Introduction to Blacksmithing for Women 2025

• Introduction to Blacksmithing for Women

Forge your own hand-crafted wall coat rack with custom metal hooks!

Join us for a one-day blacksmithing workshop designed specifically for individuals who identify as women or as an underrepresented gender. This hands-on experience is perfect for beginners—no prior knowledge of blacksmithing, steel, or fire required!

Guiding you through this journey into the forge is special guest Annie Cole Arthur of Annie Cole Ironworks, an accomplished blacksmith with over a decade of experience. Assisting Annie are two highly skilled blacksmiths and all-around fabulous humans, Dara Carey-Quilty and Daniela Lucchetti Guerrera.

Throughout the day, you'll develop all the skills needed to craft your very own wall rack with hand-forged hooks. You’ll have the option to add your own unique styling, making it a truly personal piece to take home.

What to Expect

This immersive workshop will introduce you to the fundamentals of blacksmithing, including: basic tools and safety practices; managing a coke-fired forge; core techniques such as tapering, pointing, spreading, punching, and scrolling; and the creative possibilities of metalwork.

Blacksmithing isn’t about brute strength—it’s about finesse, patience, and precision. Under expert guidance, you'll shape and manipulate hot steel, gaining confidence and hands-on experience throughout the day.

By the end of the workshop, you'll take home a unique, handcrafted object—a testament to your newfound skills.

No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!

Meet Your Instructors

Annie Cole Arthur

Originally from the U.S., Annie Cole Arthur relocated to Sydney in 2022 and has been dedicated to blacksmithing full-time for over ten years. She trained at the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, South Carolina, graduating as Valedictorian in 2017 with a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in the Building Arts, specializing in Forged Architectural Ironwork. In 2023, she founded Annie Cole Ironworks, where she blends traditional blacksmithing techniques with modern design to craft everything from architectural elements to sculptural works.

Dara Carey-Quilty

Dara Carey-Quilty has more than a decade of experience in the world of bladesmithing and blacksmithing. She works as a freelance artisan running a small workshop and creating handforged items for her many loyal customers locally, nationally and internationally. Dara discovered that there are many people in the community that have always wanted to try blacksmithing but were intimidated by the stereotypical image of what a blacksmith is. She set out to offer everyone the opportunity to try their hand at blacksmithing using the traditional coke forge and the modern gas forge. 'It's very rewarding to see the customers leave here with the biggest smiles on their faces, clutching the items that they've created using their own hands.