I started taking blacksmithing classes in 2007 at Prospect Hill Forge in Waltham, MA.  I can recommend them very highly. Carl West is an excellent teacher, very patient and clear.  The very first class I took there was A Taste of Blacksmithing, where you get to try a little bit of everything making an S-hook.

My first creation

After that, I was hooked and took as many classes from them as I could.

Barbecue fork, tongs, and me

Candlestick, scroll and collaring practice

Forge-welded chain, piece forged to a blueprint

This next one is a trivet, which was the very first thing that I made on my own, without being directed in a class.