Forged flower inspired by Cloverdale Forge

Borrowing an idea from Matt Jenkins at Cloverdale Forge. I wanted to make a arge flower to be used in an upcoming project. This forged flower is made by sawing a series of kerfs into a piece of flat bar then spreading the petals.
A video of Matt forging his flower may be viewed at • 2018 Rocky Mountain Sm...
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[@3fingersofrye304]

Good morning all - The Matt Jenkins video, John mentions, from RMS conference is up on the Rocky Mountain Smiths channel. -grant

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you Grant, I'll change the link. Are you still in Denver or have you moved down to Rye to social distance?

[@3fingersofrye304]

@@BlackBearForge That's why we got the place , but need to look after Margie's Mother. Spend most week days in Rye.

[@alwaysbearded1]

When I started watching your channel I did not know that blacksmiths were topologists. the way you take a flat blank and visualize a complex form from it is amazing. Then of course you work back to a layout and just lay it out.

[@BlackBearForge]

Well put, Francis Whitaker always said that blacksmiths have to think backwards.

[@flatlinesup]

John you are the King of Un-wonkie. At times, as I've watched a few of your vids, I've thought "Oh, my. That's going south in a bad way." and then you just tap in the right spot (or 12) and it all just kind of falls in place in a wonderful way. I honestly appreciate your editing as you don't make the difficult look easy, you make the difficult look possible. That's a much more honest approach and it is truly enjoyed. Your experience, perseverance and patience shine. Thank you again.

[@5x535]

King of Un-Wonkie. I love it flatlinesup!

[@watcherofwatchers]

I know why you prefer the propane forge, but the coal forge is so much more enjoyable as a spectator. It takes me back to my childhood when I first witnessed actual blacksmithing at Silver Dollar City! I *love* the smell of a working coal forge!

[@shadetreeforge]

I was going back through some of your older videos and came across this, Last year at SOFA 2021. I hung out at the beginners area and Candace Martens was demonstrating this very flower and due to the lack of participants, I was invited to make one! ( from a pre-cut blank) And you're right it's a little fiddly, but there were absolute beginners who did alright.

[@tobyjo57]

Hands Up if you think this flower John made is truly brilliant. Did you notice it was his first attempt at making this project ? Yet undetered and unashamed he goes ahead and shares with us how to try and create something lovely to treasure from a bit of flat steel. He's so brave and always shares his errors and learning curves with all of us. Yes he is truly an inspiration to us all out here, be it seasond smiths or newby's like me. How many lessons are included here ? From the intialy cutting leaving the bit to be drawn out for the stem to be welded.The scarf Weld. The use of a simple trailer ball as a bottom hardy for curving etc etc etc. Sorry if I seem like I'm ranting but I find John such an inspirational master of this art. Wish I was even part as good. But yes he's teaching me ( us all ) to practice and progress. Thank you John

[@matthewtomes9396]

My word. I hate to say it like this but it sure is nice to see you struggle with a peice your working on. I love your work and your an inspiration to all who want to learn. But it can be intimidating to see the accuracy and power you possess with a hammer. You got it in hand pretty quickly and I feel like I typed this early. Excellent work and I aspire to resemble the quality of work that you do

[@johnjude2685]

Thanks John Switzer, You are a great person and teacher Sir

[@davidmcminn1843]

They're really cool! I haven't forged anything decorative in a while, only knives, so I might give this a go later for a change :) Thanks John

[@dartvader9939]

Once again you have impressed us with your perseverance 👍

[@Smallathe]

Awesome project and really lovely flower and leaf (so far... can't wait to see the finished item). Thanks for sharing!

[@mtyson9004]

Nice work John! Thanks for sharing and God Bless you sir!

[@joelsims4396]

Looks like those would make great poppies for Veteran's memorial

[@jeffgrier8488]

That's a neat flower, I haven't seen one made that way before. Nice work!

[@steelpennyforge5152]

Way to stick with it! I was not so sure that was going to turn out at all but it looks awesome! Thanks for the video

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks for watching!

[@Cozy_Camp_Fire]

I enjoyed watching you work through the issues trying to find what will work.

[@hughcupples1279]

This layout has great possibilities, this looks like a Gerber daisy, with a couple modifications it might make a great dahlia ... love how something little in this craft can spark so much imagination.. cheers

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Hello John You look great with your T Shirt and the flower in your Hand Very stylish 👍🌻 But for shure i learned and learned every time i see your Video It is absolute great I look forward to learn more and see the Projekt grow Thanks alot Have a good Weekend and stay healthy All the best for you and your family Yours Frank

[@scarface-39]

I apologize but I almost gave up on that ever being a flower but I’m glad I stayed to the end turned out to be a great flower!!!!👍

[@krisley5178]

Very nice! Excellent work Sir. 👍

[@douglasfathers4848]

Now that was a rough start but no need to worry as John said just change direction as easy as that. This was a interesting one John i was a bit confused for a bit but at the end as usual you succeed. should never doubt the ability of a true Master .

[@justmakeit2616]

Nice one going to try make one oc these. That Hammer confussed me.

[@timbollinger3209]

Kinda digging the more open scroll, of the larger flower 🌸👍🏻

[@clydebalcom8252]

You have piqued my curiosity. I must see this mystery project. I just know it's going to be awesome.

[@BlackBearForge]

Hope you like it!

[@mikemeister458]

“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish” John Quincy Adams

[@ethanphillips8637]

Very interesting project John. Lots of potential project ideas here.

[@dorothyjones1537]

Damn fine I'd be proud to do that myself

[@Newtricks455]

I absolutely LOVE this flower

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks so much 😊

[@LinusGustafsson]

Good stuff John!

[@alext.7313]

I love the flower and I'm glad it came out well. Honestly, the way it was fighting you at the start, I don't think the hassle would be worth it! Goodness, that looked like a total pain!

[@marcerivest6204]

Very nice, it's a lot of work to make something unique and that looks awesome

[@waylonmark1857]

Awesome ,I really liked that

[@thedixonway]

Great video John. I appreciate you showing your struggles as it reminds us that you are, in fact, human still. 😁 I may have to try this, on a smaller scale maybe to start. Thank you sir! 👍🔥⚒

[@matthewbuckley1638]

Absolutely fabulous, thanks John. 😊

[@shirlmiester]

very cool and good music.

[@jeremiahjohnson1325]

Nicely done John. Love how the work you do shows the details to help a person to evolve thanks.

[@ZaiRization]

Perfect timing for Poland, cuz we have Mother's day on 26 may :) Perfect!

[@scoobshagg]

John what a cool way to forge out a flower. I can't wait to trying it using something a little smaller. Maybe 1/4 x 1¼ Or something like that.

[@5x535]

What a great project! It is exciting to watch as your mysterious multi-faceted project comes together bit by bit. What a teaser you are Mr. Switzer. Watching you struggle a little has helped me to know that struggling is part of the process (sometimes) along the path of success. Beautiful finish!

[@cloverdaleforge]

Looks Great John! Thanks for the shout out. Or... "shoot oot". :)

[@BlackBearForge]

I am glad you approve.

[@jjppres]

Impressive! That looked really complicated. Glad you were able to pull it together. You looked a little worried at one point.

[@vincentgolden5352]

I could see several of these living in my wifes flower gardens great video thanks for sharing takecare and keep safe.

[@charleszimmermann7784]

Darn it John, my wife saw the flower, and now she wants a couple of them for her garden, guess I am going to make a couple of flowers 🌸 the only good thing is I Will be able to pick up a couple of extra pieces of metal.

[@BlackBearForge]

Have fun

[@shortfuse43]

Well done, John. Your flower looks just fine. I wouldn't mind having it in my yard art collection. BTW, all the time you were figiting and working with the scrolling tongs and jig, I kept moving my arms, hands and mouth trying to help you get them in the right position to make your bend come out right, LOL!!!

[@billholly4317]

I like it. Thank you. Haha. I think I'll make it. It started to look a little like WrestleMania for a while, but it turned out great. Stay healthy.

[@ATG19534]

Very cool project. I think it might look good if you could keep wrapping so there are two layers of petals. Probably in that case you would want an odd number of petals.

[@brysonalden5414]

Sure were a lot of "fiddly bits" to this project! Thanks for sharing your process.

[@markmcmeen287]

Love the flower! I do lots of flowers but never tried one like that. I have, however, certainly used those words .... "IF I EVER DO A SECOND ONE LIKE THIS!" Looking forward to seeing other components of your project.

[@nealfigary3288]

Another episode of “ Off The Hook “ by Black Bear Forge very cool

[@daretodreamtofly3288]

Kinda a bottom of the bucket idea for the name of the series. XD

[@jamesreyes4184]

What an awesome looking flower great job John it looked like a take on a Russian Rose there for a while love the concept beautiful Forge weld well done sir

[@aliceharvey1226]

Oh yeah, love this beautiful flower. So fun, looks happy too.

[@bartweir1789]

That's just pretty darn neat. I can see the same process being used to make a windmill head (something that's been on the back burner for years for me).

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Indeed, Henry Gibson, you took my thought right out of my brain! I also envisioned you in your tutu and flower dancing about the spring scape! But perhaps not. Besides all of these visions, I Thank You Kindly for this great video. A learning video, a edge of seat hanger with a happy ending. This is another example of experience and master ship. I personally have always been a student of example, of watching and experience. Like the retired doctor I talked to years ago, he said he learned far more his first year of practice than all his medical school training. Very interesting and very enjoyable this flower creation! Thanks Again and Happy Anvil Adventures! DaveyJO in Pa.

[@BlackBearForge]

I out grew my tutu years ago

[@daveyjoweaver5183]

Black Bear Forge Simple, just split down the back, tape it to the front and be sure not to video the back! I'm sure it would go viral worldwide! Thanks Again! DaveyJO

[@edwardhernandez307]

@@BlackBearForge very interesting, Arte Johnson, RIP.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Good morning John, the flower looks good. Doing the work you do is sometimes a struggle but sticking with your intent turns out a nice product. Had me squirming some but you did a great job 👍👍. Thanks for sharing with us. Fred.

[@michaelmitchell4806]

That’s inspiring! thanks John.

[@nategunn2830]

Thanks John love the process, I'm going to make one right now!

[@vicmiddleton236]

U could slap a bearing in the middle of it and forge a little cool windmill or a weather vane

[@codystillwagner7723]

Looks amazing, inspires me to go see if I can make one.

[@camoswald6752]

Nice editing! Keep up the good work

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

That was really interesting. Great end result to nice looking flower. A great use for a lot of different technique in that project

[@michael.stares]

Great flower, thanks for sharing

[@deo53]

Great project. I think it looks good. I'm a little older than you and I remember Laugh In very well. Lol

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@saintends7302]

You remind me of my papa and that’s cool

[@danielchandler15]

Excellent work as always John. Glad you shared this one as well. Always a joy to see what you make. Take care

[@louislarose4023]

Awesome Flower !

[@richardsolomon8076]

Very nice John.

[@larryfetters212]

Looks so cool

[@robphone4895]

Very nice result! Ps I would have liked the poem.... 😉

[@BlackBearForge]

Next time!

[@hannemannironworks1651]

Very cool!

[@thomasmathews3904]

Very cool

[@basscase440]

Loved the gypsy jazz too! :) Very Django Reinhardt-esk ✌️

[@jonas2431]

My grandpa made flowers like this from coffee cans

[@jonas2431]

Like steve from bedos leather work says its hammer time

[@jonas2431]

Metal comb at the beginning. But the end result is beautiful

[@texacajundiy]

Project Idea: Make a steel widow planter box. Then, instead of actual flowers, fill the box with all the leaf and floral elements you are making. Use clinkers as the "dirt"?

[@toanbui9871]

Vietnam's có xem kênh clip của ông , rất hay , cho anh em có khí rèn nghệ thuật,, và tôi cũng nằm trong số đó

[@Moondog-wc4vm]

me at the start of this video - 'Oh, I'd like to make a nice decorative flower element for a bit of a change!' Me Half way through the vid, - 'I think I'll leave stuff like that to the big boys who actually know what they're doin!' As usual though when John hits a snag, he finds a way to work through it and still get a good result. I guess you could say he kept the petal to the metal! Right, after that dad joke I'm going to lie down in a darkened room until I'm fit to be in normal company again......

[@gurvinderkau1e5w18]

Wow! It look beautiful. So much fun to see how it turned out because it looked like a mess in between but you did a great job. Love to see grinding part also I wonder how will it look if we use a circular disc as our stock???anyways great video njoyed a lot👍👍👍👍😊😊😊😊

[@Alex-ow6hk]

If you were in Australia I’d pay to have some lessons with you

[@williamsultana3848]

Hi John

[@WurstPeterl]

Biggest advantage compared to conventional die cast flowers is higher strength and cheaper tooling!

[@miaudottk9080]

Forgery, meow! That ain't no meow flower. Lol!

[@countrycraftsman5110]

I think rust can be a great patina.

[@verdantpulse5185]

Seems like a block or bridge for the hardie hole might have made some of the work easier.

[@eboyd3416]

"You bet your sweet bippy," that i found this video "Very interesting," maybe you could find how to make the flower if you "Look it up in your Funk & Wagnall's," Thanks once again for the videos.

[@paulcorrigan649]

Petals looked like the Cheshire Cat's teeth from Alice in Wonderland before you scrolled it.

[@gunterhausfrau]

I'm sure this isn't the correct place to put this, but this weekend was looking at my "practical blacksmithing" by Richardson and found what I thought would be an interesting coal forge project (I know, I voted for propane). He called it a manure fork, pg 170ish) and I think it said something about it being made by the biggest manure fork manufacturer in New York City (at that time, I'm sure there are bigger manure fork manufacturers there now). Seems like it might be interesting, if you're looking for a topic of a video.

[@danielbutler6823]

I don't want to be the guy who gives a seasoned smith advice,but what I do is two petals bent down at a time. Then bent back up. Then roll the whole thing up like a Russian rose,but tighter. Then fold them down.

[@danielbutler6823]

But in this case I've made dozens of these.

[@joshuapreusser2265]

I almost wonder if some type of bent nose tongs wouldn't make forming the scroll with petals easier. It looked like you were getting good results when bending with the tongs, and it'd probably be easier if the tong nose & handles permitted more leverage to be applied to the metal -- just thinking aloud here though.

[@BlackBearForge]

Very likely

[@bellcobra1]

I love it but it looks like the process is out of my league still. I will keep watching and practicing.

[@edtroup8606]

What add spurs do you yse

[@silvesterburchardt3337]

Would it have been easier to do the scroll before working on any of the petals?

[@BlackBearForge]

Try it out and let us know

[@matthewtomes9396]

I'm going to try this but I'm betting I break off a petal or two.

[@jamiebrant1218]

So would doing it like a Russian rose have worked to start?

[@BlackBearForge]

I've never seen a Russian rose, so I can't say

[@jamiebrant1218]

@@BlackBearForge some people call it a rolled rose

[@glenanator28]

why cut off that first section at an inch rather than making them all 1/2 in cuts and bending the first one down to make the center scrolled section?

[@BlackBearForge]

In theory that would work. However the pointy outside corner may cause some issues with cold shuts and the sharp end of the saw cut bent open may leave a stress point. But I would have to try it that way to be sure.