Ravens Keep Forge — Local services in Kernersville

I recently had the benefit of visiting Ravens Keep Forge for a magical metalworking retreat. It was a wonderful experience!

First, the hosts: Sam and Julie are the most welcoming, gracious people I have had the benefit of meeting. They are nice, welcoming and all around great folks. Sam, as our instructor, was amazing. I like how he gave instruction and made himself available for guidance, but gave us space to grow and learn from our successes and failures. The learning curve was steep and deceptive (in a very positive way)...you learned volumes before you knew you were learning, and only by reflecting on your work did you realize what and how much you had achieved. It was nothing short of a beautiful experience. Julie prepared food for us and let me tell you...the food was insanely delicious. It was healthy, perfectly cooked, and kept us going through the hours of reflection, study and hard work. She was nice, engaging and super awesome to meet.

Phoenix was attending and assisting on my trip and this person...one of the nicest, most accommodating and supportive people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. If they are there when you attend, rejoice. You're in great hands with these 3!!

The site...oh reader - you are in for a treat. The location is perfect for the work we did. It's so peaceful, well thought out and BEAUTIFUL. You can see the dedication to the Work in the land, the layout, and the attention to detail in everything there.

The forge itself is awesome. This is a primitive forge, so come ready to work. This is not a "fire up the propane" place. This is a "do it the old way, the right way" primitive forge. If you listen, everything will be explained and it all makes total sense. You're going to need a head and hands for the work but it is so worth it. You will sweat. You will be sore at the end. You will love every second of it. And you'll be proud of every piece you create.

The camping is great. Wonderful canopy, plenty of flat spots to camp both near the forge and/ or house as well as some choice spots in the woods by the forge. This is the North Carolina woods...there are ticks and bugs native to this area. Be smart, wear your repellent and check yourself at night before sleeping...you'll be fine. You are in old country here and you will see wildlife. You will hear the sounds of nature all around you as you both work and sleep while you are there. Be mindful and respectful of where you are and allow yourself the joy of experiencing this.

The grounds...beautiful. Well cared for, very natural, and in our walk of the land it was apparent that Sam and Julie care about and for the land. While I an no expert on this matter, it's my humble opinion that they are the perfect stewards for this section of earth. The trails, the scenery, the peace you find in just walking the grounds and seeing the labyrinth, the cottage, the creek, the animal tracks...it's a slice of natural heaven. I found a peace and ability to focus on more than just forging while there. I found myself again in ways that I didn't know I needed.

Class size (6) was perfect. There was enough room to move and learn and share ideas without treading on others or feeling like you were were waiting on others to do something.

For technophiles and those tethered to their phones (I am one such individual due to work): cell reception is one bar. I could reach voice and text on AT&T and Verizon if I needed to get an emergency text or call, which was fine. If you need to check in with family periodically, do so if need be. If you think you need to check in for work, do yourself and your hosts a favor and get coverage, use PTO and take the opportunity to let go of your tethers and reconnect with nature while there (ironic since I'm writing this on my phone, but blah blah necessary evils etc).

I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that I've already recommended this place and this class to my daughter and son in law, and I'll be returning for...

I have purchased several things from Ravens Keep as well as taken the magical blacksmithing weekend class. I can not express how much I enjoy the class and the quality of the things I've purchased.

The products are all very well made, everything has had smooth edges, cleanly polished, and well crafted.

The class was fully hands on, if there's anything you'd like to try he is right there to ask. Want to twist your metal? Bend it a certain way? Create a wand/bowl/necklace/pocket notion/etc? He is right there to ask. He will also tell you if you are doing something the hard, he also won't stop if you want to continue doing it that way so long as you aren't about to hurt yourself. You can make as little or as many items as you like. I personal went for several, and every step of the way he encouraged me and told me tips and tricks all along the way. One thing I really like, instead of making suggestions or telling me how to make it "better" he simply ask, "hey you want to try something cool?" Or "would you like to ...." this alone help me feel proud of my work and excited about adding additional elements to my pieces. I enjoyed every moment of the weekend, and I've already signed up to do it again. I hope to see you there! (Ps I've included several photos of things I've purchased but only one of hot metal from the magical class as these were highly personal items...

After my husband walked on, I felt a deep visceral need for a strong symbol of protection, so I went to Sam and Ravens Keep Forge.

At the time, I thought this piece was to hang on a tree to protect land boundaries and my home. Sam suggested knot work with two specific symbols etched onto either side of one end of the knot. Fern for physical and emotional protection (image 1). Beith for magical protection (image 2).

The forge work is exquisite and the minute I held it in my hand I could feel its power of protection as well as its magic!

As it turned out, the piece was not to be on the tree but on a statue that sits on a chest right inside the front door. The statue is two dragons intertwined and represents my beloved and me. The minute I laid the knot on it, I knew that was to be its home. It has brought such peace to me and the protection I feel and the boundary created is strong.

I am deeply grateful to Ravens Keep Forge and the talent of Sam Thompson for this deep magic made manifest. I will be a...