Participation is at your own risk. Please do not wear highly flammable clothing!
After an introduction to the history of the poppy, you will create your own copper flower using metal forming techniques. With the help of a hammer, the copper petals are shaped on the anvil into elegant flower petals. The leaves are then formed into shape on a hollowed-out plastic disc. The brass stem is threaded so that the petals can be attached to the stem.
After starting his own business in the metalworking industry, Cees Pronk began researching blacksmithing education in the Netherlands in 1999/2000. He discovered that a proper vocational training programme no longer existed, which inspired him to develop one himself. The learning objectives he wrote, approved by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), formed the foundation for the curriculum and teaching materials of Mondra Opleidingen. In addition to the Blacksmithing Training Programme, the organisation also offers a wide range of workshops and masterclasses for children, adults, artists and primary school pupils. All activities take place at Smederij Cornelis Pronk, the place to learn traditional blacksmithing techniques.
As of 1 January 2024, Smederij Cornelis Pronk has been taken over by Lotte Pronk, Cees Pronk’s daughter, ensuring that the business remains in the family.
Participation is at your own risk. Please do not wear highly flammable clothing!
After a detailed introduction and a selection of example drawings, you will forge your own piece under the guidance of a blacksmith. You will heat a steel strip in the forge and shape it with a hammer on the anvil into your very own seahorse.
After starting his own business in the metalworking industry, Cees Pronk began researching blacksmithing education in the Netherlands in 1999/2000. He discovered that a proper vocational training programme no longer existed, which inspired him to develop one himself. The learning objectives he wrote, approved by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), formed the foundation for the curriculum and teaching materials of Mondra Opleidingen. In addition to the Blacksmithing Training Programme, the organisation also offers a wide range of workshops and masterclasses for children, adults, artists and primary school pupils. All activities take place at Smederij Cornelis Pronk, the place to learn traditional blacksmithing techniques.
As of 1 January 2024, Smederij Cornelis Pronk has been taken over by Lotte Pronk, Cees Pronk’s daughter, ensuring that the business remains in the family.
Children’s workshop (ages 11 and up). Parents or guardians are responsible for their children at all times. Participation is at your own risk. Please do not wear highly flammable clothing.
Together with a blacksmith, you will heat an iron bar in the forge. Using a hammer, you will shape the glowing iron on the anvil and forge it into a unique keyring to take home.
Every 20 minutes, two children can take part in the forging workshop. Time slots are booked by the hour, so you may need to wait a little before it’s your turn.
After starting his own business in the metalworking industry, Cees Pronk began researching blacksmithing education in the Netherlands in 1999/2000. He discovered that a proper vocational training programme no longer existed, which inspired him to develop one himself. The learning objectives he wrote, approved by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), formed the foundation for the curriculum and teaching materials of Mondra Opleidingen. In addition to the Blacksmithing Training Programme, the organisation also offers a wide range of workshops and masterclasses for children, adults, artists and primary school pupils. All activities take place at Smederij Cornelis Pronk, the place to learn traditional blacksmithing techniques.
As of 1 January 2024, Smederij Cornelis Pronk has been taken over by Lotte Pronk, Cees Pronk’s daughter, ensuring that the business remains in the family.
During this workshop, you will discover the magic of silver clay. In two hours, you will create your own silver pendant, charm, earrings, or bead. The theme of the workshop is nature; think of flowers, leaves, seashells, and other organic structures.
With the help of examples and step-by-step guidance, you will learn how to shape silver clay, add textures, dry it, and finish it. You will use simple tools such as texture materials, molds, and cutters. You will work with 3.5 grams of silver clay and can even incorporate a zirconia stone into your piece. After drying, the piece is briefly fired in a special kiln, after which you brush and polish it into a real silver jewel.
You will go home with a unique handmade silver piece of jewelry and a special introduction to silver clay.
Silver clay is a remarkable material originating from Japan. It consists of recycled microscopic silver particles mixed with water and an organic binder, creating a soft clay that can be kneaded and shaped by hand. After firing, it transforms into a piece of 99.9% pure silver. What makes silver clay so special is the combination of creativity and technique. From organic shapes and textures to refined details and personal jewelry – the possibilities are endless. Silver clay brings tradition and innovation together, making it accessible to create unique jewelry. From clay to a lasting, genuine silver piece made by hand.
Wendy from Charmed Jewels works with great passion and care with silver clay. She has been giving workshops for almost 20 years to share her knowledge. In her workshops, calmness, creativity, and personal attention are central. She inspires participants to discover the many possibilities of silver clay and to create something truly unique that suits them. The most beautiful part of her work is the moment when participants proudly wear their self-designed and handmade silver jewelry.
During this workshop, you will create a real silver ring with a finish of your choice. You will get to know all the steps from sheet to ring: measuring, drawing, sawing, filing, sanding, bending, soldering, and finishing. You shape the material according to your own insight: adding a hammered texture or a pattern using different stamping tools. Various examples will be available for inspiration. You will go home with your own handmade ring.
Sacha Ofman has been a goldsmith since 1999. She trained at the Vocational School for Goldsmiths in Amsterdam. She designs and creates unique jewellery in her own distinctive style in an entirely artisanal way, ranging from organic forms to wearable art pieces. Old buttons are transformed into jewellery, as if they were gemstones. Seven years ago, she began teaching at the art center Fluxus in Zaandam, where playful learning and enjoyment of the process are central.
Discover the creative possibilities of metal threads in this fun and contemporary masterclass.
Throughout the class, we explore the foundations of two of the most popular goldwork techniques: couching with metal threads and cutwork using metal purls. Beginning with the essentials, you’ll learn everything you need to confidently get started, including how to work with the beautiful materials provided in your kit. Along the way, Hanny shares practical tips, tricks, and insights gained from years of experience.
Using the printed fabric design as a playful starting point, you’ll build your own collection of embroidered samples, unique to you, that showcase a range of techniques, textures, and creative explorations.
Hanny’s goldwork embroidery workshops strike a balance between traditional technique and creative experimentation, offering plenty of breathing space for stitchers to develop their own response to the rich heritage of goldwork embroidery.
Suitable for all levels of embroidery experience, this masterclass welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced stitchers looking to explore new ideas and approaches.
Metal embroidery is an art form with a rich history spanning more than 700 years. These beautiful threads and techniques have changed very little over the centuries. Today, the production of metal threads is a critically endangered craft, with only a handful of metal thread makers remaining in the United Kingdom.
Hanny Newton is a metal embroiderer who brings her own contemporary interpretation to the traditional art of goldwork. Since studying at the Royal School of Needlework (2011–13), she has been fascinated by the unique qualities of different metal threads. From her studio in Shropshire, England, she works internationally with interior designers and art consultancies, applying her contemporary approach to large-scale projects for hotels and private residences around the world. She also teaches at renowned institutions including the British Museum in London, West Dean College of Arts in Chichester, and the Australian Design Centre in Sydney.
In collaboration with the Heritage Crafts Association.
© Joshua James Photography
Regular
€10.00 pre-sale online
€12.50 at the door
CJP
€7.50 pre-sale online
€10.00 at the door
Children up to 12 years
Free entrance (with entrance ticket < 13 years).
Stadspas
Free entrance (only at the door upon presentation of your Stadspass, cannot be reserved online).
The prices mentioned include: VAT & service costs.
Please note: everyone who visits the festival needs an entrance ticket, even if you are going to attend a workshop or masterclass.
During this ongoing workshop, especially for children, you’ll learn to create a shape in aluminum. This way, you’ll discover the various forging techniques in a playful way.
Come and watch the blacksmith, try your hand at crafting, and visit the traveling exhibition “On a Visit.”
The workshops are led by experts in gold and silversmithing.
You’ll go home with your own creation.
The Dutch Silver Museum in Schoonhoven is committed to showcasing and preserving the craft of silversmithing. Visitors can see, feel, smell, and hear silver, and discover much more about this versatile precious metal in the World of Silver. With regularly changing exhibitions and activities, it’s worth coming back!
Learn the basics of the filigree craft in just two hours.
In this workshop, you will bend an elegant floral pattern from silver filigree wire using a specially designed tool. You’ll also be introduced to the modern PUK welding technique, a precise method for connecting wirework, and soldering with a flame using a specialized approach.
You will go home with your own handmade silver filigree pattern and a newfound appreciation for this centuries-old craft.
The workshop is suitable for both beginners and more advanced participants with an interest in fine metalwork.
Filigree is a specialization within the silversmithing craft, where ultra-thin metal wire is shaped into delicate, ornamental patterns. The technique is thousands of years old and found across many cultures, from the Middle East and Asia to Europe. Filigree is often used in jewellery and decorative objects and is known for its lace-like elegance. The craft requires patience, precision, and a keen eye for detail. Despite the Netherlands’ rich history with regional filigree jewellery as part of traditional costume, the technique is at risk of fading into obscurity. Fortunately, modern makers are working to preserve and innovate this extraordinary craft.
Eva van Kempen is a silversmith and the founder of The Filigree Embassy, an online knowledge platform aimed at making filigree accessible to a new generation of makers and wearers. Together with Ming Design Studio, she developed Tool-RF (Reproducing Filigree): a gear-like tool that makes it easier to bend filigree wire. This makes the craft more accessible, even for those with less experience or those looking to work more efficiently. Tool-RF helps keep the technique alive while opening new possibilities in design, fashion, and art. Eva’s mission is to preserve, innovate, and share filigree with the world.
Practical Information
Eva van Kempen. Foto Fan Liao
Participation at your own risk. Do not wear highly flammable clothing!
From a hard piece of metal, a seahorse is born through heat and force.
After a brief explanation from the blacksmith, you will forge a seahorse yourself. A provided strip of metal will be heated in the fire, and then you’ll hammer your very own seahorse on the anvil. This will be done with extensive guidance and example drawings from the blacksmith.
Having started as a freelancer in the metal industry, Cees Pronk conducted research on blacksmithing courses in the Netherlands in 1999/2000. Finding that a good vocational training no longer existed, he developed a blacksmithing course himself. The end terms he wrote, approved by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW), served as the basis for compiling and writing teaching materials for the Blacksmithing Course in Andelst and the establishment of Mondra Training. In addition to the Blacksmithing Course, various workshops and masterclasses are also offered for young and old, artists, and primary school students. All of this takes place at the Cornelis Pronk Forge, the place to gain knowledge about forging techniques.
As of January 1, 2024, Cornelis Pronk Forge has been handed over to his daughter Lotte Pronk, keeping the business in the family.
Practical information
Festival address:
NDSM Loods
NDSM-Plein 85
1033 WC Amsterdam
Postal address:
Stichting Ambacht in Beeld
Kalf 158
1509AH Zaandam
The Netherlands
