Leslie Tharp Designs LLC - Gainesville, Florida

Ian E.

Our whole two day session with Leslie was great. If you're looking for a memorable experience either by yourself or with a group of people, definitely consider taking a class with her. Leslie shows you what to do and then lets you do it. I couldn't be happier with my end product. Thanks Leslie!

David A.

Absolutely wonderful experience. Leslie was very knowledgeable and a great blacksmithing instructor. My partner and I took a private class where we made the snake bracelets she offered. I cannot recommend this experience enough for those getting into blacksmithing for the first time. Leslie also took covid precautions, and we felt safe the entire time.

Ash B.

Scheduled an evening class to make snake bracelets with my boyfriend on the Friday before Valentine's Day - we had an absolute blast and learned a lot. Leslie was amazing to talk to and a fantastic mentor/teacher to guide us through making these for each other! Definitely would recommend

Laura D.

I've had the honor of both taking Leslie's lessons as well as working with her on a custom bench project for a client of ours. Her approach is immediately accessible and empowering even for a first time student. She's got all the answers for anyone who wants to be more in depth with their training. Her lines flow so organically it's like magic. Highly recommend for beginners and experienced blacksmiths.

Kevin T.

Leslie is a hugely-talented local metalsmith artist who is thoughtful, witty, and generous with her time, specialized knowledge and insightful perspectives on artful collaborations.

In addition to offering great workshops and classes at the community college (which I continue to hear so many positive things about - I will be finding time to enroll in a few myself very soon) she is a valuable community player. Leslie has taken pause in her busy schedule to host a visit with me and a group of UF design students to explain her work, her approach and her experience working collaboratively with other artists and designers.

She is talented, and professional, but most importantly, she is passionate about her life calling, and just being around her and experiencing that energy is inspiring and contagious.

Leslie is a true Gainesville gem. If you have a chance to patronize her classes or workshops, you should. How often do we have the chance to learn from a true master?

Karen B.

After seeing Leslie demonstrate how she produced one of her works at a meeting of FABA (Florida Artists Blacksmith Association) in Blountstown, FL some years ago, I was enthralled at her talent, skill, creativity, innovation, and infectious enthusiasm. So, I have taken a number of classes with her in Gainesville, FL, the last one a sandhill crane forge/weld class. ALL of these classes have been extraordinarily fabulous!! Leslie lived up to my original set of adjectives (above) and more. Leslie prepares carefully for her classes, so they run seamlessly, and end up being so much fun, and all of us leaving in smiles, with new-found skills that Leslie had taught us, joys, and a work of art we had crafted — with Leslie’s always-respectful help just when needed. NO SKILLS are necessary for Leslie’s classes, which is fantastic for any beginner, and maybe even better for some of us with a few skills, because we add to them every time. Obviously, I HIGHLY recommend your taking at least one class; you’ll see what I mean.

Carly B.

Leslie is a fantastic teacher! We have done multiple workshops with her and each one has been well thought out, imaginative and most importantly, FUN! We are already planning our next session.

Ryan H.

This weekend was my bachelor party! Leslie led me and my groomsmen through the task of creating our own knives from scratch! We had such a great time and Leslie was the best instructor ever. Can’t wait to come back and build something crazy!!!