Hammer-In 2023

Hammer-In 2023 is scheduled for May 5-6-7, 2023 at Historic Auglaize Village in Defiance, Ohio. The general format will be similar to 2022. Details will be posted here as plans are finalized. 

Our main demonstrator for 2023 is Derrick Bliss.

Derrick began blacksmithing 22 years ago when his interest and imagination was sparked while attending Black Iron Days at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling, MI. Shortly after that, he became a member of the NOB (Northwest Ohio Blacksmiths) and MABA (Michigan Artist Blacksmith Association) groups. Generous mentors from both organizations passed on foundational blacksmithing knowledge and provided him with international blacksmithing opportunities in Italy, England, and Belgium. This long-lasting support has enabled him to achieve his dream of pursuing blacksmithing as a career. Derrick is currently the owner of Hot Fire Forge in Bellaire, MI. where he creates custom architectural ironwork for the grater Grand Traverse area.

For this year's NOB Hammer-In, Derrick will demonstrate how to create an interior staircase railing. His presentation will include tip and tricks for layout, construction, and assembly of a small railing.

Below is the flyer and the registration forms for Hammer-In 2023. These are pdf files that can be downloaded and printed. You can mail the registration form with payment to the address shown.

Hammer-In 2023 was a success. The weather was great with a little rain very early Sunday morning. Friday's Anvil Stew was served at 5:30 with a variety of salads and deserts brought for the food contest.

A large number of items were on display ready for the auction on Saturday evening. There were several forged picture frames entered into Gallery Contest and a few display items along with many registration pieces for the raffle and several items inthe Craft Contest.  

Photos of Derrick Bliss demonstrating architechtureal iron work follow.

Derrick forging a square corner.

A sample of derrick's work.

Derrick forming a scroll.

Derrick's Hammer-In demostration piece that went in the auction.

Saturday night forging contest. The first photo is the starting piece given to the participants with the instructions to forge it into as large a heart as possible.

The second photo shows the finished pieces.