About

Hi, I'm Shaina! 

I caught the hobby blacksmithing bug after taking a class with a friend in 2021. The following year, I took another class and realized I needed to find a way to do this at home. Undeterred by limited funds, I found plans on iforgeiron.com to build a dirt box forge, made some charcoal, was gifted a railroad rail, and bought a $5 hammer. I started working through the ABANA Controlled Hand Forging guide and a few recommended books, and quickly saved enough to take a 3-day beginner course at the Missouri School of Blacksmithing. I later discovered the ABANA National Curriculum in 2023 and jumped at the opportunity to push beyond my comfort level, earning a Level 1 certification. As of 2025 I'm continuing to work toward Level 2 certification within intention of becoming a certified Level 1 instructor for other blacksmiths. 

In addition to gifts made for friends and family, many of projects you'll see in the 'Portfolio' menu were forged as trade items for the local blacksmithing club meetings. I love the challenge of learning a new skill and the club trade items are an excellent outlet for that.