"The Joy of what you do comes from within. But sometimes you must search though hot coals to find it. " That's the job of a Blacksmith Artist.

WHAT IS A BLACKSMITH?
By definition it is A person who hammers hot iron over an anvil to change the shape of the iron or steel he is hammering. Yes that's exactly what we do here! Clark has always been drawn to changing the shape of iron in one way or another. Over the years he has found many ways to do so. From the standard welding and fabrication to now Blacksmithing. This is by far his most favorite way is in FIRE and with a hammer.

HOW DID YOU START?
Almost 23 years ago Clark started like many others. In the welding field fabricating and building things for employers. Over time Clark wanted to branch out on his own and did so using a combination of fabrication and blacksmithing to create large gates, railing, wall hangings, and sculptures for private clients. This was a great gig however contracting wasn't all it was cracked up to be the long hours and time away from family got to be too much and he wanted something more. Something better for his family. At this time his long time friend and mentor helped him learn all he could to make the full transition to Blacksmith. This was that something that would allow him to create more art, the something that would give him time with his family and to show the world blacksmithing is still a living, breathing ,tangible art form.

WHAT DO YOU MAKE?
Our items are primarily hand forged metal, iron and steel, though we are not limited to that. We also offer a line of signage. We have the ability to create items out of, or in combination with: copper, stainless, aluminum, brass, bronze, wood, and rock. From your basic bottle opener to that custom long stemmed rose sculpture. They are unique and custom and can be easily personalized. We carry groomsmen gifts, anything for you iron anniversary, birthday for dad or your lovely mother, what about you sister, aunt, brother, uncle, that dude you work with ect? Obviously you can see we specialize in great gift ideas. But we also carry a great line of household decor including address plates and numbers, family name signs, or kitchen items including hooks and handles.
You can view them all here: www.toughandtwisted.etsy.com Theres something for everyone.

WHO IS IN YOUR SHOP?
Clark is of course the blacksmith and artist of this operation. He designs and creates all the items in the shop. His wife Charola has been by his side for the 20 + years he has been working metal and has always been supportive in his creativity. She manages the customer service aspects as well as designs alot of the iron anniversary gifts in the store, while also running another successful line of signs found here www.ironsigndesign.etsy.com a branch of the studio. And of course there is Drex. The 17 year old blacksmith and artist in training. He was raised in a blacksmith shop and defiantly loves the fact he can be a part of our business by helping dad in the shop or mom in the office. Its amazing to think ALL this is because Clark wanted something better for his family!

**** Here at Tough & Twisted we really enjoy what we do and it shows in our items. As a husband and wife team we have found a place where love, hard work, and patience have really paid off and we want to share it with the world.
Its our goal here to let others know how beautiful iron art can be and help make memories that will last a life time.****
- Clark and Charola