ..read more

Mary spoke on BlacksmitHer to Victoria Patti. Vic is not only a blacksmith who runs Iron Infusion making public sculptures, but she also is the host of BlacksmitHer Radio, making podcasts of women and men blacksmiths from all around the world. Click Here to listen to the interview ..read more

Debbie Harman comes to Doris not only to forge but to play.  Sometimes she doesn't forge at all.  The works below are ceramics that have been formed over steel pieces which have been scrounged from the bin in the first photograph.  Sometimes she will sit in the lunch room drinking tea, telling stories and working with clay.  She will gladly teach newcomers how to build a fire. More of her work can be seen on her numerous blogs ..read more

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