[TheForge] guild question

[Ron Childers]

Dan,

We had a set-up at the North Fla Fair. The members sold stuff forged on
site. We also did some at the Pioneer Settlement in Blountstown and sold the
stuff fast as we made it. We answered lots of questions about blacksmithing
and explained the art is alive and well. 

As to your comment about shoeing horses, even my orthopedist wrote in his
report, "Ron wants to put off surgery as long as possible as he says he can
deal with the pain and he is still shoeing horses." I've shooed chickens,
but would never try to shoe my horses. I explain that is an entirely
different discipline: Most blacksmiths can't do horses, but farriers make
very good blacksmithing students. 

There are people willing to pay for what we do because we make it rather
than get everything stamped or cast.

Ron C

-----Original Message-----
From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Dan Tull
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 9:58 AM
To: Sponsored by ABANA
Subject: Re: [TheForge] guild question

We have an ongoing problem.

How do some of you others overcome the lack of knowledge of the public
on what a blacksmith does?
"You shoe horses!"   "There aren't anymore blacksmiths." "How do you make a 
living?"

I'm wondering if demonstrations in public places  ( downtown parks, hotels, 
convention centere,) during
conventions, etc. instead of the backwoods B.S. shop would help.
Blacksmiths biggest problem is educating customers on what we CAN do.

Suggestions?



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