Iron Age burns bright in Alpine
By Shawna Graves
Alpine resident Todd Elrod wouldn’t mind if his mobile blacksmithing shop, Broken Anvil Blacksmithing, became a tourist attraction. He loves working with the public to show off the ancient art of manipulating iron and steel, and said most people are fascinated with the process, too.
“Everybody is drawn to the fire,” he said.
That’s why he sets up at regional events like Artwalk in Alpine or the yearly Marfa Public Radio fundraiser. He also demos at area high schools.
His mobile shop resembles an old-fashioned western wagon, and is outfitted with a coal burning forge and a 1200-pound anvil.
After heating steel to a whopping 1400 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s hammer time. At demos, Todd lets the public try their hand at wielding the heavy blacksmithing tools – it’s not as easy as he makes it look!
Todd has been at this trade for over 15 years, and got his start through the farrier program at Sul Ross State University. He has added engraving techniques to his list of growing skills, and his forged works can be found all over Alpine.
He recently created the back gate to the Saddle Club in Alpine, and many other restaurants feature his wrought iron handles and artwork.
He’s known for making distinctive chimeneas, decorated with desert scenes, but makes just about anything, from decorative gates and handrails to copper bracelets and bottle openers.
Find Todd at just about any public event in the region, or locate Broken Anvil Blacksmithing through social media.
“Everybody is drawn to the fire,” he said.
That’s why he sets up at regional events like Artwalk in Alpine or the yearly Marfa Public Radio fundraiser. He also demos at area high schools.
His mobile shop resembles an old-fashioned western wagon, and is outfitted with a coal burning forge and a 1200-pound anvil.
After heating steel to a whopping 1400 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s hammer time. At demos, Todd lets the public try their hand at wielding the heavy blacksmithing tools – it’s not as easy as he makes it look!
Todd has been at this trade for over 15 years, and got his start through the farrier program at Sul Ross State University. He has added engraving techniques to his list of growing skills, and his forged works can be found all over Alpine.
He recently created the back gate to the Saddle Club in Alpine, and many other restaurants feature his wrought iron handles and artwork.
He’s known for making distinctive chimeneas, decorated with desert scenes, but makes just about anything, from decorative gates and handrails to copper bracelets and bottle openers.
Find Todd at just about any public event in the region, or locate Broken Anvil Blacksmithing through social media.