Do you enjoy Christmas and the crafts involved? How about ornament making? If so, join us in Santa’s Blacksmith Workshop at the historic Hagood Mill where you can learn to smith Christmas ornaments.

In this beginner blacksmithing class students will learn the basic working knowledge of blacksmithing with the opportunity to make Christmas ornaments with historical demonstrator Kevin Thompson of Electric City Forge. No prior blacksmithing experience is necessary. Students will learn some basic techniques of blacksmithing and have the opportunity to make several ornaments such as Christmas trees, candy canes, icicles and crosses.

Students will learn about safety in the blacksmith shop, history of the craft of blacksmithing, the fuel and materials used in blacksmithing, and how to build, maintain and use a coal fire.

Class runs from 9 am - 3 pm with a one hour lunch break from 12-1. A minimum of four and a maximum of six students can enroll in this class. Students must be at least 12 years old to participate and students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The workshop costs $100 (plus processing fees) per student which includes materials. Refunds will only be made if minimum enrollment requirements are not met. Students will have to sign a liability waiver the day of the class, please arrive at 8:45 am to do so.

Please dress appropriately with closed toed shoes, long pants and a long sleeved shirt. Safety equipment will be provided. Bring a water bottle. Lunch is not provided.

Why take blacksmithing at the Hagood Mill?

The Hagood Mill Historic is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Stepping on grounds here is like stepping back in time. The open air frontier blacksmith shop of the Hagood Mill lies within the shadows of the oldest surviving working grist mills in the state of South Carolina. The site also boasts historic log cabins, a cotton gin, a moonshine still and a visitor center and gift shop. Hagood Mill is also home to the SC Petroglyph Site, the only protected and most accessible rock art site in the state.

Schedule a private group class

The Hagood Mill is able to schedule a class based on the availability of you and your friends. If you can gather a group of 4-6 people, we can work with you on creating the class when you want. We are also available for wedding parties or any other special occasion that you would like to celebrate creatively. Contact Katie Mann at education@hagoodmillhistoricsite.com to learn more.