Good morning you wonderful people.

I’m spending this weekend up with my dad at the old farm, getting snuggled by fluffy polar bears, stacking firewood and generally helping out around the farm before winter sets in up here. You can see a few glimpses of what these wonderful balls of fluff are up to on Instagram.

Earlier in the summer we did a small test of an evening workshop where you can come and learn how to forge your own iron rose. After working out a few of the kinks (not that kind) and making more tools we’ve now set up a total of 4 two-hour workshops where you get to make your very own non-organic water-free everlasting rose. More info below, and there’s still a few spots available at the weekend classes as well.

Other than that there’s a few more markets coming up. Next on the agenda is Friske Frodige Fantasifulle Frogn, just outside the beautiful town of Drøbak, 23-24th of September. But I’m also headed for Maker Fair Hannover 10-11th of September, and then Maker Fair / Skaperfestival in Oslo 22-23. of October. If you like any form of making, mechanical or nerdy things, both of these are well worth a visit, no matter your specific interests! I’ve heard there might even be some evening shenanigans in Oslo for those who are interested in that sort of thing.

Blacksmithing Classes

There’s a couple spots still available for the two blacksmithing classes in september, first being a basic blacksmithing course 3-4th of September, and a knife forging course 17-18th of September.

In addition there’s the aforementioned two-hour rose making workshops on Tuesday 13th and 20th of September. We’re doing two groups each day, starting from 15.00 and 18.00. Everybody attending leaves with one finished rose, but if there’s time you can make more.

No previous forging experience is required on any of these classes, and they’re all at Kroloftet in Oslo.

For more information on the classes, check out loensmed.no/kurs, or head over to kroloftet.no/kalender to sign up directly, and for information on all the other classes they have.

Podcast

Roger Loen

Today is also my dad’s 66th birthday! He’s not much of a photo model, but every once in a while he looks alright. Here he is modelling a really fancy old-school national costume my mom made. The Bunad, as it’s called, is very representative of where a family is from, almost akin to the Scottish Kilt, although it’s more to the village or farm, and less about bloodlines. All of them being so distinctive that someone in the know could identify your heritage (and status) just with a glance. If you like a bit of traditional needlework, plant colourings and hand woven fabrics, Sus i Serken is a name to look for, both on Instagram and Facebook.

That’s all for now. Thank you very much for your attention and support.

… And always remember to look, breath and laugh loudly.

— Rasmus

Snakkesmeden

PS: If you like what you see here and want to support small makers doing weird things, share it with somebody you think will find it fascinating. Words of mouth is the best words after all.

Loen Smed

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