Design and Make Your Own Waffle Iron

Each student will create a 7î diameter stovetop waffle iron with a waffle pattern of your own design. We will make sand molds and use a cupola furnace to melt the iron. At the spectacular iron pour event, students prepare iron and coke charges, operate the cupola, and pour molten iron into their new mold.

Stone Carving

Learn to carve stone using traditional hand tools. With hammer and chisel you can enjoy the satisfaction of turning a raw piece of stone into a unique creation. All tools will be provided. During the first session, you will learn about selecting your stone and where to buy it. The Crucible may also have a small selection of stone for purchase, for approximately $35 per stone. Returning students are welcome.

Decorative Copper Cuff

Using a six-inch by two-inch piece of copper, you will learn to anneal, hammer texture, stamp, and roll out texture. After the desired texture is achieved, you will use the Bonny Doon Press to form the shape of your cuff, then finish by adding more texture, polishing, or blackening.

Women’s Blacksmithing

Learn blacksmithing taught by women, for women! This class covers the fundamentals needed to forge steel and understand blacksmithing tools. We will introduce tapering, upsetting, flattening, dishing, and bending of hot steel—all the same skills and techniques as in Blacksmithing I. You will make small projects, such as spoons, knives, forks, and hooks. This class is an inclusive, welcoming environment for women and gender-expansive individuals.

Build A Skateboard

Build your very own custom skateboard from seven layers of hard maple veneer. Learn to shape a foam mold, the woodworking techniques, and the concepts of vacuum press veneering for bending wood. You will practice using basic woodworking power tools, including the band saw and power sanders, as well as hand tools, such as files, rasps, and planes. Apply a basic wood finish and set up your skateboard deck to ride.

Wind Chimes

Create your own welded wind chime! Students will weld a metal rectangular wind chime box, plasma cut their unique design on the sides, and hang steel chain, hooks, and cut metal pieces to create a unique and eye-catching wind chime. Then all you need is wind for a gorgeous visual and tonal work of art.

Bundle Dyeing

Learn the beautiful art of bundle dyeing with plants! In this class, you will gain an understanding of how to work with natural dyes as you explore the process of bundle dyeing. We will cover an introduction to natural dye plants and different types of fabric. We will work with natural dyestuffs including food scraps, fresh and dried flowers, eucalyptus, and more. You will learn how to bundle dye on silk and cotton, including how to prepare the fabric, place the dyestuffs, wrap the fabric, and steam the fabric on a stovetop. No prior experience necessary – beginners welcome.

Family Baubles and Bling

Join The Crucible for some family fun while learning about jewelry making! In family groups, you will learn to make customized and engraved pendants by creating a collage pattern encased with plexiglass and copper. Then work together to create decorative polymer clay baubles that may be used as ornaments, window hangings, or accessories. This workshop is specially designed for children ages 5-7 years old with accompanying adult(s). The cost is per person, for both children and adults.

Making Multiples: Slip Casting Ceramics

Create ceramic multiples! Whether you are interested in making multiple vessels or sculptures, this class covers the basic moldmaking techniques. We will make molds from existing objects and cast clay multiples using clay slip. The clay castings will then be finished, kiln-fired, and glazed. Your personal objects are welcome and should be brought to the first class, and objects can be no larger than 5″ x 5″ x 5″.

Iron Casting

In this course, you will complete a finished iron sculpture. You will explore mold construction and preparation while building your own sand mold with resin-bonded sand. Learn the steps required to prepare the cupola for an iron pour. At the spectacular iron pour event, students prepare iron and coke charges, operate the cupola, and pour molten iron into their new mold. NOTE: This class has an additional Saturday session on May 7 from 10am-2pm.