Vista Forge

05/08/2024

View the May Vista Forge Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/89564fa4ec9a/classes-and-events-at-vista-forge-17763658

05/02/2024

Metal Arts Building - Saturday, May 11, 2024 9 am to 12 pm

Blacksmith tools and equipment exchange!

Vista Forge members will be selling/swapping personal tools and equipment. If you have unneeded blacksmith or metalworking tools or forging materials to sell, bring them and join in the fun!

03/14/2024

Don't Forget this weekend's elective class!

March 16th! Come learn the basics of forging a rasp hatchet plus the added skill of forging a San Mai insert in the blade. Demystify the San Mai technique used for centuries for farm and carpentry tools. Bodhi will provide rasps, mandrels, and handles. You will be able to leave with a San Mai hatchet with handle. Email [email protected] to sign up! (Prerequisite: Blacksmithing 101)

03/13/2024

We had a great time making tongs this past weekend!

02/29/2024

March 16th! Come learn the basics of forging a rasp hatchet plus the added skill of forging a San Mai insert in the blade. Demystify the San Mai technique used for centuries for farm and carpentry tools. Bodhi will provide rasps, mandrels, and handles. You will be able to leave with a San Mai hatchet with handle. Email [email protected] to sign up! (Prerequisite: Blacksmithing 101)

01/26/2024

https://www.calsmith.org/CBA-Events

10/28/2023

Our first knife making group met today. Demo by Dave Catchpole.

10/26/2023

Steel, templates, and scales ready for Saturday! Vista Forge's first knife maker's meeting!

10/08/2023

Blacksmithing is a centuries-old craft that is both rewarding and challenging. It is a great way to get in touch with your creative side and learn a new skill that will last a lifetime. Our beginner blacksmithing classes are designed to teach you the basics of the craft, including safety procedures, heating and shaping metal, and basic forging techniques. You will also have the opportunity to create your own unique projects, such as knives, tools, and other decorative items.

Our classes are taught by experienced and certified blacksmiths who are passionate about teaching others. We provide all of the necessary tools and materials, so all you need to do is come ready to learn and have fun! Sign up for a beginner blacksmithing class today and start your journey into the world of metalworking at https://www.agsem.com/Blacksmith-Classes.php

08/12/2023

Do you have any interest in knifemaking? Take this quick survey to let us know your preferences.

We are considering starting a knifemaking group at Vista Forge and want to know your interests in the subject. Please respond even if you aren't interested in joining!

Take the survey here: https://us20.list-manage.com/survey?u=a06b5a916df3aed88fc47d77f&id=b943f4a08d&e=*|UNIQID|*

07/31/2023

It was a great day of knife making at Vista Forge Saturday! 4 blacksmith knives forged, hardened, and ready for tempering and sharpening! Great effort by everyone!

07/19/2023

Quick link for info and registration for our Blacksmith 101 classes. We have adult and youth-paired (10+) sessions available through the AGSEM museum.

https://www.agsem.com/Blacksmith-Classes.php

07/17/2023

Images from the forge!
CBA Instructor training was held at Vista Forge on July 15th. Dave Carroll taught a class on a reversed basket twist that was challenging for even experienced smiths!

04/12/2023

For conference map and brochure click the link below.

04/12/2023

It's time! The CBA Spring Conference begins tomorrow with an excellent line up of demonstrations, presentations, and classes. It's never too late to join us. Click the link to register. https://www.calsmith.org/event-4847459

04/08/2023

Starting this Thursday, we will have some of the most talented blacksmiths all gathered in one place. The Annual California Blacksmith Association Spring Conference is just 5 days away! Don't forget to register! calsmith.org/event-4847459

04/03/2023

Looking forward to the the Vista Viking Festival this September!

Vista Viking Festival returns for its 21st year on September 16th & 17th 2023.

Vista Viking Festival, Southern California’s premier Viking Event, is moving 2 miles down the road to the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum team Engine Museum (AGSEM). For the past 20 years, Norway Hall played host to the Vista Viking Festival but we have outgrown our humble home.

The new space will be over twice the size meaning:
More Viking Villages and re-enactors,
More Viking Vendors
More Food Vendors
More space for Viking Sports
More space for Viking Combat
More space for Guest Competitions.
Weapons Range
Blacksmithing
ADA accessible -- no more climbing hills or cramped spaces.
Parking will be at the event -- No more shuttle buses.

Entertainment will include:
Southern CA Damekor
Silk Button Butchers,
Blindfold Monks
Highland Way.

Tickets may be purchased online: Adults (18+) $22.50 until 7 Sep 2023 ($25 after), Youth (12-17) $10, Child (6-11) $5, 5 & under -- Free.

Full information at www.VistaVikingFestival.com
Tickets are on sale at https://www.simpletix.com/e/vista-viking-festival-tickets-129048

The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum is located at 2040 N. Santa Fe Drive, Vista CA.

Vista Viking Festival is presented by Hall Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, whose purpose is to promote and sustain Norwegian and Scandinavian culture.

Vista Viking Festival proudly supports the MS National Walk as part of team Norwegian Fish Club Odin -- please donate to help the National Multiple Sclerosis Society fund MS research and support those with MS https://mssociety.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.team&teamID=32338

04/03/2023

Victoria Ritter discuses the basket handle she will be demonstrating at this year's spring conference! She will also be there to give help and feeback on your curriculum projects. Come to this year's conference and experience this great demo! Sign up below!
https://www.calsmith.org/event-4847459

03/29/2023

How to have an epic Spring Conference? Bookend it with the sites of San Diego. Go to the beach, the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park, Sea World, 20+ craft breweries, restaurants, or even whale watching or fishing. If you don't get down this way often, Spring Conference is a great excuse to make a vacation of it. Register here now.
https://www.calsmith.org/event-4847459

03/28/2023

Spring Conference Hands-on: One of the greatest parts of smithing is the history that comes with it. This year, Chris Branuelas will take us on a journey through time with fire steels from the neolithic period to modern times. As a special treat, fire steel kits will be available for purchase and to practice at open forge. You won't want to miss this. Register here. https://www.calsmith.org/event-4847459

03/26/2023

Leah Aripotch will be demonstrating her unique blacksmithing and fabrication sculpture techniques at the 2023 CBA Spring Conference at Visa Forge, April 13-15th!

Register now at www.calsmith.org/CBA-events

More about Leah: https://www.leaharipotch.com/sculpture

Music by Vladimir Ershov "Alexi-Action-Uplifting-Pop-Main-Version-pr" (c) copyright 2010 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

03/25/2023

Spring Conference Hands-On: This year Mark Asprey will be teaching Chain links, Level 1 gate latch, Wizard head bottle opener, and a rush lamp. There will be something for everyone to learn. See you at Conference! https://www.calsmith.org/event-4847459

03/24/2023

Young Blacksmiths! Come join us at Spring Conference! Miguel de los Rios has the perfect youth project in store for you! In his class, you'll learn to forge a basic blacksmith knife. Register today to join this session.
https://www.calsmith.org/event-4847459

03/20/2023

This Spring Conference you won't want to miss seeing 2009 World Forg ing Champion, Zeevik Gottlieb demonstrate forging human forms. Be sure to register for this one of a kind demonstration. https://www.calsmith.org/event-4847459

03/18/2023

Spring Conference Hands-on: Join us as we watch David Gottfredson forge a St. Clement's candelabra. Designed by Beth Holmberg, this hanging candelabra will hold two candles. Register here
https://www.calsmith.org/event-4847459

03/14/2023

Spring Conference Hands-on: Did you know that mokume gane means "wood-grain metal" and was first developed in Japan In the 17th century? Well this Spring Conference, Evan Pintzuk will demonstrate this ancient method using a roll of US quarters! You just have to see this! Join us April 13 - 15th in San Diego! https://www.calsmith.org/event-4847459

03/08/2023

Spring Conference Hands-on: Don't miss Victoria Ritter's class where she will teach forge us to make a fire poker with a forge welded basket handle. It's a skill you will use time and time again. So join us in San Diego April 13 - 15 at Vista Forge! Register here
https://www.calsmith.org/event-4847459

03/07/2023

Spring Conference has always been a place to see friends, test skills, and learn new techniques and tools. Spring Conference 2023 will not disappoint with more than 20 sessions, classes, demonstrations, and competitions. Join us April 13 - 15th at Vista Forge in San Diego. Register herehttps://www.calsmith.org/event-4847459

Jake will be working with select CBA smiths to forge a large-scale sculpture to hold a lantern! See his plan sketch below!

03/05/2023

Getting Down to Business: Blacksmithing isn't all hammers and fire. Sometimes we have to take care of the bottom line. This year at Spring Conference, Jerry Coe will deliver a two part talk on the Business of Blacksmithing. With 40 years of blacksmith shop experience, Jerry knows how to deliver for clients around the world. Register now to hear his talk.