THE DIY MOVEMENT: BLACKSMITHING WITH JEFF RACE Creativity, perseverance and a healthy dose of self-reliance have always been at the heart of the urban homesteading revival. Ignited well before and accelerated by the pandemic, this DIY movement is having much more than a moment, with Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park as the local epicenter. Urban homesteading-style crafts are proving to be as fun as they are practical.
MEET JEFF If you have attended Lakewood’s famed Cider Days festival over the last few years, chances are you have encountered Jeff. Most likely, you will hear the satisfying thunk of a hammer or smell the distinct odor of a coal-fired forge before you see him. You will find him carefully tending the forge, sporting a smile so big that even a mask cannot hide it.
Teaching his craft Jeff signed on as an instructor with Heritage Lakewood in 2020. He enjoys sharing his passion for the engaging, hands-on activity. His blacksmithing classes have become increasingly popular, with students raving about his enthusiasm, sense of humor, and patient approach to teaching. These tactile, outdoor classes provide a wonderful alternative to screen time. One of the best parts of blacksmithing are the creations that the students produce and take home! Blacksmithing classes offered at Heritage Lakewood range from Introduction to Blacksmithing, where students create their own steak (or veggie) flipper, to Blacksmithing III, where students craft their own bottle opener! If you are looking to iron out your New Year’s resolution of learning a new hobby, come join Jeff at the forge. Sign up for Jeff’s upcoming class by searching keyword “Blacksmith” at Lakewood.org/Register.
Originally from Peoria, Illinois, Jeff began to put hammer to anvil as a hobby in 1972. He moved to the Lakewood area in 1998. Jeff and his wife Judy, a craftsperson in her own right, have demonstrated at Cider Days since 2018. Festival attendees, intrigued by the glowing hot forge and intricate metal creations, stop to watch the demonstration and ask Jeff questions. Always happy to share his knowledge of the craft, he gladly discusses topics ranging from the general history of the forge, to anvil weight and where to find his favorite coal for blacksmithing (it’s Pennsylvania, by the way).
To continue and make them into Warm, Fuzzy Friends (youth-aimed): Materials: Googly eyes • Glue • Foam sheets Tools: Scissors Instructions:
3"
1. Cut a square from the foam sheet that is slightly larger then your pom-pom. Then cut a heart shape from that square. 2. Add a dot of glue to the point of the heart and then attach the pom-pom to the glue dot. 3. Decide where you want to attach the googly eyes and add small glue dots to the pom-pom. Attach your googly eyes to the glue dots. 4. Let the glue dry and enjoy your new little warm and fuzzy friend! Lakewood.org/Bravo
2" May-August 2022
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