Texas Blacksmithing Conference

01/23/2025

We unfortunately will not be hosting a conference this year. Please stay tuned for updates about future event plans. We hope to have something in the works for 2026. Thanks to everyone who’s reached out and has been patient.

01/24/2024

Hand tools and hand forging class is underway now! We have set up at the fairgrounds instead where it's dry, as we decided it would be just too wet where we were. It's nice here though.

01/01/2024

We are very excited for this years Texas Blacksmithing Conference demonstrator !
A bit about Riley-

Born and raised in western Oregon. I grew up around people that where building things for themselves and work. Thankfully my highschool had a great trades program where I fell in love with metal. During and after highschool I worked in fabrication but soon realized I wanted to do something different. Since growing up with horses it seemed like horse shoeing school was a good mix of metal and horses. I learned to forge and have been on this journey since. I enjoy each part of this trade and like being a student of it. I currently live in the coastal foot hills with my wife, daughter, and dogs where we enjoy being in the outdoors.

11/16/2023

11/16/2023

Big announcement! The next Texas Blacksmithing Conference will be this upcoming January 27th, 2024! We are very excited to announce as this years demonstrator. Riley is an impressive farrier and just as phenomenal of a blacksmith. We are looking forward to all that he will share!The event will feature demonstrations from Riley in the morning and afternoon with a live auction happening between those times. There will also be vendors there with blacksmithing tools and other handmade wares for sale.
The three days prior to the conference will be blacksmithing classes taught by and others. These classes are available for sign ups right now so do that while there is still spots available! These can be found at marklingblacksmith.com.
This is a free event so come out and show your support!

01/26/2023

Mark Ling instructing the trivet making class today.

01/25/2023

Sunny skies moving in as the classes begin today. Rain or shine we’ll be out here working under the tent this week.

01/25/2023

Eight forging stations set up and ready to go for classes tomorrow!

01/16/2023

We need your help! The Texas Blacksmithing Conference is made possible by generous people who donate their time and talents each year. We will be having an auction again to fundraise for the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center to build a blacksmithing shop. We are in need of items to include in the auction! If you are a maker, of any medium, we would be so grateful for any donation as an auction item. Handmade items always enjoyed by our audience! If you'd like to volunteer your time, we have a few shifts in need of filling to help the event run smoothly the day of. Please reach out to us if any of this interests you, and thank you so much in advance!

01/07/2023

Journeyman Blacksmith at Colonial Williamsburg, Mark Sperry will be demonstrating at this year's conference. Mark has been smithing for over 30 years with the majority of that time he has been working at the Anderson Forge of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Here he uses techniques used in the 18th century to create reproductions of historic objects for use in the reconstructed 18th century city. Prior to working there, Mark ran his own blacksmithing business and Mark is also a Forged in Fire champion of Season 5, Episode 18! With such a wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences this will be a great demonstration that you won't want to miss!

11/30/2022

CLASS FULL - On Friday, January 27th, Mark Ling will be teaching a Cross Peen Hammer Making class. Students will leave with 2.5 lbs cross peen hammer they forged in the class. This class will cover techniques like punching, forging, grinding, heat treatment, and hammer handling. This class is a must for any smith that wants to learn how to make their own hammers and other handled tools. This class will run from 9 am to 5 pm. Use the link below to sign up. The instructor will reach out about availability and and payment, which will secure your spot.

Sign up link: https://forms.gle/FnYFyUTP7oenij9C6