This weekend I found myself once again on the road to Bentonsport, but this time my destination was Bill Printy’s Iron & Lace Blacksmith shop. He had a full class scheduled for the weekend. This class included the principles of hardening iron using the “Oxidation Spectrum” as they forged such tools as center punches, chisels, and gouges. Each of the students would learn to recognize the tempering of their particular project by watching the color changes when the heat was applied. I found myself mesmerized by the process as each student turned their attention to the forge and began to pound out the iron against the anvil. A process as old as time and it just took you back to earlier times when most all of the iron work was done in this manor.
Bill and his assistant Mark Heisdorffer worked from forge to forge to give each of the students the benefit of their expertise. A two to one ration of student to instructor offered each person the benefit of a readily available instructor. Students at our Villages Folk School classes have often commented on the fact that they appreciated the amount of time they had with their instructor. This has a very positive affect on the project outcome and the value added in the learning process.
Students continued to work their projects until 5 p.m. on Saturday and some returned Sunday to use what they had learned. The class tuition allows for the second day at the forge, but without instruction. Bill offers classes not only in tool making, but in beginning blacksmithing, tong making, and forge welding.
Bill, who began his blacksmithing as a hobby in the early seventies has perfected his trade to a fine art. The work that he turns out is incredible! It is worth the trip just to see some of his projects that range from your basic pot racks to wine racks covered in green leaves and laden with clumps of purple grapes. I saw a rose on a long stem that looked so real I just had to ask how it was done. Bill simply smiled and said, “I took a rose apart one petal at a time, manufactured each piece from the live template and just put it back together.” His methodical approach to his iron work has resulted in a level of craftsmanship that is truly a rare art form.
I encourage each one reading this article that has ever had the desire to work the forge to register for one of the classes offered through the Villages Folk School and get ready for a great weekend!
The class schedules can be found at our website which is www.villagesfolkschool.com or you can contact our office anytime Tuesday through Friday, 12 – 4 p.m. at 319-592-3700. Registration can be done by downloading the form from the website or calling our office.
Pick something you have always wanted to do, register for the class, and come join us at the Villages Folk School. Find the artist living within you!
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