FABA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

November 8-10, Gainesville, Florida

Book Hotel

In partnership with

Quick Links

More information to come!

Benchmark Abrasives

Iron Osprey Forge

Blacksmith Supply

Warehouse Services

Meet our demonstrators!

Blacksmith

Doug Wilson

Doug Wilson has taught over 100 workshops on design and forge practices for schools, colleges, universities and blacksmithing organizations including Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Penland School of Crafts, Colby College, and Massachusetts College
of Art. He has been a demonstrator at national and international blacksmithing conferences including six National Conferences for ABANA. In 2020, he received the Maine Crafts association (MCA) Master Artist Award.

Damascus Hunting Sword with Dragon Scale Sheath Plus 5 Armory.jpg

Knife and Jewelry smith

Joseph Easttom

Joseph Easttom is both a bladesmith and jeweler specializing in historically accurate and functional arms and armor using tools and techniques as period authentic as are economically justifiable. (He calls his press and grinder his “apprentices.”) Joseph crafts some truly unique pieces that are both functional and artistic. His work includes various styles of engraving and acid etching, gold inlay and even setting precious gems into his creations.

More then just workshops and classes

Charity Scrap Bucket
Challenge

It's simple! Donate some money ($10 minimum) and select your steel from the scrap bucket then make the best piece you can. On Sunday at 11am the hotel staff will judge all entries and select the winner. All donations will be given to a charity of the winner's choice!

Skill level: Any
Register: Registration Tent (#1)

Item Exchange: Something Musical

A smith creates a piece based on their interpretation of the theme and brings it to the conference. On Saturday evening before the auction, everyone who brought an item will draw the name of another. The name that you draw is the piece that you take home!

Skill level: Any
Register: Banquet Hall

Gallery

Showcasing the best metal artwork from across the state! Bring one or more items to the gallery to share! Items are judged by attendees and awarded prize money for People’s Choice.

Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced

Preregister your piece now!

Iron in the Hat

Have scraps or interesting items laying around your shop? Bring them to the conference for Iron in the Hat. Tickets will be sold for items to be raffled on Saturday, Nov 5th from noon to 1 pm. Bring a 24-case of bottled water for 3 free tickets. Limit 3 cases per individual.

Skill Level: N/A
Location: Tent TBA

Chairman's Challenge:
Florida: Forest & Fauna

We are asking each district or sub-district to create a piece as a team. This can be as large or small as you would like. A panel of outside judges will judge the pieces based on the criteria below. Awards will be handed out at the banquet. Please consider donating your items to the auction. We hope to see submissions from each part of the state! This is a great project to work on at a monthly meeting.

Live & Silent
Auction

Proceeds from the auction not only support the conference, but also FABA throughout the year. To be successful, we need auction items! If you have an item you plan to bring, please let us know. The live and silent auction will take place on Saturday evening, October 21st immediately following the annual banquet.

Skill level: Intermediate to advanced