Whether you want to learn carpentry or carving, forging or welding, we’ve got you covered. Check out these amazing resources to get you one step closer to your next wood or metal project.
Local Resources
Goat n Hammer
Goat n Hammer has been offering hands-on instruction for blacksmithing, bladesmithing, knife grinding, and associated metalworking skills in Atlanta since 2013. They provide expert guidance for hobbyists, enthusiasts, and experienced metalworkers.
Currently offering online education through their Patreon
Highland Woodworking
Highland Woodworking started in 1978 as Highland Hardware in midtown Atlanta. It was founded by a young couple who met at Georgia Tech, married, and went to work together for King Hardware (which, in 1886, sold to the druggist next door the washtub used to mix the first batch of Coca-Cola). After four years of learning at King, the couple decided to start their own store specializing in woodworking tools, hand tools, and related supplies. Highland Hardware built a reputation as a source of reliable advice on the tools they sold. A large part of the company’s mission has been to fan the flames of interest and excitement in the craft of woodworking and contribute to its growth throughout the country.
Corrina Sephora
Join Corrina, a mixed media artist specializing in metal sculpture, painting, and installation who has lived and worked in Atlanta, GA, for 24 years for a variety of hands-on learning opportunities. In her art, Corrina works with universal and personal themes of loss and transformation, within the context of contemporary society. In her classes, you can explore everything from basic welding and making a fire poker to exploring artistic expression through the medium of metal.
MASS Collective
MASS Collective provides a cutting-edge, safe, and collaborative space for makers, projects, and concepts to evolve. Through their membership, apprenticeship, education, and production programs, MASS Collective empowers Atlanta’s makers and businesses with affordable access to the tools, knowledge, and training required to grow and thrive.
Metal Arts Guild of Georgia
Metal Arts Guild of Georgia (MAGG) is a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization dedicated to advancing, enriching, and nurturing the creativity and community of metalsmiths in Georgia. Its membership base includes a diverse community of professional metalsmiths, jewelry designers, instructors, hobbyists, suppliers, gallery owners, and those who support the fine art of metalsmithing. MAGG encourages metalsmiths of all skill levels and metal mediums to become involved in their supportive, inclusive network.
Woodcraft of Atlanta
Woodcraft retail stores trace their history to the late 1920's, to a small one-room shop in Boston's North End, where a small store began providing area cabinetmakers with the kinds of essential tools they could not find elsewhere. Woodcraft stores have continued to supply the specialized tools needed by professional woodworkers and skilled craftsmen and hobbyists. With two locations outside Atlanta (Alpharetta & Lithia Springs) you’ll double your chance of finding the right workshop for your needs.
Online Education
Alec Steele’s Online School of Blacksmithing: This fee-based online blacksmithing school will teach you everything you need to know to start swinging a hammer: from how to set up your first forge and anvil to making all of your own tools!
Woodworking Masterclasses: Learn woodworking from master craftsman Paul Sellers. In this video library, you’ll discover how to build beautiful, functional furniture using hand tools. A free membership provides access to dozens of instructional videos; paid memberships are also available.
Mary May’s School of Traditional Woodcarving: Learn the art of traditional woodcarving through online instructional videos. A free membership provides access to 6+ hours of instructional videos and learning guides; paid memberships are also available.
Woodworking for Mere Mortals: On woodworker Steve Ramsey’s site, you’ll find a variety of free and paid woodworking plans, tutorial videos, and courses to help you build your skills. Steve has been doing woodworking for 40 years. Since 2008, he’s shown his 1.5 million YouTube subscribers how to build almost anything with a modest assortment of power tools.
Lucy Walker Jewelry: Lucy Walker is a British jewelry designer specializing in unique and unusual gemstones together with diamonds and precious metals. Through a modular series of classes and workshops, Lucy’s online school, The Academy, offers free and paid lessons to develop jewelers and jewelry designers who are relevant in the current age.
Homestead Favorites
BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices have historically been under-represented in the craft and homestead movements despite being leaders in them. Check out some magical folks bringing the goodness - and let us know if there’s someone you’d like to see included!
Wooden Maven: Char Miller-King is a self-taught woodworker and furniture-builder in Georgia. She’s been pursuing her craft for 15+ years and left her corporate job in 2015 to pursue woodworking full-time.
Solid Treasures: Kendria Thompson is a self-taught metalsmith and lapidarist. She started her metalsmithing journey in 2015 and has found tranquility in turning raw elements into wearable art and décor.
Grain and Knot: Grain and knot was born from a love of nature, exploration, and the need for purpose in creation. It is beautifully tactile, fully-functional wooden kitchenware, with each item made from reclaimed timber.
Metalsmiths For Change: This organization amplifies Black voices through art and advocacy, aiming to dismantle all forms of racism and violence toward BIPOC. They foster a community of acceptance and raise support for charities supporting racial and social justice.
Women of Woodworking: Organized by Katie Thompson, this Instagram account and Medium blog highlights some of the best female woodworkers through detailed interviews and essays.