[TheForge] Tannehill 2005

Tue Nov 15 20:30:41 EST 2005

FYI...

Due to Hurricane Katrina we had to reschedule the conference.

The Alabama Forge Council

Proudly Presents

20th Annual AFC Blacksmithing Conference

December 2nd, 3rd & 4th 2005
Tannehill State Park

McCalla, AL

Featured Demonstrators

Joe Miller

and

Clay Spencer

and

Jim Batson

Family Activities
Juried Art Show
Beginners Classes
Iron Art Auction
Tailgate Tool Sales

2005 Demonstrators

Joe Miller –Brasstown, NC

Critters, Jigs and Tooling
Joe has been blacksmithing for over 20 years. He produces small, functional 
pieces such as fireplace equipment and ornamental lighting, as well as 
larger architectural and sculptural work for private and public 
commissions. He teaches various classes in blacksmith techniques at the 
John C. Campbell Folk School and is famous for his critters and jigs. He 
lives in Brasstown and maintains a shop about a mile from the Folk School.

Clay Spencer – Murphy, NC

Tools and Jigs for the Treadle and Tire Hammer
Clay has been blacksmithing since 1987 and has demonstrated, lead and 
taught workshops for  many blacksmith groups and conferences. He is a past 
Editor of the 'Bituminous Bits' and is a former board member of ABANA and 
of The John C. Campbell Folk School. Clay is famous for his treadle hammers 
and his latest creation, the tire hammer is sure to be a hit. Clay will be 
teaching us about the tooling and uses of both the treadle hammer and power 
hammer.  He will be bringing along his new tire hammer for all to see and 
admire.

Jim Batson – Athens, AL

Forged Tomahawk
Jim, a founding member of the AFC, is a noted blacksmith and bladesmith, 
teaching since 1980. A Master Bladesmith in the American Bladesmith 
Society, Jim has written James Bowie and the Sandbar Fight and How to Make 
Your Own Hydraulic Forging Press. His knives are collected worldwide, and 
he continues to study “old timey” methods of forging ironwork and tools. 
Jim received the Alex Bealer award from ABANA; has been inducted into the 
ABS Cutlery Hall of Fame in Little Rock, AR; and has work in the Historical 
Arkansas Museum.

Family Program

We have a wonderful group of artists available to teach hands on arts and 
crafts techniques.

“Squeaky Clean & Satin Soft” – Instructor: Alice Ohlenberger
Learn the secrets of making your own hand made soap AND lotions! You have 
been using this soap for the many years that Alice has been making it 
available at the conferences, now learn to make it yourself. Everyone goes 
home with soap and a bottle of luxurious body lotion. No previous 
experience needed. ( Materials fee $10)

“Flowers in Copper” Instructor: Rick Jay
Learn to cut, shape and assemble beautiful copper flowers of all types. 
Most of you are familiar with Rick’s work and the great detail and realism 
he puts into his copper flowers. This is a chance to spend a few hours and 
turn out your own versions. Your finished flowers will be suitable for use 
singly or as part of a larger project. Some basic familiarity with hand 
tools will be helpful in achieving good results. Instructor will provide 
patterns and materials. Students should bring work gloves.
(Class Fee $25)

“The Beauty of String” Instructor: Alice Linn
Learn the art of Japanese Tamari Balls! This is a simple , but beautiful 
way to wrap string around a ball to form a work of art. Make a bowl full 
for your coffee table or decorate an entire Christmas tree. No previous 
experience needed. (Class Fee $10) 

see  <http://tinyurl.com/b3dhx>http://tinyurl.com/b3dhx for more info.

“A Tisket, A Tasket, A Really Easy Basket” Instructor Judi Chavers
This is a BEGINNERS class! Anyone can make this simple muffin basket! 
Everyone attending should take home a completed basket! All material will 
be pre-cut. No previous experience needed.
(Class Fee $10)

“Just One Stitch” Instructor Judy Murdock
With just one “toothbrush rug” stitch, you will be making not only rugs 
but, trivets, coasters, baskets
 whatever you can imagine. Tooth brush 
needles and all fabric are included in your kit. Everyone should complete a 
trivet and know how to start your own rug at the end of the class. No 
experience necessary. (Class Fee $10)

Register Early. Pre-Registration is recommended! Classes will fill-up fast. 
Don’t miss out. Each class is limited to 10 students to ensure personal 
attention. All classes are beginner level with no experience needed or 
required to join in the fun!!!

Green Coal
  The AFC has 8 teaching stations available for hands-on instruction by 
accomplished blacksmiths. If you are just getting started in blacksmithing, 
here is your chance to learn the basics from some of the best the AFC has 
to offer. If you have a project you’ve been working on and need 
help...bring it along. $10 per session.
Juried Art Show

This will be the 2nd Annual Tannehill Juried Iron/Metal Arts Show. Cash 
prizes for three categories will be awarded. $50 will be given for 1st 
place, $25 for 2nd place and $10 for 3rd place. There is no limit to the 
number of pieces each person may submit and the decision of the 3-judge 
panel is final. The show is open to all paid weekend conference attendees; 
no mail-in items will be accepted.  Please submit your show items to the 
attendant in the main tent.

Friday Night Blast
  Make plans to attend the forging contest that is as funny as it is 
intense. The contest will be nail making, but with a twist. This year we 
will allow teams but the teams will be paired by skill level, experienced 
smith with in-experienced smith. The AFC is an educational organization so 
in that spirit we will team the 2 smiths with the intent to teach. Assigned 
partners will have to switch positions half way through the contest. This 
should be a blast, please consider participating. Prizes awarded.

The Auction
Your donated items for the auction are very much appreciated. The auction 
proceeds are where the AFC generates its income to offer blacksmithing 
scholarships and to host the free workshops each year. The conference fees 
pay for putting on the conference but the auction is how we continue to 
provide the activities that further the art and craft of blacksmithing. Our 
auctioneer this year is Col. Anthony Goodrum. Remember, this is a charity 
auction, bid generously.

If you cannot attend we welcome your donations. Please send them to:
Mike Linn – AFC Auction
13784 Dianne Drive
McCalla, AL 35111

Iron-in the-Hat
This year the AFC will be conducting iron-in-the-hat to help raise funds 
for our educational programs. Tickets are $1 each, 6 for $5, 25 for $20. 
Two drawings will be held for items donated and the centerpiece is a 
blacksmith’s toolbox. Any items for the general iron-in-the-hat or tools 
for the toolbox would be greatly appreciated.

Please send iron-in-the-hat donations (if you cannot attend) to:
Allan Kress – Iron in the Hat
889 County Road 1464
Cullman, AL 35058

Registration
Gate entry will begin Thursday (Dec.1st afternoon. Pre-registered attendees 
pay $30 and AFC membership is required; AFC dues are $20 per year and 
include 6 issues of the Bituminous Bits. Registration at the conference 
will be $35 for 3-day and $20 for 1-day, per person.

Those attending the demonstrations or are setting up tailgate sales are 
required to pay the conference fee. Family members or temporary visitors 
need only sign the release and obtain a badge for TEMPORARY entry into the 
conference area. Family members, of a registered conference participant, 
attending family program classes only, are not required to pay the full 
conference fee. If you take up space at a blacksmith demo you must pay the 
conference fee.

Location
Tannehill State Park is located approximately 25 southwest of Birmingham. 
Take Exit 100 from I-59/20 and go east about 2 miles to the park or take 
Exit 1 from I-459 and go south about 7 miles, the park entrance will be on 
your right. The conference will be held in Farley Field at the extreme 
northern end of the park.

The blacksmithing demonstrations will be in the Forge Pavilion. Plenty of 
bleacher and chair seating are available. The family and children’s 
programs will be held in nearby tents and pavilions
Lodging

Camping
Tannehill is one of the premier camping sites in the state. Campsites are 
available at the Tannehill Ironworks near the demonstration site on Mill 
Creek. Improved (water and electricity) sites, primitive camping and cabins 
are available. Check-in at the country store. For reservations and 
information, call the park at 205-477-5711 or http://www.tannehill.org

Hotels
Sleep Inn
1259 Greenmor Drive
AL-52 at exit 6 off I-459
205-424-0000

Jameson Inn
5021 Academy Lane
Exit 108 off I-59/20
205-428-3194

Best Western
5041 Academy Lane
Exit 108 off I-59/20
205-481-1950

For more information please contact:

Mike Linn at 
205-477-7643   (<mailto:mikelinn at concentric.net>bamablacksmith at comcast.net )

            Mike Linn
      Artist Blacksmith
          McCalla, AL
        AFC Webmaster
http://afc.abana-chapter.com

______________________________________________________________________

"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how
   close they were to success when they gave up. "
   ~ Thomas A. Edison
______________________________________________________________________