Animal heads have been a favorite of blacksmiths for centuries, and they are found in many applications such as architectural, jewelery, knife pommels, and canes. They can be large or small, realistic, humorous, or fantasy creations. In all cases they are art and it takes skill and practice to render the metal alive.


Bill Epps is a well known Texas blacksmith to say the least. You can find a large amount of educational how-to instruction at Anvilfire's iForge (see links below), and he is featured on at least four commercial video tapes he has published. Bill has been the resident blacksmith at the local Houston Ren Fest in Plantersville since it's begining a long time ago and you may have visited with him and his wife there and not realized his international status as he is a delightful conversationalist. Bill is a non stop teacher and he likes to help you learn the craft, so be prepared..

HABA is pleased to announce that the workshop has been extended to a second day! You can park your forge ovenight in the shop, and have a second day at it with Bill working us through more techniques. Another special feature of this workshop: Bill is bringing his No. 5 Fly Press to work with also! And please note: there is no charge for attending but you must be a current HABA Member to work at a forge.

Charles and Sharon Heathcock will host the meeting at one of HABA's favorite shops, and you will enjoy the drive out to visit them in Dobin, just north-east of Magnolia.

When & Where :

C&S Forge in Dobin, directions provided below.

Saturday, February 21

Here is the Agenda:

8:00    Sign In and Set Up :

9:00    HABA Meeting

9:30    Begin Demo and Workshop

Noon    Lunch Break : We will try to have taco soup available there for $3.00

1:00    Participants will continue to make heads

4:00   Auction of items made during the day

5:00    Pack and Clean Up

Day 2 begins at 9 am Sunday

3:00    Pack and Clean Up

What to Bring

Bring safety glasses with side shields. This is a requirement!

Bring your coal or gas forge and tools if you have them.

Bring a chair in case you have time to take a break.

Materials recommended per person:

Day 1&2 : Heads and critters (ducks, swans, horse head, longhorn, ram head, humming bird, etc)

• 5/8 x 5/8 x 18"
• 1/2 x 1/2 x 18"
• 3/8 x 3/8 x 18"
• 1/4 x 1/4 x 18"
• 2x2 x 1/8 x 4" Angle
• 1/2 x 1 x 18"

• 1/2 x 1/2 x ? for tong jaws
• pair of 3/8 rods for tong reins

• Whitehorse Forge Horse Heads
• LAMA - Forging Dragons part 1
• LAMA - Forging Dragons part 2
• One Heat Duck Head
• iForge Two Heat Horse Head
• iForge Rams and Roo Heads
• iForge Mule Head
• iForge Longhorn Head
• iForge Horse Head
• iForge Dragon Head
• iForge Ducks and Goose Head

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