Metalwork: Garden Gate
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
For ages 18 to adult - INTERMEDIATE skill level
Venue is BELLINGEN HIGH SCHOOL
This classroom is not mobility aid accessible for safety reasons
Course runs for 5 FULL-DAYS - Monday to Friday 9am until 4pm
This course has an extra materials cost of approximately $200
Need an NDIS invoice? Call Nicole on 0419 379 146 during business hours BEFORE booking.
Forge yourself a new garden gate!
Step into the ancient world of blacksmithing and create a stunning garden gate that will grace your outdoor space for generations.
This intensive hands-on workshop combines time-honored forging traditions with modern metalworking techniques to produce a beautifully crafted piece that's both functional and artistic.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
For ages 18 to adult - INTERMEDIATE skill level
Venue is BELLINGEN HIGH SCHOOL
This classroom is not mobility aid accessible for safety reasons
Course runs for 5 FULL-DAYS - Monday to Friday 9am until 4pm
This course has an extra materials cost of approximately $200
Need an NDIS invoice? Call Nicole on 0419 379 146 during business hours BEFORE booking.
Forge yourself a new garden gate!
Step into the ancient world of blacksmithing and create a stunning garden gate that will grace your outdoor space for generations.
This intensive hands-on workshop combines time-honored forging traditions with modern metalworking techniques to produce a beautifully crafted piece that's both functional and artistic.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
For ages 18 to adult - INTERMEDIATE skill level
Venue is BELLINGEN HIGH SCHOOL
This classroom is not mobility aid accessible for safety reasons
Course runs for 5 FULL-DAYS - Monday to Friday 9am until 4pm
This course has an extra materials cost of approximately $200
Need an NDIS invoice? Call Nicole on 0419 379 146 during business hours BEFORE booking.
Forge yourself a new garden gate!
Step into the ancient world of blacksmithing and create a stunning garden gate that will grace your outdoor space for generations.
This intensive hands-on workshop combines time-honored forging traditions with modern metalworking techniques to produce a beautifully crafted piece that's both functional and artistic.
BUY TICKETS
YOUR COURSE TUTOR
Colin Dray
Colin studied Geology at Sydney University in the 1970’s, and went on to teach Earth and Environmental Science, Industrial Arts and Metalwork at Bellingen High School.
He became fascinated with Blacksmithing and Metal Design in the early 90’s and joined the Artist Blacksmiths Association of NSW. He has continued as an active and enthusiastic member of the group, helping to promote the growth of modern blacksmithing, by attending several Conferences and Festivals in Europe and the US, and by encouraging international smiths to visit and teach Masterclasses in Australia.
He gained trade qualifications in Metals and Engineering (Industrial Blacksmithing and Welding) putting these skills to use in Artistic Blacksmithing, regularly exhibiting forged sculptures in local and regional art galleries.
He contributed sculptural pieces as part of an exhibition entitled ‘Fe26 – Discovery’ held at the Glasshouse Gallery in 2019, which dealt with the interactions and experiences that occurred between Europeans and Indigenous people when John Oxley first entered the Hastings River valley 200 years earlier.
Colin participated with an Australian team in the World Blacksmithing Championships in Stia, ITALY, in 2017, competing against teams from over 20 countries, where they won a silver medal for their sculpture “Dreaming”.
After retiring from School teaching, he has maintained his passion for the Craft of Blacksmithing and continues to forge functional and sculptural ironwork in his workshop in the forest of the beautiful Bellinger Valley. Recently he has been involved in large scale collaborative public sculptures with overseas metal artists.
“Great ability to instruct novice students. Tremendous patience and knowledge. Great atmosphere in class.”
“Colin was amazing. Very clear instructions prior and during the course. Patient, supportive, incredibly knowledgeable- awesome.”
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Working from our tutor's carefully designed template, you'll forge a complete garden gate that seamlessly blends traditional blacksmithing methods with contemporary fabrication techniques. Every hammer blow and weld will be guided by centuries of metalworking wisdom, updated for today's craftsperson.
Be prepared for an authentic blacksmithing experience! This is not a passive learning environment – you'll be working with fire, steel, and your own physical energy to shape metal into something beautiful. The workshop demands stamina and dedication, as you'll be moving between the forge, anvil, and welding station throughout each session.
Expect to work up a sweat as you heat, hammer, and shape your gate components. The rhythmic ring of hammer on anvil, the glow of hot steel, and the satisfaction of bending metal to your will create an unforgettable and deeply rewarding experience.
All gate components are pre-cut to ensure efficient use of workshop time and consistent results. The design is fixed and proven, allowing you to focus on perfecting your technique rather than troubleshooting design issues. This approach ensures every participant leaves with a completed, professional-quality gate.
Beyond your beautiful finished piece, you'll leave with foundational blacksmithing skills, an understanding of traditional metalworking techniques, and the confidence to tackle future metalworking projects. The combination of ancient craft and modern methods you'll experience represents the evolution of this timeless art form.
Some decorative elements could be added to the garden gate. Or a panel with forged elements added, if time permits.
Ready to answer the call of the forge? Your garden gate awaits your creation.
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Please bring the following on your first day of class:
PPE - Long pants and long-sleeved cotton shirt.
Leather boots, safety glasses and gloves are essential.
Welding mask and earmuffs are optional.
This class has an extra materials cost of approximately $200, which is payable directly to the tutor.
Once you book your ticket, the tutor will be in touch to discuss your project, give an accurate cost, and arrange payment.
Cost includes:
Steel - pre-cut to length
All consumables including - LPG for forges, oxygen/LPG heating gases, rivets, drill bits, abrasives etc will be included in the fee above.
Any extra decorative elements (including hinges, if required) MUST be discussed with the tutor before Camp Creative.
No paint will be provided
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While previous experience in measurement, marking, drilling, welding, and hammer work is beneficial, these skills can be learned during the workshop.
What's essential is:
Moderate Physical Strength: You'll be lifting, hammering, and maneuvering steel components.
Stamina: Long workshop days require sustained physical and mental energy.
Enthusiasm: A willingness to embrace the physical demands and learn traditional techniques.
