Hands-On Makers & Heritage Skills – North County San Diego

Blacksmithing Youth Paired Sunday (September 20 & 27)

Sun, Sep 20 · 9:00 AM PDT

2040 N Santa Fe Ave, Vista, Ca, US

CLICK THIS LINK:
YOU MUST PURCHASE TICKETS FOR BOTH DATES TO ATTEND

Learn to work with a coal forge, safely handle hot metal, and use tools such as hammers to forge, bend, and twist metal into desired shapes. Students will complete two projects each. A limited class size and low student to teacher ratio ensures plenty of coaching as you learn. Following completion of the class, students will be able to attend other blacksmithing classes as well as forge their own projects during open forge times.

Please read all requirements before signing up:

• Registration and payment is required before attending first class as new student space is limited.
• Adults and youth students must bring and wear their own safety equipment, including eye protection, natural fiber clothing, and closed toe shoes.
• No shorts or open toe shoes may be worn.
• Participants must wear impact-rated eye protection at all times while working.
• Hearing protection, a leather apron, hats, and drinking water are recommended.
• Hammers and other tools are available for use during class. A personal hammer is not required, but if you wish to use your own hammer, we recommend a wood handled rounding or ball peen hammer between 1-2 pounds. Do not bring a claw hammer.
• There are no refunds for no shows.

Blacksmithing Adult 101 Saturday (September 26 & October 24)

Sat, Sep 26 · 9:00 AM PDT

2040 N Santa Fe Ave, Vista, Ca, US

CLICK THIS LINK:
YOU MUST PURCHASE TICKETS FOR BOTH DATES TO ATTEND -
Learn to work with a coal forge, safely handle hot metal, and use tools such as hammers to forge, bend, and twist metal into desired shapes. Students will complete two projects each. A limited class size and low student to teacher ratio ensures plenty of coaching as you learn. Following completion of the class, students will be able to attend other blacksmithing classes as well as forge their own projects during open forge times.

Please read all requirements before signing up:

• Registration and payment is required before attending first class as new student space is limited.
• Adults and youth students must bring and wear their own safety equipment, including eye protection, natural fiber clothing, and closed toe shoes.
• No shorts or open toe shoes may be worn.
• Participants must wear impact-rated eye protection at all times while working.
• Hearing protection, a leather apron, hats, and drinking water are recommended.
• Hammers and other tools are available for use during class. A personal hammer is not required, but if you wish to use your own hammer, we recommend a wood handled rounding or ball peen hammer between 1-2 pounds. Do not bring a claw hammer.
• There are no refunds for no shows.

Participants in this class have the opportunity to begin working toward Level One Certification through the California Blacksmiths Association (CBA). To earn Level One certification, students must successfully complete 12 foundational blacksmithing projects that demonstrate essential forging techniques and skills.

For those wishing to continue their training, Level Two Certification requires completion of 28 advanced projects, further developing craftsmanship, precision, and mastery of traditional blacksmithing methods.

These certifications provide a structured pathway for blacksmiths to build skills, track progress, and achieve recognized milestones within the craft.

AGSEM Class Registration — Cancellation & Reschedule Policy
Due to the limited class sizes and the nonprofit nature of the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum’s educational programs, all class registration fees are non-refundable.
Class Reschedule Requests

• One (1) class reschedule per registration may be permitted at no charge if requested at least seven (7) days prior to the scheduled class date.
• Reschedule requests made less than seven (7) days before the class date will not be accommodated.
• Rescheduled registrations are subject to class availability.
• Additional reschedule requests for the same registration will not be permitted.

No-Shows
Registrants who do not attend their scheduled class and have not contacted AGSEM in advance forfeit their registration fee and reschedule eligibility.
Cancellation by AGSEM
If AGSEM cancels a class for any reason, including insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, registrants will be offered either:

• A transfer to another available class date, or
• A full refund.

AGSEM reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes as necessary.
By completing registration, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this policy.

Introduction to Wet Felting: Make Your Own Wrist Warmer

Sat, Oct 3 · 2:00 PM PDT

2040 N Santa Fe Ave, Vista, Ca, US

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND: CLICK HERE

Discover the ancient art of wet felting and walk away with something beautiful you made with your own hands.

In this beginner-friendly two-hour class, you'll learn the fundamentals of wet felting from scratch — no experience required. Using wool fiber, warm water, and a little elbow grease, you'll create a functional, wearable wrist warmer using traditional hand techniques that have been practiced for centuries.

This is hands-on from start to finish. You won't just watch — you'll make something real.

What you'll learn:

• How to select and prepare wool fiber
• The wet felting process from raw material to finished piece
• How to shape and finish your wrist warmer
• The basics to continue felting at home on your own

What to expect: Small class size, expert instruction from AGSEM's Fiber Arts Guild, and all materials provided. Expect to get your hands wet and leave with a wearable piece you created yourself.

Details

• Skill Level: Beginner — no experience required
• Ages: 8 and up (children must be accompanied by a participating adult)
• Duration: 2 hours

Basic Mechanical Clock Repair

Wed, Oct 7 · 6:00 PM PDT

2040 N Santa Fe Ave, Vista, Ca, US

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND: CLICK HERE

**YOU MUST PURCHASE TICKETS FOR EACH DATE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT - IT IS A 6-WEEK COURSE**

(Every Wednesday, 6 pm - 9 pm, October 7 - November 11)

The student will need to provide a kitchen or cabinet Clock for the class. If they do not have one, a clock may be purchased for a nominal fee. If a student does not wish to purchase a clock, one will be provided for use during the class.

Learn the fundamentals of mechanical clock repair in this hands-on six-week course taught through the Clock & Watch Museum.

Students will work through the complete repair process, including how to safely disassemble a mechanical clock movement, clean its components, identify and address faulty or worn parts, reassemble the movement, oil it properly, and make final adjustments so the clock runs correctly.

This class is designed for students who want a practical introduction to traditional clock repair and the tools and techniques used by horologists.

Students will learn how to:

• Disassemble a mechanical clock movement
• Clean movement parts
• Identify worn or faulty components
• Make basic repairs and adjustments
• Reassemble the movement
• Properly oil the clock
• Adjust and test the completed movement

Materials and tools provided:
Hammer, oil cup, pen oiler, spring winder, pivot placement tools, movement holder, oil, staking block, cleaning solutions, bushings, and other specialty clock-repair tools and supplies.

Students should bring:

• Small slotted screwdriver
• Medium slotted screwdriver
• Pliers
• Needle-nose pliers
• Cleaning rag
• Shoebox-size container for storing parts and materials
• Kitchen or Cabinet Clock (If you do not have a clock, one may be purchased for a nominal fee. If you prefer not to purchase one, a clock will be provided for use during the class.)

No prior clock-repair experience is required.