Blacksmith Xiaoyao Yang

Xiaoyao Yang has come along to Blacksmith Doris twice. From what I understand, it has been her first experience of playing with metals.  Xiaoyao studied Environment Art Design and has never had the opportunity to test materials before.

The first image is work undertaken on Xiaoyao's first Doris Day.

The second work explores the techniques that were learnt on her first day, points and curves, and fire welding which was learnt on her second day.

Xiaoyao Yang
Flower Arrangement
forged mild steel  

Xiaoyao Yang
Lanp Stand
forged mild steel with fire weld

Chain Making

Beka, one of the Doris', has posted her chain making day on her blog, One Clockwork Rabbit.
It was her first time at chain making though she is pretty good at fire welding.

Beka Hannah

Doris Day

There will be a Blacksmith Doris day in Melbourne, Australia, at the residence of one of the members on this Saturday, 3rd November.  If you are interested in coming please send an email to blacksmithdoris@gmail.com.  For this meeting there is no need to be a member of the Australian Blacksmiths Association (Vic) although there will still be a charge of $4 for coke and a donation to Doris for materials etc.

Blacksmith fashion

Alice's Fashion and Welding Blog
This is an interesting blog.  Alice is doing her dissertation with the title:  "Women Blacksmiths: a study of how fashion can save them from sexual exploitation" 
As it suggests, Alice is searching for, and designing, attire for women blacksmiths to wear at work.  She hopes to create a garment that is both protective but flattering that is not exploitative.   
In one post there is an outfit that she has designed that I would love to wear at the forge or not.  

Also, here is a link to a sixteen year old woman blacksmith farrier that you may find interesting:
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/lady-blacksmith-1
I found it on Alice's blog.

Proud Family

Birth of Scarlet the Forge Part 3

Filling in with bricks

Space left around the air pipe (tuyere) for the fire to be built

I have said it once and will say it again: Isn't she beautiful

the air gate or valve which regulates the air flow.  It needs a bit of work.

Adding the coke dust to build the hearth.

Excitement builds

The hole is filled

More Snaps from the Birth of Scarlet

It is hard not to communicate in metaphors in the making of this first forge who has a name - Scarlet, due to her red legs - and a gender.  She is beautiful!  We are all very proud!

Oh, the wailing!

The adding of the air pipe 

Beauty in making!

Attaching the lungs ( blower )

a very tiring but satisfying experience