Make a Ladle - Blacksmithing and Coppersmithing Class

In this metalworking class in Romford, you'll use blacksmithing and coppersmithing techniques to forge and craft a beautiful, functional ladle – a piece you'll actually use and treasure. Whether you've never held a hammer or you're curious about metalworking, this course is designed for complete beginners. No prior experience needed.You'll start in the morning at the forge, where you'll learn how to work with steel on an anvil. Your tutor will show you the fundamentals – how to heat the metal, judge the colour, and understand what happens as it changes temperature. You'll discover the satisfying rhythm of hammer work as you gradually shape the steel into a handle, learning how to strike the anvil with control, taper the metal, and create smooth, deliberate lines. There's something deeply engaging about watching a lump of glowing steel transform under your hands.After lunch, you'll shift techniques and work with sheet copper to create the dish of your ladle – the part that actually holds liquid. You'll understand how to work with the material's properties, why annealing matters, and how to create a smooth, functional bowl.Then comes the satisfying moment when it all comes together: riveting the handle to the dish. You'll learn how to position and secure the two pieces so they're not just joined, but properly finished – the kind of detail that separates handmade metalwork from rushed making.By the end of the day, you'll have created something entirely with your own hands that's ready to use – a ladle that's structurally sound, beautifully finished, and uniquely yours. More importantly, you'll understand the fundamentals of both blacksmithing and coppersmithing, giving you the foundation to continue metalworking if this sparks something in you. A steel and copper ladle you have made yourself to take home. Read more details