Don't Miss Us at Stratford Hall's Wine and Oyster Festival This Weekend

We’ve been invited to demonstrate blacksmithing and display our artwork at Stratford Hall’s Wine and Oyster Festival this coming weekend, September 21 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and 22nd (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).  Stratford Hall, the home of the Lees, is a marvelous place — beautiful house, amazing grounds, great restaurant….and wine and oysters this weekend.  We are looking forward to it and hope to see you there! 

As mentioned above, Jeff will be demonstrating, using his propane forge rather than using coal and we do not plan to be in colonial-attire.  As usual, though, we will have plenty of time to chat and answer your questions!  In addition, since this is not a living history demonstration, we will also feature Caitlin’s photography.  

The Hands-On Aspect of our Demos

One of the most popular aspects of our demos (aside from the fire and Jeff forging!) is a child-sized anvil that we put outside the ropes for folks to use.  We equip it with aluminum (which will bend and shape without needed to be heated), lightweight hammers,and tongs.    

We got the idea because our youngest son works on metal this way while Jeff is in the forge and it suddenly dawned on us that others would also appreciate it.    

Having the small anvil outside the ropes has added a whole dimension to our teaching capability.  While people love to watch blacksmithing, the entire experience becomes much more real when they actually hold metal with tongs and hammer on it.  

And, it’s not just kids who appreciate the tactile experience!

Sometimes, people hammer away for a bit and then return later on to work on a piece again….or they bring someone else over to let them experience the process.  

In fact, with seven weekends of demos coming up, we need to get a decent supply of aluminum!

Scenes from the Scottish Games

We had a great (albeit very, very hot!) time at the Virginia Scottish Games this past weekend.  

As always, this is a very fun festival.  What’s not to love about Scottish food (hurrah for colannon!), Scottish dogs (hurrah for the cairn terriers!), bagpipes, athletic games….and blacksmithing!  

One of the fun things about this past weekend was that we were able to bring our dog with us since the festival is super pet-friendly.  Last year, our kids spent a good portion of their time at the cairn terrier rescue tent….and this year, we have our own dog.  Funny how that works! Xander absolutely loved the terrier races….he is FAST!

It was so nice to see lots of friends and visit with new folks.  One of the best parts of demonstrating is getting a chance to talk to people who are interested in history (we were asked to demo in Colonial attire and speak to that period of time), or blacksmithing….or, folks who want to chat about their desire to do something artistic themselves. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if we can answer any questions — we’d love to help if we are able. 

We loved our time at the Games and are already looking forward to next year….but Jeff wouldn’t mind at all if it is a bit cooler!  

Preparing for the Scottish Games

Preparing for a demo is always hard work, no matter how much we love to demo.   As we spent the day getting ready for our 2-day demo at the Scottish Games in The Plains, Virginia, I snapped a few photos.  

Laundry is ever-present, but easy to pack from!…. (you won’t believe how dirty everything is after a coal-fired blacksmithing event ,. beforehand is much simpler!): 

We have to prep our trailer and make sure we are equipped for a day or two of demonstrating.  We need our anvils, both Jeff’s anvil and our “kid” anvil (which Jeff is carrying in the photo below), where we allow children to hammer away on non-heated aluminium to give them a sense of the process.  We also need hammers, metal, tent, and ironwork for sale.  

Plus, if a demo is a colonial-event, we need our outfits (which means a lot of ironing beforehand!  Many, many thanks to Ann, Molly, and Katie who have lent me clothes for this weekend!  I really, really appreciate it!

And, for tomorrow’s demo, we needed lots of toys for our dog, since the Scottish Games is a dog-friendly event! 

And, then, there are the add-ons, because life is happening in the midst of demo-season.  Our lawn needed to be mown and weed-whacked, and of course, apples needed to be turned into applesauce!  

And, when packing for a blacksmithing event, you NEVER forget the First-Aid kit!  Nor, do you forget the sunscreen when you are a Living History Interpreter, spending hours outside!

And, don’t be surprised, if you suddenly receive a solid unrefusable nudge that you need to finally stop avoiding the piano you spent hours practicing upon for years and years back in the 80s and you start taking lessons again TODAY after a 20-year hiatus.   It was wonderful, but the timing???!!!! I think my childhood piano, below, must be rejoicing that I finally faced my fears!

Also, we have to stamp our bags for anyone who chooses to purchase some ironwork:  

And, in between work and other commitments, Jeff prepared a beautiful compilation of ironwork.  I don’t think he’s had a set this nice EVER.  We are proud to show you what he’s prepared.  After he’s had a shower, of course!  Blacksmithing is messy!

Preparing for a Busy Fall!

A few leaves are starting to change color, and I spent the last few days reacquainting myself with my job at a local Montessori school as the school year starts next week …. Fall is definitely coming soon!  

We have a super busy fall demo schedule, with the first demo this weekend. We’ll be at the Scottish Games in The Plains, Virginia — this is always a fun event with great music, food, athletic competitions…. and blacksmithing!  Jeff gets to forge in time with fiddles and pipes….

And, if you are like me facing a demo schedule that is very full between now and November, you drag the family out for apple picking on the last available day.  Now, I have a kitchen full of apples to make applesauce and to freeze for pies in the winter….I just have to find time to put them all up!

Here is our upcoming schedule — we’d love to see you at an event:

August 31- September 1 - The Scottish Games at the Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia

September 7 and 14th - Introduction to Blacksmithing Class

September 21-22 - Wine and Oyster Festival at Stratford Hall in Montross, Virginia

September 28 - 1812 Fair and Reenactment at Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, Maryland

October 5 - Nanticoke River Jamboree/Restore Handsell in Dorchester County, Maryland

October 12 - Prince William Forest. More details to come….  

October 17 - Blacksmithing Demo for Cub Scout Pack 888

October 19-20 - Claude Moore Market Fair in McLean, Virginia 

Other demonstrations and classes are available upon request.  Thank you!

On Holiday

We had a lovely time exploring southwest Virginia at Hungry Mother State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, the Appalachian Trail, and the Creeper bike trail.