The Cosira books are, in my estimation, a very solid purchase no matter the subject.  In this case, their Decorative Ironwork is one of those blacksmithing books I'm happy to recommend.

I'm a sucker for the older style of writing and while the photographs might not be as amazing as what we could do today.... they are still fantastic!

Best of all, this book gives you actual measurements.  It's rare to find recipes because so many people today are stuck on this notion of just going with the flow and doing what you want.  This, of course, makes it impossible to judge works because there isn't a standard to measure by.

This is an intermediate level book, I think.  The projects require a level of familiarity with the processes of the smithy.  Anyone who completes these projects will certainly have bragging rights and it's been a longtime desire of mine to start at page one and simply forge every project between the covers.  Maybe that'd make for some good content?  Interested in seeing something like that?

It would certainly be a very good learning experience.  The projects might not be something you need for your home or a customer, but they would look fantastic simply as wall decorations.  If you do good work, let your work speak for you.

Decorative Ironwork is a valuable asset to have in your personal library.  Usually found online for less than twenty dollars delivered to your door, it's one of those purchases that it is hard to argue against.  It provides very simple, clear instructions, with photographs and measurements so you can check your work.  While the projects might seem daunting, being able to successfully forge even a small element from each project will pay dividends in your smithing career.

One of my favorite channels on youtube is Desert Owl Forge. Tim hails from over in Europe and brings a unique aesthetic to the American smithing scene, in my estimation.

In this video, we see him making a gate latch. It's a beautiful design with elegant lines and enough topographical change in the steel that there's no doubt in your mind that a blacksmith made it.

What's most impressive, in my estimation, is that each step along the way is very simple. Tim is using the basic movements that every blacksmith uses. The magic is in how he chose to combine the fundamental movements. 

Little things add up.  Tim started out with some plain iron bars and ended with a truly beautiful piece that'd be the pride and joy of any garden gate in the land!

Kudos to Desert Owl Forge for reminding me of an old lesson!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP12vtz_fjQ

Paul Hasluck - Bent Ironwork

This is one of those books that's both educational and just plain fun to read. I highly recommend it for your blacksmithing library whether you're new to the craft or have been around the anvil a few times!

Published in 1902, Bent Ironwork is written for the novice.  Unlike a lot of books, the author doesn't wast precious pages on unnecessary information.  Everything is kept clean and simple with the focus on exactly what you need.  Best of all, Paul gives us detailed recipes so you're not left guessing how much iron you might need.

Bent Ironwork was written at a time when money was hard to come by and often Widows and Orphans needed to make a few pennies just to earn a crust of bread. It's both a tutorial on doing decorative ironwork with few tools, and a window into the past when things weren't nearly as comfortable as they are today.

You can usually find this book for sale for under $10 all over the internet and I cannot recommend it highly enough.  If you have young children who are interested in learning the trade, this is a must-have item for their Christmas stocking.

All of the patterns can be scaled up or down however the aspiring reader likes.

Hello!  Welcome to Three Rivers Forge.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you and hope that you find the adventure as enjoyable as I do!

When I first started down this path more years ago than I care to admit, I never would have imagined I'd end up here.  Truth be told, I never imagined there would be this thing called the "internet" or that it'd be possible to reach out across the world with the push of a few buttons. 

I'm not at all savvy when it comes to this technology stuff, but I'm deeply grateful for the fact that it's allowed me to share my ironwork with customers around the world.  From Singapore to Switzerland, Israel to New Zealand, you can ironwork from Three Rivers Forge.... and it's been a tremendous honor.

What are my goals for this page?  Well, I actually haven't set any, to be honest.  I could talk all day long about how I'd like to purchase a hydraulic press or sell a dozen t-shirts every month, but the truth is that I'll be overjoyed just to receive your support and know that there are folks out there who have my back.  It's support from good people like you who keep the iron moving here at Three Rivers Forge.  I realize that not everyone has the need for some ironwork or a t-shirt of their own at the moment, so I thought I would offer this option as well.

Every dollar raised goes directly to the #blacksmith shop's operation.  Maybe that'll help buy some more iron.  Maybe your support will make it possible to try something entirely new to me.  In short, I'm not sure about a lot of things but I can be certain that it will be an exciting journey.

Exclusive content not only on how I make the projects like the dishes I'm so well known for, but why I make them the way I do.  In the #blacksmith trade, the why is just as important as the how, and you'll be the very first let in on the secrets.  :D

So, again, welcome!  It's great to have you here and I look forward to sharing the journey with you!