Iron work for the garden

FLORIDA — Now that gardening is taking the spotlight again, the Center for Metal Arts in Florida is offering participants the opportunity to make a decorative piece for their gardens.

Ironwork for the Garden with Jon Ledford is set for Saturday, May 18, 2013. The workshop takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Make your own hand-forged ironwork plant hangers and tool hooks for house or garden. Participants will learn how to make a well-proportioned scroll plant holder to hang on the porch or wall, and make forged hooks for many uses. You may even learn how to turn an ordinary lag head screw into a decorative hardware touch for your hangers and hooks.

Beginners will learn some basic blacksmithing and experience the dramatic sights and sounds of the smithy. Returning students are encouraged to come back to perfect their forging techniques while making some ironwork hooks and plant hangers to take home with them. There is a returning student discount for this workshop.

No experience is necessary. Ledford is an experienced teacher who will guide novices in the forging of a plant hanger that will enhance the garden for years to come.

The cost of the workshop is $120 which includes all materials. To register, email register@centerformetalarts.com. To register by mail, send a $60 deposit with the name of the workshop, your name, address, phone number and email address to Center for Metal Arts, PO Box 30, Chester, NY 10918.

For more information about this and other upcoming workshops go to www.centerformetalarts.com or call 888-862-9577.

The Center for Metal Arts is located at 44 Jayne St., Florida.