[TheForge] Demo's

[Mike Linn]

I like doing leaf key chains, steak turners from 3/4 x 1/8 flat-bar, back 
scratchers, match holders, snakes from 3/8 or 5 1/6 round, and an 
occasional snail or two. These items take less about 10 min, and the heats 
are short. While reheating, I always engage the audience with questions and 
discussion, normally describing the process Im about to do. Such as.

I'm starting to make a leaf  key-chain.. I'll begin by forging a leaf , 
cutting it off of the parent stock, drawing out the stem, then curl it into 
a loop. Finally I'll add the ring."

As the stock is heating,  I'll continue...

"Mr Audience Member,  when mother nature creates a leaf on a tree, what is 
the first thing you see?"

"Why a bud of course.. Well we make a leaf just like a tree does, we start 
off making just a little point, then creating a bud"

Next heat...   "What is the next thing that happens to the bud? Why it 
spreads itself open... and that is just what were going to do..."

and on and on.

Dead time is what breaks the spell, go ahead and answer the same question 
"what are you burning" for the 50th time.

SHOW them the difference between coal, coke and clinker, put it in their 
hand for that tactile sensation, TEACH them..

It makes all the difference in the world..

mike



>John Chobrda wrote:
>
>>    I would like to ask a question about doing demonstrations for the
>>general public. For those of you who have done this, what do you find to
>>be the best things to make to give people an idea of what we do. I was
>>at a event yesterday and found myself at a loss as to what to do, that
>>could be done quickly, and even given to some of the kids in the
>>audience as a reminder of their experience. I noticed that people don't
>>stay very long, so I'm trying to think of something that would be quick,
>>and not to involved, something besides a hook please. I'm not too much
>>of an original thinker, but I can take an idea and run with it.
>>Thanks in advance
>>John C.
>>
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         Michael Linn
       Artist Blacksmith
      McCalla, Alabama
       AFC Webmaster
http://afc.abana-chapter.com