“Blacksmithing is hard” - everyone

We try our best to make the class experience accessible for everyone. Read on to find out more and get a taste of what a class is like.

1. Before you arrive

What to wear

  • Natural Fibers such as Cotton, Wool, or Hemp are OK

  • Thick, closed-toed shoes are necessary. Boots are not required but preferred. Do not wear thin, breathable sneakers or running shoes.

  • Synthetic clothing such as spandex, nylon and polyester will melt and hurt you, do not wear any.

  • Long pants, Dresses, Skirts, Kilts are all OK but they need to be the right fabric.

  • Burns can happen, long clothing is good for avoiding too many.

What to bring

  • Water bottle(s)

  • Food and snacks (vending machine on site)

  • Phone or Camera

  • Cat treats for Hobart (pictured)

2. Getting Here

Driving

  • Street parking is free

  • Please do not park in another business’ parking lot.

  • There are unhoused people nearby but they are seldom seen.

  • Please do not leave valuables in your car.

Bike/Walk

  • The SF Bay Trail is just off South 51st Street and is absolutely gorgeous

Public Transit

  • The AC Transit line 71 runs all day. Exit Bayview and walk over the freeway bridge towards the blue octopus building.

  • AC Transit line 675 runs on weekdays for school service.

 

Clay and Steel

4925 Seaport Ave.
Richmond, CA

3. Class day

Please try to arrive 5-10 minutes early.

Before Class

  • The fence gate will be opened 5-10 minutes ahead of class, there is a doorbell, you may ring it.

  • Tie long hair back and remove loose jewelry

  • Watch a YouTube I made about a bronze bracelet (sign up for a class to make your own!)

  • Stretch, admire the invasive paperbark trees, or just exist for a bit.

During Class

  • Safety Equipment will be provided, including eye and hearing protection. Aprons, spats, and shoe coverings are available.

  • Stay Hydrated. Filtered water available by entrance. Our vending machine takes card and has cold sodas and other drinks.

  • Take Breaks. Blacksmithing is hard. If you need to stop, please do so.

After Class

  • Sign up for an Open Forge night to get even more practice in before next class.

  • Take pictures and post all over social media! We are @clay_and_steel on Instagram

  • Buy another class or a gift card so that our blacksmiths can feed themselves.

  • Windchaser Winery is a surprisingly popular place on Friday, Saturday, Sunday evenings. Food trucks and bands are often found there. The winery has a kitchen as well.

4. Even More Information

The building has multiple cameras and we always keep the gate locked. You can leave at any time, ask a staff member to unlock the gate.

All day classes have a break for lunch, 4 hour classes have a short snack break. There are not many good options for food nearby.

  • There’s fast food on San Pablo.

  • Fried chicken, halal and pupusas by the Carlson freeway entrance.

  • Golden Gate Bistro is somewhat nearby though it’s a good idea to call ahead for that one.

  • There is a vending machine with ramen and candy at the shop.

It is recommended that if you are going to continue learning blacksmithing and attending open forge events, that you acquire your own PPE. It is always available in class, but most blacksmiths eventually have their own .

Email or fill out this form if you have more questions about your upcoming class!