We would like to Welcome you to the blacksmith shop of Walter Howell.
We provide a variety of products and services that include decorative and functional
hardware for home and business. Walter repairs antique pieces and provides welding
services as well as custom handrails and fencing. We make custom strapping for exposed
beams and we have a wonderful line of fireplace tools and hardware for the hearth and
fire pits. Hinges, hangers and handles; whatever you need. If you don't see what you are
looking for, we can make it.
Know what you are getting. A quick word to those in the iron market. There are lots of
companies and individuals presenting their products as " hand made" when in fact the
products or the components are purchased from large (and none of them are made in the
USA) companies. If you look at a piece that has components that are identical in size
shape and texture markings it is NOT handmade. Exact replication in handwork is very
difficult and there will be subtle differences. Its like looking at a quilt to see if the
stitches are hand sewn or done on a machine. There are many out there who purchase
individual components and weld them together to form a finished piece. These products
are nice and do require a lot of work but they are not hand forged. Another factor will be
price. Hand forged pieces are not cheap. They require time and skill that are well worth
the investment and are usually made from a purer, higher quality iron. All of Walters
work is sold with a certificate of authenticity providing information and date the piece
was forged. If you are purchasing a custom piece you we can provide you with photos of
the work in progress if you request them.
Walter also offers workshops and private classes for those who are interested in learning.
And we have coke, coal and forges for sell. Check our Schedule page for information.
We hope you enjoy our site. We don't offer on line shopping because so many
of our products require customizing in some fashion, but we keep many basic items in
stock and available for prompt shipment.
Please call or e-mail us for more information or come by and see us at our shop in
Henagar, Alabama.
We provide a variety of products and services that include decorative and functional
hardware for home and business. Walter repairs antique pieces and provides welding
services as well as custom handrails and fencing. We make custom strapping for exposed
beams and we have a wonderful line of fireplace tools and hardware for the hearth and
fire pits. Hinges, hangers and handles; whatever you need. If you don't see what you are
looking for, we can make it.
Know what you are getting. A quick word to those in the iron market. There are lots of
companies and individuals presenting their products as " hand made" when in fact the
products or the components are purchased from large (and none of them are made in the
USA) companies. If you look at a piece that has components that are identical in size
shape and texture markings it is NOT handmade. Exact replication in handwork is very
difficult and there will be subtle differences. Its like looking at a quilt to see if the
stitches are hand sewn or done on a machine. There are many out there who purchase
individual components and weld them together to form a finished piece. These products
are nice and do require a lot of work but they are not hand forged. Another factor will be
price. Hand forged pieces are not cheap. They require time and skill that are well worth
the investment and are usually made from a purer, higher quality iron. All of Walters
work is sold with a certificate of authenticity providing information and date the piece
was forged. If you are purchasing a custom piece you we can provide you with photos of
the work in progress if you request them.
Walter also offers workshops and private classes for those who are interested in learning.
And we have coke, coal and forges for sell. Check our Schedule page for information.
We hope you enjoy our site. We don't offer on line shopping because so many
of our products require customizing in some fashion, but we keep many basic items in
stock and available for prompt shipment.
Please call or e-mail us for more information or come by and see us at our shop in
Henagar, Alabama.
| Call us at (256) 254-8469 E-mail us at rhonda@waltersforge.com Write us at 886 Lee Chapel Rd. Henagar, Al. 35978 *web site design and maintenance by R. Howell. Contact sunsetironworks@yahoo.com for information and services. |
| The Circle of Life As the leaves turn and fall for the winter we are reminded that nature reflects the generations changing hands. And that the spring will bring a new sea of green and another generation of God's wonders will begin again. $575.00 |
| Walter's Forge |
| "Stars or Hearts" Large Wall Medallion in brushed steel finish. $275.00 |
Walter began working with iron about eight years ago. First creating pieces made of
antique iron we "inherited" when we purchased an old dairy farm in north Ga, visitors
to the farm began to ask for pieces and an invitation to a local show became the
beginning of Walter's Forge. One piece led to another and our line of iron products for
home and business began to grow.
His love of the craft has taken us places and introduced us to people that have become
true blessings in our lives. There is something about handwork that satisfies the soul.
That feeling is reflected in the quality and care taken with each piece. We feel that the
purchase of an iron piece is an investment in the future. The durability of iron means a
lifetime of use and enjoyment. Walter works hard to ensure that every piece of ironwork
that leaves his shop is of heirloom quality.
We found out quickly that there was a lot of interest out there for a variety of reasons.
For some people it is the craft itself. For others it is the treasury of memories brought
about by the smell of the smoke and the sounds of the blower and the anvil. Walter has
opened his shop to these people and welcomed them to come and spend some time
watching and learning. We have groups of school children who come, which is great fun
for us.
Walter is at the shop most every weekday and we welcome all to come and visit. Check
our schedule page for weekend events. We have a small showroom set up with samples
to look at and sell. We do recommend that you call before you make the trip.
Most of our pieces require customizing in some form or fashion. We can design and
make your piece just the size you need. And you have the rare opportunity to get
something that is exactly what you want, does exactly what you need it to and have a
part in the design of the piece. In the end you have a truly original piece of work that
represents a spirit of American Craftsmanship that is in danger of being lost to faster,
quicker and cheaper.
Along The way Walter has had some accomplishments that we are proud of.
**studied under Master Blacksmith Susan Madasi - 2006
**award of excellence - Hamilton Co. 2005
**award winner - art on the lake, fine arts exhibit - 2008
**award winner - new salem arts festival - 2008
**member of the Mentone Area Arts council
**demonstrating blacksmith for the Big Wills arts council and the Scottsboro Heritage Foundation
**featured artists in the November 2008 edition of the Tidewater Blacksmiths Guild Magazine
**exhibiting artist at the Jacksonville State Little River Canyon Center
**featured artist in the June issue of The Look Out View Magazine
**featured artist in the upcoming December issue of "Connected" magazine
**studied under Master Blacksmith Susan Madasi - 2006
**award of excellence - Hamilton Co. 2005
**award winner - art on the lake, fine arts exhibit - 2008
**award winner - new salem arts festival - 2008
**member of the Mentone Area Arts council
**demonstrating blacksmith for the Big Wills arts council and the Scottsboro Heritage Foundation
**featured artists in the November 2008 edition of the Tidewater Blacksmiths Guild Magazine
**exhibiting artist at the Jacksonville State Little River Canyon Center
**featured artist in the June issue of The Look Out View Magazine
**featured artist in the upcoming December issue of "Connected" magazine
| Photography by Paul Shoffner |
