Ring Project - ABANA Conference 2016

I attended a blacksmithing conference last week!  

​Salt Lake City's local NBC-affiliate produced a news article and 3-minute video for which I and fellow blacksmiths were interviewed.... 

At the conference, I spent most of my time assisting in the ‘Railing Project’ tent, managed by John Barron, where a forged railing was created and permanently installed as part of the workshop.  Prior to the conference, a request was made for rings for the railing.  

As per the ring specs, I forge-welded a 7” outside-diameter ring from 1/4” x 1” flat bar, then created an original design for the interior of the ring -- in my case, a ‘stylized butterfly’ design.

The finished railing included 19 rings made by fellow blacksmiths -- each with an original interior design.  These decorative elements of the railing showcase the skills and artistry of the modern blacksmith.

Twice as many rings as were needed were made for the railing.  My ring wasn’t incorporated into the railing -- it was instead donated to the live auction portion of the conference.  

Next time you find yourself in Salt Lake City, Utah, I encourage you to visit this nearly 50-foot railing which was donated and installed by ABANA to the conference site (Utah State Fairpark - the Heritage Building).  I’m confident you’ll find its beauty and artistry as amazing as I did...