


forestART

Sisters of Fire
June 28-30th, 2025
Registration - $395
+ Meals ($180) & Kit Fee ($125)
Join M.Craig Campbell Blacksmith at the Ness Creek Site for the 2025 Sister of Fire, all women, self-directed, metal maker’s class! Ness Creek provides the perfect location, a forest-getaway. Craig provides all the equipment from traditional hammer, anvil and forge to modern cutting and welding fabrication tools. You provide your best ideas and some basic materials. Together we bring your creations to reality in this three-day hands-on experience.
Craig can help you source the metal your project requires. Feel free to incorporate other materials (stone, wood, ceramic, glass, textiles) into your work.​​​​










About M.Craig Campbell
Said to Craig one day, "You create because you have to create. You like the feel of metal, you like the potential in metal. You like simplicity in your designs because the metal itself has something to say. You like the noise, the smells, the fire, and the weight of what you do. You like to open the doors and let people wander in. You like to talk about what you do. You never tire of telling people about the material, techniques, joinery and finishes. You like to teach. You want to learn."
Craig began blacksmithing in 1992 at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon. A hobby that became a passion and then a career, blacksmithing has taken him across Canada and across oceans. Craig looks forward to sharing his knowledge with you at Ness Creek.
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Please visit:
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​​What is Provided
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metal
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coal forges
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blacksmith coal
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anvils on stands
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leg/post vises
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swage block
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several tongs
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2 slack tubs
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several chisels and punches, swages and fullers
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soap stone markers
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wire brushes
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hack saws
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hammers
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What to Bring
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leather and cotton clothing (no synthetics)
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leather footwear
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safety eyewear
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hearing protection
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hat or bandanna (optional)
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thermal mug / water bottle
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note/sketch book
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Other Important Information
Safety Gear
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for blacksmithing is mostly common sense. Cotton and leather clothing, no synthetics that melt in high heat or spark.
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Safety eyeware is highly recommended. Non-prescription safety glasses are easily available. A larger version or goggles can be used over prescription glasses.
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Gloves help protect you from burns and blisters. Snug fitting leather gloves offer better dexterity and control while a much looser fit can be flung off in a single motion if required. Some blacksmiths wears a glove on his left hand and almost never on his right (hammer) hand.
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Hearing protection is a must. Disposable roll-up foam earplugs or the over-the-ear cup-style hearing defenders; both are fine.
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Many smiths employ a leather apron or chaps. Canadian Tire, Lee Valley and sometimes Princess Auto sell leather aprons.
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Headgear keeps ash from the coal fire out of your hair. A hat, bandana or no head gear is your choice.
Hammers
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Blacksmith hammers have do not have completely flat faces and no sharp edges. All surfaces are radiused.
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We will supply a wide variety (shape and weight) of hammers for you to experiment with. You are encouraged to change hammers often to discover their various forms and applications and to find your favourite weight/style.
Burns
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Small superficial burns are almost inevitable when staring out. Be assured that if you accidentally touch hot steel you will quickly let go and harm will be minimal if any. A bit of burn ointment and a coffee break take care of most mishaps. Best practice is to assume all metal is hot until you know otherwise. In groups we always insist you put hot steel on the ground under the coal forge.
Can I make my own project?
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No (with a bit of latitude).
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This is a short course and most of it is spent learning the basics of forging. The course allows some time at the end for participants to experiment with the skills they learn. This is your opportunity for creativity. Plus, each assigned project allows for some personal expression.
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How to Get Here
Our classes take place at the Ness Creek Site. Click here to download directions or If you prefer a little technological assistance during your adventures, look up “Ness Creek Site” on Google Maps. Keep in mind, though, that you might lose signal as you get closer to the site.
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Optional Meal Add-On
More info coming soon.
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Accommodations
Please book directly with Ness Core









