Ages 12+ • 3 Hours • Max 4 People
Spend three hours forging a working gardening trowel in Hillsborough, NC—perfect for curious makers and gardeners. Small classes (max 4) and hands-on instruction mean you’ll leave with a finished tool and new metalworking skills.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 Hours
Fitness Level
Moderate standing stamina and reasonable upper-body strength for hammering; suitable for most ages 12 and up.
Wildlife
History
Hillsborough is a small Piedmont town with colonial-era roots and a long local craft tradition that complements hands-on workshops.
Conservation
Instructors typically encourage low-waste practices and may use responsibly sourced handle woods; visitors should follow studio guidelines to minimize impact.
Ages 12+ • 3 Hours • Max 4 People
Wear closed-toe shoes
Steel-shaping sparks and hot scale are common; sturdy closed-toe shoes protect your feet in the workshop.
Tie back long hair and avoid loose clothing
Loose fabric can catch or drag near the forge—secure hair and wear fitted, natural-fiber clothing.
Come rested and hydrated
Three hours of standing and focused hammering is surprisingly tiring; bring water and eat beforehand.
Book early and confirm materials
Small class sizes mean spots fill fast; check the booking page for included materials and upgrade options.
Closed-toe work shoes
Protects feet from sparks and heavy tools while standing for the session.
Leather apron
Shields clothing from scale, sparks, and sharp edges during forging.
Work gloves
Provides grip and protection when handling hot or rough metal and rivets.
Safety glasses
Eye protection is critical when hammering, cutting, and punching metal.