Welcome to Stone County Ironworks

My day begins early… well, early for me anyway. Just before 8am, coffee in hand, I gather my wits about me and walk boldly into my office. It never changes. The same Cedarvale Wall Mirror hangs on the wall to my right as I enter my workspace… silently judging my hair that most assuredly refuses to be contained by helpless bobby pins. The familiar Whisper Creek Desk, intricately crafted to resemble birchwood and painted with careful hands with a white finish and a dab of green for the detailed leaves comes alive to greet me. Who would have thought that a little bit of iron and a whole lot of sweat, blood, and tears could make such an inspiring and creative piece? The same corkwood board hangs over my computer screen happily decorated with a UPS Delivery map, new product designs and what seem like hundreds of little neon colored sticky notes reminding me of the day's tasks that lie before me. A beautiful set of Rush Renaissance Candleholders decorates the neighboring desk. Whimsical and free flowing iron stems come together and are held by delicate wraps beneath the candle plate. To complete the look, a touch of gold accents the details of this creative piece. The lovely set was a special Christmas gift from one of the gifted artisans that we are honored to have working here.

As I set my keys in their regular spot with the thumbtacks and hang my purse up, I can hear the sound of the heavy trip hammers. Most likely, one of the master blacksmiths is pounding out a massive red-hot iron bed post, characterizing it with a heavy texture that so resembles tree bark for a beautiful Pine Bed. Perhaps he is cold hammering a narrow iron rod to give it an organic feel for one of the pieces in our Sassafras Collection. I can hear the zap of welders as raw iron meets blazing blue heat and forms beautiful and delicate designs that could be turning into something as small and simple as a coat hook for the kitchen wall or as spectacular and awe-inspiring as an Enchanted Forest Bed with leafy branches rising from the corners of the bed posts to touch in the center and form a peaceful canopy to slumber beneath. The sharp scent of raw iron permeates the air and this smell is mixed with the lingering waft of my “Christmas Morning” candle that I had lit yesterday. The sounds, smells, and sights create a feeling that really can’t be described any better than one single word… home. Why would anyone ever describe their job as homey? I mean, we are supposed to hate our jobs, right? Even now I smile… let me take you on a journey. The journey of a small town blacksmith shop nestled in the green hills of the Ozark Mountains. My hope is that the charming story of Stone County Ironworks will captivate your heart as much as it has mine.

-Anna Baker