|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Master Blacksmith, Dr. Geof Franklin |
E-mail:geof@bentmetalforge.com |
 Dr. Geof starting up the fire at the Georgia Scandinavian Festival. |
Dr. Geof took up blacksmithing after reading a series of fantasy novels which described the processes of heating and hammering metals. The idea intrigued him and so the hunt was on for more knowledge. After several years his hobby had turned into a passion. Friends and family members encouraged Dr. Geof to turn professional and sell his unique metal objects to the public. With the unwavering support of his bride, Barbara, Dr. Geof took the first steps into business and the fires at Bent Metal Forge were officially lit. From that day the fires have spread quickly. The original forge was in Lilburn, Georgia and since we have outgrown that site, we are moving to a new location near Maysville, Georgia. We have always realized the need for another forge, this one virtual. Currently we are looking to expand our Maysville forge into a full blown storefront, until then look for us at craft fairs, demos and SCA events or shop with us on our website. |
 A shot of Dr. Geof in the forge, working for a sale. |
 Dr. Geof laughing while posing for a few photos at the North Georgia Celtic Festival. |
| The forge has grown from those first years and now Dr. Geof also enjoys training new blacksmiths and teaching about the History of Blacksmithing. He's even managed to "sneak" a few couples into the forge to officiate their weddings. |
 Here we see Dr. Geof and Jake "Faelan Accnaid." Faelan was an "Apprentice for a day" and we look forward to working together again. |
 Guests dance the maypole at Dr. Geof and Barbara's wedding. (From Left to Right: Dr. Geof, Constance (foreground), Catie (background), Mike, Gabe, Barbara, John) |
 Barbara and Dr. Geof pose in costume on their wedding day. |
|
|
|
| Shuvani, Barbara "Putsha" Franklin |
E-mail:barbara@bentmetalforge.com |
 Madame Putsha la Chiromancienne waiting outside our bender tent. It was not long after that she was overrun by clients looking for a glimpse of their future. |
Barbara is the reason we are in business today. It was her encouragement that allowed Dr. Geof to open the Forge full time. Not but a few months later the tables turned as Madame Putsha arrived at the Forge with the encouragement of Dr. Geof. Putsha has a unique gift with her palmistry and she enjoys helping people understand not just "the what's" and "the whys", but "the how's" of their situations. She can be found at most events we attend usually with a cup of tea and a smile. |
 Putsha's little Helpers (Duke on the left and Teddy on the right) and Putsha (in the middle). We're somewhere in the camper. |
 Madame Putsha speaking to a client in the Bender Tent. |
|
|
|