This weekend I attended the Northwest Blacksmithing Association Conference at Skagit Valley Fairgrounds in Mt. Vernon.
The weather was fine, the tulip fields splendid, and as always, the blacksmiths uniquely creative.
And creatively unique. I enjoyed watching Team Mayhem make steel from iron and carbon (and a few other mystery ingredients) in a mudded-in chimney. The results were colorful, bright white and almost molten.
Lots of other stuff going on, too. Some hands-on workshops, a station with forges and anvils so members could create things on their own, and “wars” where participants competed. Being the literary type, I lurked through the library and found some gems for my thesis research.
It seems the ancient art is alive and well. Thanks to the NWBA for their laid back, metal-making vibe.