I'm not sure this is exactly what you're looking for, but here goes -
There is a quest called "Origin of Smithing" which is given by Hank the Hammer in the dwarven district of Stormwind City (making a bunch of bracers). He then gives you a badge and tells you to go find McGavan in Booty Bay. McGavan is outside the blacksmith shop (Brikk's shop) on the upper level of Booty Bay, next to a forge, and will tell you to go find Galvan the Ancient for more training. Galvan is at a forge in the middle of nowhere between the Ogres and the mining co. - search his name on the search box to the left for a map. He makes you bring him piles of metals and gems, and in return teaches you three of the Ornate Mithril recipes. He then sends you to his Finest Pupil in Gadgetzan, who in return for you making him samples of the three recipes you just learned plus a lot of heavy mithril stuff, will teach you another three recipes.
That's the way the alliance side works - I don't know if the horde has a similar setup.