Steeling Nature, Mark & Mindy Gardner
Illinois Artisans, Chicago

Illinois Artisans features Mark & Mindy Gardner, master blacksmiths, this September. Mark and Mindy work together in their blacksmith shop built in 1928, Flood Plain Forge, in Farmer City. A selection of their work, including tables, wall hangings and sculpture is displayed and for sale at Illinois Artisans located at 100 W. Randolph Suite 2-200 Chicago, IL 60601.

Illinois Artisans, a not-for-profit endeavor, is a showcase for art work created by the state's finest artisans. It provides an ongoing opportunity to view and purchase the best designed and crafted traditional, contemporary, ethnic and folk art made in Illinois.

Click here for more information.

Dogwood Decorative Metal Tile can be displayed on an easel or hung. This unique piece is made of 14-gauge mild steel, chased and repoussed using a treadle hammer. Edges are upset. Coloring is brass brush, oil & wax finish. Price upon request.

Welcome to Flood Plain Forge

Flood Plain Forge is an historical blacksmith shop located in Farmer City, Illinois that is the studio of Mark Gardner and Mindy Gardner, artisan blacksmiths. They specialize in artistic and functional one-of-a-kind metal work in steel, wrought iron & copper.

All pieces are individually hand-crafted using many tools that are made at Flood Plain Forge.

Grape Vine Chandelier Hand-forged mild steel chandelier using repoussed leaves, tendrils, & grapes will add a festive glow to any room. Oil & wax finish.

Mark & Mindy use traditional methods to create works of contemporary art. Most of their hand-made pieces are mild steel.

Among Flood Plain Forge creations are chased & repoussed wall hangings, switch plates, door plates, hand-wrought chandeliers, gates, fireplace sets and tables.

Visit the gallery on this web site for a taste of what Mark & Mindy Gardner can create. Contact them for your next commissioned work of art or for pieces that are for sale at Flood Plain Forge.