Artisan Estate: blacksmithing courses set amongst the trees

Set amongst a stunning pecan orchard in the NSW Central Coast hinterland sits Artisan Estate, the region’s newest ‘maker’ destination.

The most recent evolution of the generational family property was established with a simple purpose in mind: “to set creativity in motion, through the empowerment of education.”

We spoke to Chris and Madeline, the brains behind Artisan Estate, about their blacksmithing courses, which allow those new to the ancient practice to enjoy the experience of using old-world techniques and forging with fire.

The pecan orchard

What began as an orange orchard more than 70 years ago has since become a flourishing pecan orchard and family home for many generations of Madeline’s family.

Harold and Myra Hunt planted the 22-acre pecan orchard in the mid-1980s and the generations since have passed it down to the next, with each generation ensuring it remains the picturesque location it has always been.

“We’ve been living here for close to 10 years now, but officially took over the running of it in early 2020,” Chris explains.

“The pecan harvest is a big part of what we do here, and we get about 10,000 people coming up for it.”

Blacksmithing courses

But while the annual Harvest Festival allows the community to walk under the canopy of 400 trees and appreciate the local wildlife, Chris and Madeline wanted the community to have more opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the property.

“I had a lot of people asking me if I could show them how to make things, whether it be a knife or tools, so I could see the demand was there,” Chris says. “So we decided to start blacksmithing classes for those who really wanted to learn.”

And with that, Artisan Estate was born and bookings have been solid ever since!

In the nearly two years since their first blacksmithing class, Chris and Madeline have hosted more than 300 people at their little slice of heaven.

“We keep the class sizes small, to make sure everyone gets the help and support they need to create,” Chris explains.

Chris and Madeline tailor the courses for beginners and ensure they cover the essentials of blacksmithing, like tapering, twisting, fullering, drawing out, upsetting and more.

Stocking up with Edcon Steel

When Chris was searching for supplies online, he stumbled across Edcon Steel online.

“I was looking for a particular type of steel and came across Edcon, that had it in stock,” Chris explains.

“I have had everything delivered, because it is too far to pick up, and it is so quick and easy.”

“They have great stock and supply of the products I need, you can see all the prices online easily, the ordering is simple, and the delivery times are great.”

“And it’s cheaper than [some of] the local suppliers, too.”