BoonesHooks' amazing hooks caught my eye a few weeks ago as I was browsing for items to spruce up my space. With a perfect combination of function and style, with an extra eco factor, all of Smyth Boone's elegant designs are forged from recycled steel.

Taking a look around the shop, I found an interesting tidbit about this recent addition to the Etsy community: Not only is he an 18th generation blacksmith, he is also a descendant of the American pioneer Daniel Boone. Smyth was kind enough to tell us a bit about his craft and life; we're glad to have him here!

Finding inspiration in his process, Smyth creates visually pleasing artworks that double as functional design pieces.  Blacksmithing is in his blood, though his education was only a two week visit with his father, who also learned the craft from his father, who learned from his father, who....well, you get the picture.  After that, it was time to open a shop and get to work. Smyth learned more tricks and techniques from books and would practice by creating challenging pieces inspired by designs from texts.  He also says fellow blacksmiths enjoy sharing their knowledge of the trade and there are national organizations that host classes and conferences.  This self-taught craftsman is now teaching students and lecturing at conferences, but still seeks to add to his own skill set.

Smyth learned about Etsy from a friend and he is loving the exposure and networking:

"After almost 16 years of forging large architectural commissions, I decided to try a different tack and produce a product line of hand-forged home accessories with the intent that the product line would take off and I would be able to have it be my steady income, giving me the potential to pursue more complicated forgings and sculptures. I have had reasonable success with selling in very fine home decorator and gift stores and also on the internet, but not as much as I was intending."

Joining the Etsy interior design team, the Design Style Guide, has inspired Smyth to create a blog to promote his work, and he says networking is definitely a great way to get your name out in the world.  This Etsy Team has the mission to connect professional interior decorators and designers with Etsy crafters and artists for their design needs.  Smyth shares some wisdom he has gained:

"It appears to me that there is a certain threshold in visitor volume that one must achieve to have a successful web presence, generating enough revenue to keep your business alive and thriving. The more networking we do helps everyone as a whole. It is a great concept and I am glad to participate."

When not creating stunning steel works, Smyth spends time with his music collection. He's a radio dj and producer and even interviews musicians in his show "Talkin' Music" on KVNF in Paonia, Colorado. There's also time in there for mountain biking, which he claims is like meditation: hard work to get up the hills and a lot of fun riding down. He's the proud dad of two talented daughters: one is a double major in opera and Spanish and one is a brilliant artist who excels at everything she tries.  

Thank you, Smyth, for bringing your talents to Etsy!

Looking for more Etsy newbies? Check out our previous Fresh Shops coverage!