welding women

Small Groups and Private Classes

If you have a group of friends or a team interested in exploring some new challenges together, you can sign up for a small private session to complete a project of your creation! Prices vary based on group size and project type. Email us at info@desertmetalcraft.org to organize your custom event.


Classes are grouped below into:

  • Open Events
  • Bladesmithing
  • Blacksmithing
  • Welding
  • Metal Art/Science

If you can’t find what you are looking for, please email us at info@desertmetalcraft.org and we’ll be happy to help.


OPEN EVENTS


open forge

Open Forge

Join us at Desert Metal Craft for our monthly open house, to see how we operate and discover which classes are for you. FREE event for the whole community! If you are already enrolled in a DMC class, or a former student, feel free to bring a project to work on in the forge. If you are not yet a student, watch a demo and meet local blacksmiths and metal artists.

Drop by the shop and work on your metal projects. Noon till 8 pm. Must be current or former student. Please buy shop hours online first and email us with your preferred work times.


Our Instructors:

Please take a minuet to look over our community page to see who your instructors are. Most of our instructors have been with us since the beginning and we believe this speaks to our commitment to the artist community here in the southwest. Also if you are an artist/instructor and would like to teach a class with us at Desert Metal Craft please contact us and let us know how we can work together to serve the community better.


New Classes to DMC!

These are first run classes at Desert Metal Craft. We bring you the best the world has to offer in metal arts of all kinds so check back often to see what we have to offer.

To access the store at anytime just press any of the “Enroll” buttons

calendar of classes

Bladesmithing and Knife Making


Principles of material flow and reverse engineering Damascus patterns

Instructor: Mareko Maumasi of Maumasi fire arts

This is a two day seminar course with Mareko Maumasi, deep diving into the understanding of material flow, and how the way we forge our Damascus steel impacts the resulting patterns. We then take this understanding to help reverse engineer Damascus patterns as well as to accurately predict and plan patterns.

This is a course in advanced pattern theory and not a conventional “Make and Take” course. What you will leave the class with is a deeper understanding of how material moves and the ability to apply that new knowledge to future pattern welding designs, helping your work to stand out in an ocean of Bladesmiths.”

  • March 18th-19th 2024 (10am-3pm EACH DAY)

come and learn from the master of his craft to demystify the art of modern pattern welded steel! $350



Forged Fighting Knife 

Instructor: Nick Rossi

In this 4 day workshop students will complete a 7-8” camp/combat knife in the spirit of the Randall model 1, Ka Bar and the Moran ST 23. These knives will be full tang construction with an integrated finger guard. This project features some fun intermediate level forging including material management and tooling. Come make a razor sharp fighter ready for use in the service, field or camp! Familiarity with shop tools and power hammer recommended. 

  • Dec. 7th-10th 2023 (9am-5pm Each Day)

Learn from the master of his craft! $1250

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Bowie Knife Class with Jon Wick

Instructor: Jon Wick

Accomplished bladesmith Jon Wick, who forged a claymore sword in S2E3 of Forged in Fire, leads this master class on making a Classic Bowie Knife with a forged guard.

Intermediate skill level recommended.

  Jan. 4th – 7th 2024 (9am-5pm Each Day)

Don’t Miss out on Jon Wick and this classic Bowie! $995

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Youth Knife Making

Instructor: Rich Greenwood

In this two-day class, youth (12-15 yrs) will experience what its like to safely forge, grind, heat treat and finish their very own knife just like they do on the hit television show Forged In Fire! This class is hard work but well worth it and will teach a little of all we offer here at Desert Metal Craft. Be sure to pack a lunch and drink plenty of water since class runs from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. both days (Saturday and Sunday). 

  •  Sept. 23rd – 24th 2023 (9am – 5pm Each Day)
  •  April 20th 2024 (9am-5pm)

Your road to Mastersmith begins here! $425.00

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bladesmithing 100

Bladesmithing 100

Instructor: Mario Hernandez

Students meet twice a week for 2.5 hours per session on this 6-week course that introduces the fundamentals of bladesmithing. Begin with shop safety and an overview of tools, and move on to basic forging techniques to create your own knife. Students learn the techniques needed to forge, grind, heat treat, polish and sharpen knives.

  • Sept. 5th – Oct 12th 2023 T/Th 6pm-8:30pm
  • Oct. 24th – Dec. 5th 2023 T/Th 6pm-8:30pm
  • Jan. 9th – Feb. 15th 2024 T/Th 6pm-8:30pm
  • Feb. 27th – April 4th 2024 T/Th 6pm-8:30pm

Try your hand at being the bladesmith you know you are! $695

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Intermediate Bladesmithing/Knife Making

Instructor: Michael Seronde

Rich Greenwood former forged in fire two time runner up (s1e1/s3e2) is back teaching this class that was formerly Bladesmithing 200, in this class students meet twice a week for 2.5 hours per session on this 8-week intermediate course that focuses on fit and finish of chef Knives and hunting style knives. Students should already have a good grasp of basic blade forging and finishing techniques, so Bladesmithing 100 or equivalent is a prerequisite for this class.

  • Jan. 15th – Mar. 6th 2024 M/W 6pm-8:30pm

Brush up on what you’ve learned in the 100 class while learning some new tricks! $795

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Blade-Sharpening Workshop

Instructor: Rich Greenwood

In this three hour class, You will receive a free Japanese kitchen knife (a $125 value) which you will sharpen during the class. Once sharp, you get to take it home! – 6 participants Max -Aaannnddd, of course, you will learn how to make a new edge on a dull knife and to maintain it at home, and much more.

  • April 21st 2024 (10am-3pm)

Get the edge you’ve always wanted!

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bladesmithing 100

Bladesmithing 100 Intensive

Instructor: Rich Greenwood

this intensive class covers almost all the material from our 8-week entry-level course, Bladesmithing 100, and does it in 32 hours over four days!

  • Sept. 7th-10th 2023 (9am-5pm Each Day)

Come and make the knife of your dreams! $795

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Damascus workshop

Instructor: Rich Greenwood

With instruction by Forged in Fire finalist Rich Greenwood, make a modern pattern welded version of the Damascus steel highly prized for millennia by swordsmiths of the ancient world, now used by skilled bladesmiths and jewelers to make collectible knives and other artworks. Steel provided. Each student will have the opportunity to construct a billet of pattern welded steel (about 2 pounds) and learn the process for future use in a project of their liking.

  • Sat. April 6th 2024 (9am-5pm)

learn to diffuse steel into steel! How darn cool is that!?! $375

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one-piece knife

Knife in a Day

Instructor: Rich Greenwood

Hand-forge a basic knife from high-carbon steel. Spend the day hammering a blade to shape, flat grinding and beveling, hardening and tempering, and finishing and sharpening, to produce a one-piece blacksmith’s knife.

  • Sun. Feb. 25th 2024 (9am-5pm)

Make it, Don’t buy it! $375

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BLACKSMITHING



blacksmithing for beginners

Blacksmithing for Beginners

Instructor: Sean Lindsay

If you’ve never heated metal in a forge and swung a hammer to shape it on an anvil, this is the class for you! Learn the absolute basics of blacksmithing on our half-day course. Get an introduction to the safety, tools and techniques of this ancient art. Leave the shop confident in your abilities, and holding your first forged steel creation.

Class Dates 

  • Nov. 18th 2023 3pm-7pm (Ages 12-17)
  • Dec. 15th 2023 3pm-7pm
  • Jan. 19th 2024 3pm-7pm
  • Feb. 17th 2024 3pm-7pm (Ages 12-17)
  • March 1st 2024 3pm-7pm
  • April 5th 2024 3pm-7pm
  • May 31st 2024 3pm-7pm (Ages 12-17)

Please select your preferred class when you get to our online store. $225

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botanical forms

Intermediate Blacksmithing: Botanical Forms

Instructor: Sean Lindsay

Forging leaves, flowers and other natural forms is painstaking and detailed but the results can be spectacular when done right. Experienced blacksmith Steven Fisher will lead students through the specialist techniques needed to produce lifelike decorative ironwork.

  • Jan. 12th -13th 2024 (5pm-9pm, 9am-2pm)

Get your leaves and flowers on! $295

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WELDING


welding

Welding for Beginners

Instructor: Gina Santaniello

Learn the basic procedures and techniques of gas metal arc welding (GMAW). Class includes safety and environmental practices, welding terminology, GMAW equipment, proper welding procedures, welding positions, five weld joints, joint preparation, welding equipment operation and welding techniques, shielding gases, and mild steel welding.

  • Sat. Sept. 30th 2023 (8am – 4pm)
  • Sat. Feb. 10th 2024 (8am-4pm)

Familiarity with power tools and shop procedures recommended. $495

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TIG 100

Instructor: Gina Santaniello

Have you ever wanted to learn how to TIG weld? Thinking about getting into projects with Aluminum, Stainless Steel or Specialty Steels? This is where you want to start! This class will cover multiple types of machine set ups, safety, fusion welding technique and how to add filler rod to your welds. *This class is a prerequisite for the TIG 200 class*

  • Sat. Aug. 26th 2023 (8am – 4pm)
  • May 25th 2024 (8am – 4pm)

Tungsten inert gas, yup thats what it stands for! come and TIG in to some welding! $575.00

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Intermediate Welding

Intermediate Welding

Instructor: Liz Cameron and Rich Greenwood

Apply the basic procedures and techniques of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) to fabricate the perfect square. Class includes safety and environmental practices, welding terminology, GMAW equipment, proper welding procedures, welding positions, weld joints, joint preparation, welding equipment operation and welding techniques, shielding gases, and mild steel welding all to apply your skills to your first fabrication project.  You will be able to make the perfect squares and rectangles for your home projects whether it is a door frame, planter box, table, bed frame, squat rack or a simple stand.

  • Sat. Oct. 14th 2023 (8am-4pm)
  • Sun. Nov. 19th 2023 (8am-4pm)
  • Sat. Jan. 27th 2024 (8am-4pm)
  • Sat. Mar. 9th 2024 (8am-4pm)

Put those beginners skills to the test! $495

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art fab

Art Welding Workshop

This one-day workshop involves welding your custom design. Send us a drawing and talk to us about your vision, and we’ll work with you to forge and weld it into reality. Students become familiar with various techniques of basic design, fabrication, cutting, shaping, forging and MIG welding.

  • Nov. 18th 2023 (8am-4pm)
  • Mar. 2nd 2024 (8am-4pm)

Learn to weld your art! $375

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welding women

Welding for Women

Instructor: Gina Santaniello

Two-day skills-based course for women only. Students work 4 hours a day on their custom design for a fabricated metal sculpture. The course covers basic concepts in design, fabrication, cutting, shaping and MIG welding. Students are welcome to bring scrap metal for their sculpture.

  •  Sat. Jan. 20th 2024 (8am-4pm)
  • Sat. April 13th 2024 (8am-4pm)

Women, trans & femme welcome. $495

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METAL ART/SCIENCE



Silversmithing 100

Instructor: Jonathan Wick

Similar to the weekend long class, this 4-week long class includes; introduction to silver, tool safety overview, learn to use gas torch to make earrings, simple wire rings, stone setting, soldering, make pendants with cup bezel, then advanced pendant with pierced work and custom bezel. Class will meet every Monday and Wednesday for 4 weeks either in the mornings or evenings.

  • April 1st-24th 2024 (M/W 6pm-8pm)

Mix it up with Jonathan! $435

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Copper Fold Forming and Sheath Making w/Jon Wick

Instructor: Jon Wick

Accomplished bladesmith Jon Wick, who forged a claymore sword in S2E3 of Forged in Fire, leads this master class on Fold Forming copper that can be used with all non ferrous metals. This technique can be used for all sorts of projects from jewelry to knife sheaths

  • Mar. 30th and 31st (9am-5pm Each Day)

learn to fold copper the right way! $295

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Intermediate Stone Setting

Instructor: Momoko Okada

Wondering what to do with all the great gemstones you bought at the Tucson Gem Show? Learn to set stones and make silver bracelet! We will go over tube setting and gypsy setting techniques then you will dive into making a bracelet of your own design bracelet. This workshop is for intermediate level so you should already know how to cut, file, and solder metal. However, this class would allow for advanced level students so you can work at your pace and work on projects that are interesting to you.

  •  Dec. 16th-17th 2023 (10am-5pm Each Day)

Get a bit more advanced with your stones! $500

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Coppersmithing Flowers

Instructor: Momoko Okada

By repeatedly hammering a sheet of copper in a certain way, you can create various leaf and flower forms. Different shapes of hammer leave unique and organic patterns on the copper surface and gives an original texture. After creating copper forms, we will attach colored silver leaf to add some color to your creations. Please bring picture of your favorite plants to work on!

  •  Sept. 2nd-3rd 2023 (10am-4pm Each Day)

Come and hammer out some flowers! $425

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heat treatment

Heat-Treatment Fundamentals

Instructor: Liz Cameron

(This class is now “virtual” and conducted on Zoom)

Smiths heat-treat steel to change its microstructure and to bring out the physical and mechanical characteristics they desire in their metal. Little frustrates smiths more than a quench that ruins hours or weeks of forging.

Guesswork is not enough. An understanding of steel microstructures and heat-treatment processes gives smiths a detailed inside look at the metal they are working, and helps them master their steel and predict how it will behave. This is truly where art meets science.

Lecturer Liz Cameron worked in the steel industry and has a master’s degree in materials science and engineering. She has an expert-level knowledge of heat-treatment and how it affects steel’s strength, hardness, toughness and ductility.

  • Dates to be determined
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Past Classes


Don Nguyen Chef Knife Master Class

Learn from Master Chef Knife maker, Don Nguyen, to make a stock removal style chef knife. The class start with a heat treated blank and cover basic geometry of knifemaking, grinding, heat treating, handle making and sharpening. Get the secrets to a perfect fit and finish for a chef’s knife from the master! This class will run 9am to 5pm each day.

  • Nov. 9th – 12th 2023 (9am-5pm Each Day)

back and sharper than ever, don’t hesitate, this class will sell out fast!


Utensils w/ Anna Koplik

Instructor: Anna Koplik!!

*This class has been rescheduled, please not the new dates*

These 2-day workshops will show you how to make your own hand-forged spoons and spatulas! We will cover the basics of forging to make your own steel and brass utensils. This workshop will encourage students to explore various decorative techniques and designs to make their own unique and functional hand-forged objects. This class is great for those new to blacksmithing or for people with some prior forging experience who want to build their skills.


Japanese Nunome Zogan

Instructor: Momoko Okada

Nunome Zogan (cloth texture overlay) is one of the traditional Japanese inlay techniques. History of the Japanese Nunome inlay technique begins from Damascus, Syria. The technique, called “Damascene,” came through the Silk Road into Japan. The most common Nunome zogan process uses gold or silver foil on steel or iron. In this class, you will be learning School Nunome zogan. This technique is inlaying onto non-ferrous metal, such as silver, brass, or Japanese copper alloy (Shibuichi and Shakudo) instead of steel; however, the process can be used on steel. This class will start out making your own Nunome chisel and a hammer handle. Traditional Japanese patina process will also be covered. Great for the beginner and experienced maker alike, this class covers the basics, but also offers the opportunity for skill refinement for more advanced students.


Traditional Japanese Inlay

Instructor: Momoko Okada

Delve into the art of Japanese inlay. In this fast-paced workshop, you will begin by creating your own set of specialized Japanese metal inlay chisels. Then explore the process of Japanese dot inlay(Ten-zogan) and line inlay (Sen-zogan) and gain skills using various Japanese alloys such as Shibuichi. Traditional patination process (Ni-iro) will be covered. Great for beginners and experienced makers alike, this class covers basics, but also offers the opportunity for skill refinement.
Tuition includes but is not limited to:
• Otafuku Hammer (imported from Japan)
• Blank Chisels x 3
• Shibuichi sheet- Nami-Shibuichi (1.5mm) & Kuro-Shibuichi (1.2mm) -(imported from Japan)
• Fine silver wire 22ga. (1ft)
• Copper wire 22ga. (1ft)
• Copper sheet 18ga.
• Drill bit (#72/ 22ga.)
• Handmade Japanese Black Pitch on wooden board
• Japanese Patination materials


Forged in Fire Competition series!

Instructor: Rich Greenwood and special guest judges!

Maximum of four participants so get your spot fast! In this simulation of Forged in Fire’s rounds one and two you will work against the clock recreating some of the same challenges from the show but in this simulation you will have the guidance of a seasoned veteran of the show (Rich Greenwood runner up on season one, episode one and season three, episode two) to answer any questions you may have along the way! at the end of this class/competition you will be judged just like in the show and the winner of the class will win……. a free class of your choice!!


Spoon Making

Instructor: Momoko Okada

Let’s make a one-of-a-kind copper spoon!
In this 3 hour workshop, you will create your own handcrafted spoon by hammering copper.
This is a fun and quick workshop to learn the spoon making process and it is a great gift for newborn babies and friends.
Silver spoon options are limited but available with advanced notice. You can take multiple sessions to create a set of spoons or more!


Forged chef knife w/ Nick Rossi

Instructor: Nick Rossi

Learn to make high performance kitchen knives from start to finish. Every aspect of the process will be demonstrated and explained in detail from material selection to final sharpening. Each participant should expect to complete at least one 6-8” chef knife in an eastern or western style featuring a 1084 blade with an exotic wood handle. While no prior experience is necessary, some experience with bladesmithing may be useful.


Women’s Silver Pin Making

Instructor: Liz Cameron

In this 4 hour woman-lead workshop you will create a beautiful silver pin by learning how to cast and press silver into your choice of pre-made dies! You will then learn how to saw cut, dress, solder everything together and finish it off with a fine polish or liver of sulfur finish for a deeper contrast! This class is excellent for beginners wanting to try out silversmithing! For Women by Women!


Blacksmith’s Apprentice Workshop

Instructor: Steven Fisher

Learn what it takes to be a blacksmith’s apprentice and walk away with the ultimate guide to learning all your basic blacksmithing techniques and skills to continue practicing at home or in open shop!!


Forge Making

Instructor: Steven Fisher

Make this single brick, two-burner forge with Steven Fisher. This is a great tool for any bladesmith or blacksmith starting their own shop. Class does not include a stand.


Copper Smithing

Instructor: Momoko Okada

Copper’s malleability and attractive color make it ideal for forging, especially in the summer months when a using a 2,000-degree forge (which steel requires) can make shop work a test of endurance. Copper lends itself to forging items as diverse as cookware, belt buckles and knife sheaths, as well as amulets, bracelets and necklaces. A quick heat treatment with a small flame source creates a rainbow of temper colors and creates a vintage patina.



The Fine Print

No refunds will be issued for purchases older than 60 days, you can still have credit if the following criteria is satisfied. Four or more weeks before class begins, class fee is 100% refundable or 100% of fee paid can be used as credit toward future classes (pending availability and excluding master classes). Fee is 50% refundable if cancellation occurs 2-4 weeks before class begins, and 50% of fee paid can be used as credit toward future classes (pending availability and excluding master classes). If you cancel less than 2 weeks before class begins, we regret that the fee is not refundable and cannot be used as credit toward future classes. This ensures we have time to fill last-minute course vacancies. Cancelation fees may apply.