Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America - Abana

  I feel a change in the winds is required in my craft. After a year of lack luster sales in the Milwaukee area it is time to re-evaluate my direction as a blacksmith. My forging has become much more artistic in nature in the last four years. I need an outlet that will nurture this direction so I looked into Abana. Not only will I work with other like minded smiths (men and women) but I will be able to chart a new course for my business at the Rustic Anvil Forge LLC. Currently, I am trying to pass the Level 1 License by the California Blacksmiths association. Of the 9 pages of requires, I have about 75% completed thanks to the training received by my master smith, Gary G.

  I also want to learn how to forge more off my own tooling. This month's issue of the Hammer's Blow shows me a great detail just how to do that. In addition, the Abana website is current and updated all the time. Who knows I mind even head out to a local convention if they are closer than a 4 hour drive.  Just between us, it is time to head into phase two of my retirement plan, buying a hitch for my SUV. I think in  the not too distant future it will be time to "take this show on the road." I'd love to do blacksmithing at an encampment and I think it is time to take on an apprentice. The future is full of endless possibilities!