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Blacksmithing News and Events
Cyber Smiths International Logo
Cyber Smiths Int.
Volume 28 - Page 2 of 2 May 1, 2003
Spring Events 2003
Southeastern Regional Blacksmith Conference
Previous event coverage, Vol. 13 * * *

The Southern Blacksmith Association, Inc.

Presents the

Southeastern Regional Blacksmith Conference

Featuring Demonstrators: Shelton Browder

Hershel House

Ryan Johnson

Mike Boone

Dan Boone

And: Blacksmithing Classes

Family Programs

Auction and Iron in the Hat

Tailgate Tool and Rust Sales

Conference Registration

Southern Blacksmith Association, Inc.

Barry L. Myers, Chairman Ocmulgee Blacksmith Guild

Philip Simmons Artist Blacksmith Guild Elton O. Grubbs

1847 Pisgah Road Rte. 19 Box 739

North Augusta, SC 29841 Macon, Georgia 31217

Madison, Georgia, May 15, 16, 17, 2003 Register by April 30th and SAVE 10 BUCKS!

Southeastern Regional Blacksmith Conference

Thursday Evening, May 15, Friday May 16, & Saturday, May 17

Lion's Club Fairgrounds, Madison, Georgia

THE CONFERENCE SITE

We will hold the 2003 Southeastern Regional Blacksmith Conference at the Madison Lion's Club Fairgrounds in Madison, Georgia. The site has a large, covered, open-sided barn with bleacher seating for comfortable blacksmithing demonstrations in any weather. The fairgrounds' air-conditioned main building accommodates everyone for Registration, Meals, the Auction, the Family Programs, and other indoor activities. The main building and its snack bar opens at 7 am. WAFFLE HOUSE will cater breakfast and lunch both days with a shortened menu at their regular economical prices. The primitive camping area is near the main building and inside the fence for security. There are no hookups but the fairground has water and restrooms. Ask about camping at the gate.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Mail the enclosed registration form with your fees or register at the door. Register by April 30 and save $10. Do it now! ABANA and ABANA Affiliate members, senior citizens, spouses, and one-day attendees get reduced rates. See the registration form for details. The registration desk at the conference site opens at Noon on Thursday and at 7 am on Friday and Saturday.

THURSDAY EVENING BANQUET

We will hold a banquet at 7 pm Thursday, May 15 in the main building. The banquet will be an extensive buffet of home-cooked food. The food will be good and there will be plenty of it. The cost is $10 per person. Enclose payment with your registration or pay at the door.

AUCTION OF DONATED ITEMS

On Friday night we will auction pieces of donated ironwork, tools, and other items of interest to blacksmiths. The auction is always one of the high points of the conference entertainment. Take advantage of this chance to pick up tools and handmade ironwork for your collection. Auctioneers for the evening will be Anthony Goodrum and Tim Ryan.

Bring something to donate to the auction: your work, tools, books, etc., anything that will help raise money to support the conference. The auction provides a big portion of the money needed to put on the conference and we need your support and donations to make it a success. On Saturday we will have a short auction to sell pieces made by the demonstrators during the conference, plus any items donated on Saturday. If you can't make it to the conference but would like to donate something for the auction, contact Allan Kress, (256) 775-1575, to make arrangements for shipping.

IRONWORK DISPLAY

An exhibit of members' work will be displayed in the main building. Bring something to show off your skills and artistic abilities. The public will be able to see this part of the conference, so label your pieces and display them with pride. Contact Jim Garrett, (770) 919-7376, of Ocmulgee Blacksmith Guild for details.

TAILGATE TOOL SALES

The Southeastern Regional Conference has always had one of the largest tailgate tool and rust sales areas. Bring your extra stuff or your extra cash to do some horse trading on blacksmithing and related equipment. The tailgate tool sales area will be open throughout the conference. Open to anyone who has registered for the conference. For a set-up location, contact Clyde Payton or any member of the Florida Artist Blacksmiths Association or Ocmulgee members providing security at the gate.

BLACKSMITHING CLASSES

There will be two levels of blacksmithing classes taught this year: Beginning/Intermediate blacksmithing for adults and Beginning blacksmithing for youngsters ages 8-15 (Parents may accompany a child). The fee for each class will be $10 per student per 4-hour session. The Appalachian Area Chapter will provide teachers.

FAMILY PROGRAM

The conference has invited four crafts instructors to hold classes in a variety of skills for any member of the family. There is a description of courses on page XXX. A separate registration form is on page 9.

Note: Space is limited in the Blacksmithing Classes and the Family Program Classes. Early registration is recommended to

help ensure a place in the classes you desire.

2003 Conference Contact People

Conference Chairman Conference Treasurer Auction Contact

Barry L. Myers Bill & Brenda Pate Alan Kress

1847 Pisgah Rd. 1611 Oakley Road 889CountyRoad1464

North Augusta, SC 29841 Castle Hayne, NC 28429 Cullman, Al 35058

803-279-0363 910-763-7326 (256) 775-1575

Conference Registrar Family Program Tailgate Sales

Karen Wheeler Cindy Alexander Clyde Payton

10250 NE 50th Street 922 Lakeside Dr. Rte 3 Box 124 D Payton Rd

Bronson, Florida 32621 Durham, NC 27712 Monticello, Fl 32344

352-486-4370 919-471-0184 850-997-3627

wheel@svic.net

__________________________________________________________________________________________

2003 Conference Southern Blacksmith Association Sponsors

Alabama Forge Council Alex Bealer Blacksmiths Assoc. of GA Appalachian Area Chapter

Alan Kress, President Dan Tull, President Bruce Gilles, President

889CountyRoad1464 109 Laurelwood Drive 643 Shasteen Ridge

Cullman, Al 35058 Newnan, GA 30263-4053 Lynchburg, TN 37352

(256) 775-1575 770-253-8396 931-759-4615

Florida Artist Blacksmith Assoc. North Carolina Chapter Ocmulgee Blacksmiths Guild

Bob Jacoby, President Jim Alexander, President Jim Garrett, President

2635WrightsonDrive 922 Lakeside Dr. 5653ForkwoodTrace

Jacksonville, Fl 32223 Durham, NC 27712 Acworth, Ga 30101

(904) 288-0584 919-477-8701 (770) 919-7376

Philip Simmons Artist Blacksmith Guild

Host Chapter

Bob Hill, President

9744 Plantersville Road

Georgetown, SC 29440

843-546-5483

MOTEL INFORMATION

When contacting motels for reservations, be sure to tell them that you are attending the Southeastern Regional Blacksmith Conference. The preferred motel for the Conference is the Ramada Inn; all of the demonstrators and Conference Staff will be staying there. Most motels have agreed to reduce rates for Conference attendees. Prices shown should include taxes. Make your reservations now! It will be a busy weekend in Madison.

RAMADA INN, Phone 706-342-2121 HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, Phone 706-342-3433

Double or Single $44.95 Double or single $55.00

Executive Continental Breakfast Continental Breakfast

Hospitality Room near Lobby

This will be where the demonstrators will stay**.

COMFORT INN, Phone 706-342-0054

Double or single $54.00

SUPER 8 MOTEL, Phone 706-342-7800 Continental Breakfast

Double $50.35, single $42.95

HAMPTON INN, Phone 1-800-426-7866

DAYS INN, Phone 706-342-1839 Double or single $62.00

Double or single $44.95 Continental Breakfast

Continental Breakfast

**At the Ramada Inn, you may want to request a pool side room or a down and out if you need to keep an eye on your car or truck.

Camping:

Riverside Estates RV Park, Phone 706-342-1799 Talisman RV Resort

2750 Eatonton Rd. South of I-20, Ext. 114

Madison, GA

FAMILY PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS


The following are class descriptions. We need to limit classes to 10. Supply fees are as listed above. Not sure if you want to repeat age, class size and supply fee in this write up.

Copper Enameling (Jackie Spencer )

This class is fast and easy - and it's FUN! With some basic enameling techniques, colorful enamels (powdered glass) and an electric enameling kiln, you can create some great pieces in a very short time. Most pieces will require 3 to 4 firings for 1 to 3 minutes at around 1500 degrees. Come prepared to play and have some neat pieces to take home. Students should bring an old hand towel to dry cleaned pieces and a work apron to protect clothing.

Maximum per Class: 10 No students under 16 years of age Cost of Materials: $15

Hypertufa Stone (Gail Marcengill)
Hypertufa stone is made of cement and other ingredients. By using other materials the finished piece is lighter, easy to handle and will take on that aged moss covered look that is so beautiful in a garden. We will be making stepping stones. Bring an apron or an old shirt to cover your cloths. Gloves will be provided. If any one wants to bring broken tile or something to personalize their stepping stone, bring it along - be creative!
Maximum per class: 10 No students under 12 years of age Cost of Materials: $15


Broomtying (Linda Crevitt

Learn broomtying from this veteran craftsman. Two different levels will be taught. The Friday class will be a beginner's class. Saturday will teach more advanced techniques with an emphasis on structure and proportion. Students in Friday's class will complete a simple round hearth broom and a round whiskbroom. Combining the techniques used in the beginner class, the Saturday class will create a flat hearth broom. Instructor will provide broomtying materials including a simple handle for the class. Instructor will have additional broomcorn for sale. Students should bring a sharp knife, wear old clothes and sturdy shoes.

Age: adult Max Class Size: 10 Cost of Materials: $20.00

Stamping (Melanie Williams)

Stamping - If it doesn't move, stamp it! Explore the wonderful world of stamping. Create your own walking work of art using fabric paints and stamps on a T-shirt. You'll also be embellishing a candle using stamps and tissue paper. As time permits, we'll be creating cards and other surprises.
Please bring a new T-shirt. Pre-washed and dried. Do not use fabric softener. Any color will be fine.

Age: 14 years old and older Max Class Size: 10 Fee: $20.00 includes all supplies, except the T-shirt.

CONFERENCE DEMONSTRATORS

Shelton Browder

Shelton Browder is a journeyman blacksmith at Colonial Williamsburg where he has worked for the last ten years. Shel began smithing in his family hardware store and welding shop in 1982 and started a blacksmith program at Tryon Palace in Newbern, NC in 1985.

Shel will demonstrate the forging of a socket firmer chisel with a welded steel bit and a hammer with a welded steel face. These are tools that were typical of those made in the industrial cities of England and imported to North America from the colonial period into the 19th century.

Hershel House

Is widely known for his extraordinary Kentucky rifle making skills. He has marketed three blacksmithing videos and two Kentucky riflemaking videos. His blacksmithing videos show the beginner and the expert intricacies of the craft in his own unique way - that of the mountain country blacksmith. His videos show how the blacksmith works without excessive numbers of tools. He is a hard guy to catch, don't miss him at the Conference. He will be making a rifleman's knife, gunparts, or something just as interesting and you'll have a fun time watching him do it.

Ryan Johnson

Mike and Dan Boone

The Boone family has been passing down the family tradition of blacksmithing for at least twelve generations. Dan Boone has followed closely in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great-grandfathers by actively pursuing the craft of blacksmithing. He spend much of his formative years watching his father, Lawrence, work in his shop in Asheville, NC. Often they would visit his Uncle Daniel and his grandfather, Kelse, in their shops in Yancey County, NC.

After becoming an adult, Dan left the mountains of North Carolina, and settled in Maryland. Here he married and had three children. During the time the children were growing up Dan got away from actively blacksmithing, looking for a more lucrative (at the time) type of employment to support his growing family. However, in the last 20 years Dan has been able to go back to his love of the anvil and hammer. He has been blacksmithing full time during this period. He prefers to make smaller pieces, from hooks to lamps and tables. These and other various items he offers for sale at craft shows in the east and Midwest areas of the country.

Dan has also been very willing to share his love and knowledge of blacksmithing with others. Over the years he has taught classes at the John C. Campbell Folk School and Touchstone Center for Crafts. He has also been a featured demonstrator at various conferences including: ABANA in Birmingham, AL; Southeast Regional Conference in Madison, GA; SOFA Annual Conference in Ohio; Spring Fling in Vint Hill, VA; and The Wrought Iron Conference in Dover, DE to name a few.

Dan is extremely proud that both of his sons have also taken up the hammer in the family tradition. Tom, who lives in Virginia, does items he sells at craft shows in the East, and numerous commissions for rails, fireplace screens and sculptures.

Mike, who lives in Colorado, does items in concert with architects, including often times outfitting an entire home from drawer handles all the way to stairs and rails. Mike's initial training comes from his father. Working for almost 12 years in his Colorado smithy, Mike uses his inherited talent and natural ingenuity to create original forms of ornamental and functional art. His designs, a combination of effort with his wife, Robin, break through the conventional barriers to transform his projects into unique sculptural statements. The resulting effect expresses harmony of design and function.
Mike's forging ability, understanding, and passion for the craft have led him to pass on his knowledge to blacksmiths by demonstrating and teaching at blacksmith conferences and schools throughout the US and Canada. His work and how-to articles have been widely published and shared throughout the art community.

The opportunity for Dan and Mike to forge and teach together is quite rare, due to the fact that they live 2000 miles apart. Dan and Mike will share their individual styles by demonstrating individually and also together to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art (including one of Dan's dragons!).

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Demonstrators Addresses

Sheldon Browder Hershel House

2900 W. John Proctor 101 Frame Road

Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 Morgantown, KY 42261-9321

(757) 220-1295 (270) 526-3493

Ryan Johnson Dan Boone Mike Boone

7620Foster-HixsonCemetaryRoad 7381ParrishRd

Hixson, TN 37343 Louisa, VA 23093 Colorado

(423) 870-8655 (540) 967-3267 (970) 527-8918

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, May 15

12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Registration open

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Banquet in the main building (Pre-registration required)

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Hospitality room open at the Ramada Inn

Friday, May 16

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM Registration open

08:00 AM - 11:30 AM Blacksmithing Demonstrations

Hershel House Forge Station 1

"Forging a Rifleman's Knife or something just as interesting"

Ryan Johnson Forge Station 2

"Forging a tomahawk."

Beginning/Intermediate Adults Blacksmithing Class at the Tent Location

08:30 AM - 11:30 AM Family Programs in the Main Building

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch & Socializing

01:30 PM - 05:00 PM Blacksmithing Demonstrations

Shelton Browder Forge Station 1

"Forging a Socket Chisel with laid on steel"

Dan and Mike Boone Forge Station 2

"Dan's Dragon Head and "

Beginning/Intermediate Blacksmithing Class at the Tent Location

02:00 PM - 05:00 PM Family Programs in the Main Building

05:00 PM - 06:30 PM Dinner and Socializing available without leaving the Fairgrounds

06:30 PM Auction by Anthony Goodrum and Tim Ryan, Main Building

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, CONTINUED

Saturday, May 17

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM Registration open

08:00 AM - 11:30 AM Blacksmithing Demonstrations

Shelton Browder Forge Station 1

"Forging a hammer with steel faces welded on!"

Dan and Mike Boone Forge Station 2

"More unique art"

Beginning/Intermediate Blacksmithing Class at the Tent Location

08:30 AM - 11:30 AM Family Programs in the Main Building

12:00 noon Memorial Anvil Shoot by Tim Ryan

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch & Socializing

01:30 PM - 05:00 PM Blacksmithing Demonstrations

Hershel House Forge Station 1

"Forging a Rifle parts or something just as interesting"

Ryan Johnson Forge Station 2

"Forging a tomahawk."

Beginning/Intermediate Blacksmithing Class at the Tent Location

02:00 PM - 05:00 PM Family Programs in the Main Building

05:00 PM - 06:30 PM Dinner & Socializing

06:30 PM Auction of Donated Demonstration Pieces, Main Building

___________________________________________________________________________________________

SAFETY

Everyone attending the conference should be continuously aware of all safety considerations. Everyone working with or watching the forging activities should wear eye protection. Safety glasses will be available at the registration and sales area. Be especially watchful with children. Parents should maintain control of their children, especially around the forge locations.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

FAMILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, May 16

08:30 am - 11:30 am Copper Enameling with Jackie Spencer fee $20 age 16 or above

Stamping with Melanie Williams fee $20 age 14 or above

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch & Socializing

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Copper Enameling with Jackie Spencer fee $20 age 16 or above

Broomtying with Linda and Benny Crevitt fee$20 age adult

Hypertufa Stone with Gail Marcengill fee $15 age 12 or above

Saturday, May 17

08:30 AM - 11:30 AM Broomtying with Linda and Benny Crevitt

Stamping with Melanie Williams

Hypertufa Stone with Gail Marcengill

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch & Socializing

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Family Program student show and tell and social.

Spinning with Pam Howard. Bring your spinning wheel, drop spindle, quilting, sewing or other handy work. Pam will be there to answer spinning questions.

Family Programs will be located in the Main Building




______________________________________________________________________________________

SAFETY

Everyone attending the conference should be continuously aware of all safety considerations. Everyone working with or watching the forging activities should wear eye protection. Safety glasses will be available at the registration and sales area. Be especially watchful with children. Parents should maintain control of their children, especially around the forge locations.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Registration Form: Southeastern Regional Blacksmith Conference

Lion's Club Fairgrounds, Madison, Georgia, May 15, 16, 17, 2003

Please indicate all membership affiliations:

___ABANA ___Alabama Forge Council ___Alex Bealer Blacksmith Assoc.

___Appalachian Area Chapter ___Florida Artist Blacksmith Association ___North Carolina Chapter

___Ocmulgee Blacksmith Guild ___Philip Simmons Artist Blacksmith Guild

Member Registration (1 Person, entire event) $50 _____

Non-member Registration (1 Person, entire event) $60 _____

Senior Citizen Registration (1 Person, entire event) $50 _____

Family Registration (all or part of the Conference) (Spouse and minor children) No additional charge this year

LATE FEES (If postmarked after April 30th or at Conference) $10 _____

Thursday Evening Banquet (must pre-register) $10 _____

Blacksmithing Class Sign-up (All classes $10 per class per person)

Friday AM Beginning/Intermediate Student's name_______________________________ $10 _____

PM Beginning/Intermediate Student's name_______________________________ $10 _____

Saturday AM Beginning/Intermediate Student's name_______________________________ $10 _____

PM Beginning/Intermediate Student's name_______________________________ $10 _____

(please print)

Family Program Sign-up, Subtotal from the previous page _____

(Include Family Program Registration Form)

Names of each family member coming with you: TOTAL _____

Spouse:_____________________________Children:__________________________________________________________________

ACKNOWLEDGMENT, NOTICE AND RELEASE

THE UNDERSIGNED does hereby, for himself, his heirs, executors and administrators acknowledge that BLACKSMITHING activities are inherently dangerous, due to the very nature of hot metal, hot sparks, sharp objects, machinery and other activities. The use of safety glasses, long sleeved cotton or wool shirts and long cotton pants and leather high topped boots are recommended, in addition to any other safety devises available, as well as not going behind barriers and keeping a safe distance from all activities.

WARNING

I wish to participate in these activities knowing they can be dangerous. I accept and assume all the risks of injury (including death) to property and me.

Should any person listed below require medical assistance for any reason during this activity and not be in a position to obtain, request or authorize such treatment at the time, such person hereby authorizes the Activity Sponsors to obtain such medical treatment or emergency care as they may deem necessary or desirable and such person agrees to hold the Activity Sponsors harmless with regard to any such emergency care or the expenses arising therefrom.

The Activity Sponsors do not condone the drinking of alcohol or taking of drugs at Activities. If you are taking any drugs or medications that might effect your ability to participate in this Activity or are otherwise do not have the experience, knowledge or ability to participate in this Activity please do not participate.

If your group includes a minor child, a parent or legal guardian must sign this Acknowledgment, Notice and Release for each minor child and the minor's name must be printed next to the parent or guardian's name.

In case of emergency please notify:

Name: __________________________________ Telephone (_____)___________________

Acknowledged and agreed to this _____ day of ___________, 2003.

___________________________________ _______________________________________

Your Signature Your Spouses Signature

Name for name tag:__________________________________ Name for name tag:________________________________________

Send in this registration form before April 30, 2003 with check or money order made out to:

"Southern Blacksmith Association, Inc."

Mail before April 30, 2003 to: (please print - important for 2005 Notification)

Karen Wheeler Name_________________________________________

10250 NE 50th Street Address_______________________________________

Bronson, Florida 32621 City:__________________________State____________Zip___________

Previous event coverage, Vol. 13 space space
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