Making metalwork, advertising on Etsy, and building diverse income streams with blacksmith Ellie Barden
Ellie Barden set up Grace Forge, her blacksmithing and metal fabrication business, six years ago.
She creates unique metalwork in mild steel, beautiful copper jewellery, and runs workshops. In this inspiring conversation relevant to independent craftspeople, makers and anyone interested in the art and business of blacksmithing, Ellie:
• Describes her journey from an apprenticeship as a farrier to running her own blacksmithing business
• Gives invaluable tips about advertising on Etsy, a platform used by many independent makers
• Covers the importance of investment into a business (Ellie is a Business Enterprise Fund client, using a loan for new equipment)
• Talks through her own process combining traditional and modern tools and techniques in blacksmithing, and how she weaves her inspirations from nature and architecture into her work
• Explains how she came to feel ready to run workshops
• Covers the value of building diverse income streams
Play or download the episode here. You can also find it in Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and many other podcast apps:
What next?
• More about Ellie's business, Grace Forge: https://www.graceforge.co.uk
• Ellie's Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GraceForge
• Blacksmithing workshops: https://www.graceforge.co.uk/blacksmithing-workshops
• The Dunfell Shepherd’s Hut: https://www.graceforge.co.uk/dunfell-shepherds-hut