Robert

You need to contact Vicki McCorkle at Texarkana College at 903-823-3015 or email [email protected]

I assume that you are referring to Texarkana College in Washington, Arkansas.

Hey Dan,

I'm already registered. I was just wondering if any other forum members were attending those two weeks.

Best,

Bob

I think that I could literally scrape up my pennies and dimes to pay the 850 but I'm only 14 so that would be pushing it. However the problem I'm facing is boarding. It sounds like at 20 a night for 14 nights that would be an extra 280 dollars that I don't have. Not to mention meals, and gas. I really want to take the class and I've always said "if there's a will there's a way" but this time I just can't come up with the cash. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//sad.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':(' />

Hey Johnathan,

I remember 14, even though that was 48 years ago! I'll tell you one thing though, you are one determined young man. I'd be willing to bet you'll be attending the school before too long. I'd love to attend the scool with you. Your learning curve is way beyond mine!

God Bless You!

Bob

|quoted:

I think that I could literally scrape up my pennies and dimes to pay the 850 but I'm only 14 so that would be pushing it. However the problem I'm facing is boarding. It sounds like at 20 a night for 14 nights that would be an extra 280 dollars that I don't have. Not to mention meals, and gas. I really want to take the class and I've always said "if there's a will there's a way" but this time I just can't come up with the cash. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//sad.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':(' />

Hey Jonathan you should look at the scholarships that the ABS has for those who would like to attend one of their classes. I don't know what the criteria is but you might qualify. I would look into this. Good luck.

Joshua

As soon as I saw Jonathan's post I sent him an email about all of the individuals and organizations to contact about scholarships along with the contact information.

Now that is the kind of stuff that makes this a great organization!

I second what you said Mr. Robert. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> And thanks for the nice comment.

Thanks for the suggestions to the scholarships guys.

I just got the email from Mr. Dan and I am going to try and get some information about them.

I hope that the information from Dan will be of help Johnathan. There are two really good instructors for that class in Jim Crowell and Tim Potier. Jim was one of the instructors for my intro class a number of years ago. Could not ask for better instructors.

Brion

Robert: Good for you. I'm jealous. Have a BLAST!

I've been trying to get to the ABS Bladesmithing Intro course for years, but haven't been able to manage it yet. For one, the timing is always off. I teach school with the summers off. I've never seen the course offered during the summer. Potentially I could take some time off from work, but I have to arrange for a substitute teacher for my classes (that can teach coppersmithing, blacksmithing, jewelry making, stone carving and/or woodworking) as well as pay their wage while I'm on leave. This compounds the already challenging financial aspects as well.

Jonathan: I too hope the best for you. May I encourage you to not put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to manifesting your goals? In this case, the ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing course and scholarships to make it happen. It very well could work out that way, but it is possible it may not. Hope for the best, but keep on keeping on with mowing lawns, shoveling snow, saving birthday money, etc, etc, etc, to reach your goals. Are there any local arts and crafts or farm fairs you can sell handcrafts at? Sounds like you are a creative youngster and can probably dream up lots of ways to collect some coins. Baby sitting services anyone? House cleaning? Painting? Keep those ideas and hard work flowing. You'll make it!

Jonathan, remember, if you can't make the Intro class in spring, there is one in the fall as well. It gives you more time to save up the money. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

Thanks again guys!

First,

Mr Brion, I totally agree with you about the instructors if there anything like Mike Williams or J. R. Cook. I was at the hammer in a year ago and I just can't forget the way the mixed expert Master Smith knowledge with humor. The ABS guys are so fun to be around and are like treasure chest's of knowledge.

Secondly,

Mr. Phil, I think I know what you mean. And if I where to put it in my dads words, "God helps those who help themselves". I do wish that I had the privilege to do things like mow lawns, shovel snow, and stuff like that, but I am from a family with 9 kids so whenever I'm not in the shop I am having to be kept inside with chores. So the only way I have of making money right now is to sell the knives I've made. That being said though I understand what you mean and I have been able to collect the $850 from selling knives and scraping up my pennies and dimes. The boarding would be the problem for me. Just for thinking purposes consider this.....

I have eight brothers and sisters and a mom and a dad. Mom is in charge of feeding all those nine hungry mouths and dad pays the bills (putting it in the most simplified form possible). So if just mom where to take the time to come stay with me at Old Washington for 2 weeks then who would cook the meals and do the laundry. And if Dad where to take the time to stay with me in Old Washington for 2 weeks then who would pay for the food to feed the family. So then where left with one thing. Why not take the whole family for two weeks. Well then at the cheapest rates I could find near Old Washington it would be 11 x $20 x 14 = $3,080.00. Which is no easy feat for anyone. So I'm sorry for going on my little rant. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//tongue.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' /> I didn't mean to take over this topic but as you can see I am facing more then just money. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//sad.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':(' />

Last but not least,

Mr. Cheyenne, I will make it eventually. Where there's a will there's a way <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//wink.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';)' /> Even if I have to wait till I' old enough to come by myself I'll make it somehow. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />

I apologize again for my little rant but that's what I'm trying to face so I was letting y'all know a little background of where I'm coming from.

Thanks,

Jonathan

Good luck sorting everything out Jonathan. Good things come to he who waits...and those who help themselves (and others).