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Desert Ironwood Skinner
This project began with a knife designed similarly to a classic Russell knife and included some modifications such as a deeper and more even belly curve, and a higher, thinner bevel, as specified by the client. The raw material was a section of a huge bandsaw blade, 12″ wide, double edged, that would have run…
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Casting and Forging Recycled Aluminum Foil – Handmade Metal Buttons
Turning reclaimed aluminum foil and pie plates into handmade metal buttons by melting, purifying, casting, and forging. Each button requires approximately 5-10 pie plates. Heat is provided by a sideblast charcoal forge and Japanese style fuigo box bellows. The crucible came from a retired railroad worker and is an iron one generally for melting lower…
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Drift Indie Art Market & Show
At the Nanaimo Art Gallery’s downtown location, 150 Commercial Street. Featuring 25 artists from Vancouver Island and the surrounding Gulf Islands. Friday December 14, 5-9 (Opening Reception, by invitation
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The Original Village Christmas Arts Faire in Qualicum Beach
An Outstanding Exhibition and Sale by Local Professional Artisans Visit the Village Christmas Arts Faire online at vcaf.artdesignlife.com.
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Blacksmith’s Knives from Logging Steel and Rawhide
This type of integral design is based on a traditional companion knife made by blacksmiths in the previous century. The clay tempered blades were hand forged from a length of high carbon spring steel rod. The natural textures of the fire and hammer create the finished surfaces of the blade and handle. Material: Reclaimed logging…
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Island Blacksmith @ Whiskey Creek Farm
We were invited as exclusive artists at the opening of the new bakery at Whiskey Creek Farm. Lori makes gluten free food from scratch. She also sells chicken, eggs, and vegetable from her garden. We were spoiled by her hospitality and her food while we were there. Thank you, Lori! whiskeycreek.ca
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School Group Demo
A demonstration for a group of homeschool students and families at the Craig Heritage Park and Museum.
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Solid Wrought Spatula
A section of large wrought iron dock chain from Vancouver Island is hand forged in a single piece to create this kitchen tool.
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Island Blacksmith @ Salish Sea Market
When we were at the Lighthouse Fall Fair, Sharon from Salish Sea Market in Bowser stopped by and said she was interested in our work. Later we visited the market and felt welcome. As soon as we entered the gallery, we were struck by the beauty of artwork and uncrowded gallery-like atmosphere. So now you…
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Party on the Drive
Crossed Heart Forge demo set up at Tigh-Na-Mara for the Resort Drive event. We were invited to participate in the first ever P-Art-y on the Drive event in Parksville on the ninth of September. Our booth featured a live demonstration of cold forged copper penannular shawl pins, rings, and bracelets and also displayed the hand…
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Lighthouse Fall Fair
Island Blacksmith creations and knife sharpening demo set up at the 42nd annual Lighthouse Country Fall Fair.
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Ulu Skinner Blade
This knife was a collaboration with Coastal Carvings artist Jeremy Humpherville who designed the unique shape based on a traditional ulu pattern. Jeremy has been saving a very special piece of walrus tusk which will be used for the handle. See more photos of the finished work. Forged from a reclaimed antique Model T leaf…
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Qualicum Beach Summer Artisan Market
We will be set up at the Summer Artisan Market outside The Old School House in Qualicum Beach every Friday from 3-8pm for July and August. The Artisan Market showcases some of the finest artisans in Oceanside and all works are handmade and sold by the artists in person. Come down and say hello and…
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T.O.S.H. 100th and Saihou-Kotengu Taiko
We really enjoyed the taiko drumming class final performance…Kazuo~san and Mutsumi~san were amazing and we need to bring them back again soon!
Traditionally crafted knives for people who wish
they could take things home from museums.
Crossed Heart Forge
Historical Techniques
Hand forged with handmade charcoal, constructed and finished with historical methods and natural materials.
see the process
Traditional Tools
Human powered hand tools are used from the time the steel is first put in the fire through to the final assembly.
tour the forge
Reclaimed Materials
Steel, iron, copper, and brass are sourced from salvage and scrap wood for charcoal comes from local sources.
watch a tanto being made