Forging Concepts: Ideas to Reality Workshop – Taught by Ellen Durkan.

No prior Blacksmithing experience necessary. Open to all skill levels.

Group class, up to 6 people - Cost $600 per person, materials included. No hidden fees.
3 Day Class - Dates March 21st - 23rd, 2025

We are very excited to welcome Ellen Durkan as a guest teacher this March!

Ellen Durkans Bio.
I am an artist blacksmith from Wilmington, Delaware. I create wearable “Forged Fashion” art that I present through performance runway shows. I teach blacksmith classes, art related workshops and present forging demonstrations for conferences and events.  I received my Graduate Degree in Fine Arts in sculpture and then got into blacksmithing and have been working in metal for around 15 years. My current body of work is inspired by the human body, it is created to be worn; it embraces physical and emotional vulnerability. I enjoy creating pieces to fit the complex forms of the figure and how each piece takes on a new presence with a new wearer. I create forged work to decorate the body as visual and metaphorical armor.  The metal forging and forming process constantly inspires me to build challenging new creations.
Ellen is @ironmaidenforge on Instagram.

Description of workshop –

In this workshop students will learn how to go from initial thoughts to a finalized design, and how to produce that design in iron. This workshop is more about going from concept to a completed piece then it is about fashion, though the project focus is to create a piece that is wearable.

The class will begin with demonstration and practice of various forging methods, including short forging assignments to build the skills needed to construct an individual piece.
Next, you'll design and problem solve your piece with the guidance of the instructor.
We will combine different forging and forming techniques using iron bar stock.  
The class will focus on creating balanced symmetry in iron by using repetition of form, hammer control, material isolation, and movement.

Class instruction also includes safe shop practices, fire management, efficient hammer techniques, and basic forging.

Students will complete their own wearable art piece and have a chance to get some photos at the end of the workshop of them wearing their piece.

Start time is 10am (no matter the date). Class time frame 6 to 8 hours in a single day. There will be a 1-hour break for lunch.

Instructor – Ellen Durkan
Location - Damselfly Forge Inc. Located in Whiteford, MD. The location is just over the line into MD.
Address - 2737 Whiteford Rd. Whiteford, MD 21160
You will be contacted within two days of your class date with info to know before attending

Age restrictions -
For safety reasons we cannot accept students under 13 years of age.
If a student is under 18 years of age, we encourage the guardian to take the class alongside them.
If a student is under 18 years of age a guardian must be present for the entirety of the class.

Refund/Re-schedule Policy – Please Read Before Purchasing Your Class
Class purchases are Non-refundable for any cash amount.
If you should need to re-schedule your class due to illness or emergency, you will need to communicate with Derick Kemper via phone call (any time of day or night) at 410-937-4244 in order for us to be able to re-schedule your class for you. Please leave a voicemail if he is unable to pick up at the time.
We are unable to re-schedule your class for you if you text or email to initiate this request.
If you do not show up for your class without communication via phone call, your purchase of the class will not be refunded or re-scheduled. If you would like to book another class with us you will need to re-purchase, and we will be happy to have you.
Damselfly Forge Inc. reserves the right to cancel a class at any time, if this should occur, we will make every attempt to re-schedule with each student. If you are unable to re-schedule with us, we will issue a full refund of your class purchase price.

What we will provide –

Safety glasses
Ear plugs
Water
Restroom

What to bring/wear –

Your own safety glasses and ear plugs if you wish. We will provide these, but we know some people like to bring their own.

Wear closed toe shoes.
Wear natural fiber clothing.

Bring your own lunch. We ask that you please plan ahead for this. With there only being an hour for lunch during the class it makes it difficult to ensure everyone can leave and order food in that time frame and have enough time to properly eat. We ask that there not be any disruptions to the class by stepping out to call and order food ahead of time.

Our only suggestion for local food prior to the start time of the class is the local grocery store, Saubels in Whiteford, MD which opens at 8am and would give you enough time to gather your necessities.

For emergency food necessities there is the local grocery store (mentioned above) within 5 minutes of the shop.

Other food options we can suggest for after the class -

Our favorite brewery is South County Brewing Co. located in Fawn Grove, PA, 7 minutes form the shop.
They have food trucks on the weekends, subject to change.
If you are interested do check them out online before going, they post the food truck lineup on their Instagram page every weekend.

There is another local brewery called Slate Farm Brewery located in Whiteford, MD, 5 minutes from the shop.
They have a full-service kitchen and it's a great stop for a burger.

Buon Gusto Pizzeria & Grill located in Whiteford, MD is a good, locally owned Italian pizza place, order at the counter and have a seat. Also, within 5 minutes from the shop.

We look forward to having you at the shop!