• Introduction to Blacksmithing for Women

Forge your own hand-crafted project using traditional blacksmith techniques!

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 Alice Garrett, an accomplished Victorian blacksmith. 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 use blacksmithing techniques to complete a project from start to finish. You’ll have the option to add your own unique styling, making it a truly personal piece to take home.

Photos above from past festival workshops

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!

Photos above from past festival workshops

Meet Your Instructors

Alice Garrett

Alice completed a Diploma in Costume Design in 2010, where her final piece was a Samurai Armour. Her interest in metalwork led her to The Barn, the location of the Australian Blacksmiths Association [Victoria]. This is where her love for the Blacksmithing craft began. Alice spent eight years at The Barn, volunteering on the committee, teaching beginners courses, and helping develop and support the Women’s Blacksmithing Group, whilst being mentored by Blacksmith Nick Hackett.

In 2016, Alice went on to study Industrial Blacksmithing at Ultimo TAFE in Sydney. During her studies, Alice travelled to New Orleans, United States and worked with Rachel David and was involved in the foundation of The Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths, an organisation that focuses on championing inclusiveness and diversity within the Blacksmithing world.

After returning to Australia and completing TAFE, Alice also spent time working at Eveleigh Works at the Historic Locomotive Workshop in Redfern, Sydney and Eastern Forge in the Northern Rivers.

In 2022, Alice started her own business. Initially working on some architectural commissions, Alice began her own range of home décor products. Tool making is her main passion. Alice is designing and making her own tools to do production-focused work. Alice predominantly uses open and closed dies in her work. The tri-line profile is a main feature in her products.

Garrett Forgeworks also offers a series of blacksmithing classes for women, trans and non-binary people. These classes provide a safe and supportive learning environment to access a craft that has traditionally been off-limits to many.

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.

Daniela Lucchetti Guerrera

If you don’t find Daniela Lucchetti Guerrera at home baaing back to the sheep while she hammers away in her Sidhe (shee) Shed creating custom commissions, you’re likely to spot the Mistress of the Forge at a medieval fair. There, she can be seen heaving the bellows of the ship’s forge she meticulously rebuilt, ensuring the coke remains HOT for captivating demonstrations and eager customers.

Over the past five years, Daniela has had the privilege of working with many generous and skilled mentors, allowing her to blend traditional and modern blacksmithing techniques. Today, she operates as a freelance artisan, crafting unique, finely detailed pieces that marry beauty with practicality. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Daniela repurposes steel whenever possible, transforming it into functional works of art that not only serve a purpose but also tell a story. Whether she's shaping decorative objects or practical tools, each piece reflects her passion and dedication to the craft.

Projects from past festival workshops have included coat hook racks, and different types of candle holders. We’re excited to come up with a new project for the 2027 women’s workshop, details will be confirmed early in the new year.

key details

Date: Sunday 11 April 2027

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Location: Waterside Metal Art Studio, 60 Maribyrnong Street, Footscray

Project: To be confirmed

Lead instructor: Alice Garrett

Assisted by: Dara Carey-Quilty and Daniela Lucchetti Guerrera

Lunch included

Price: $360

All proceeds go to the Blacksmiths Festival Association towards the delivery of the festival.