The Smith and the Workshop
The Smith himself
I come from a long line of Ilmajoki smiths dating back to an old family who worked as apprentices to the renowned Könni family of grand master smiths and clockmakers in Western Finland. So, you could say at least some of my interest and skill in forging and working steel and metal runs in my blood. I’ve specialized in Nordic, specifically Viking Age, style of metal work and items. Custom items can of course be made according to the customer’s requests and specifications, using either traditional or modern methods, and in a unique style. During the Summer, and holiday seasons I tour various events, especially Medieval fairs. In these events I am easily found by the alder ravens watching over my Viking tent’s entrance, and the sharp sound of hammer on metal as I forge new items on site.
By education I am a metal artisan, exhibition and fair construction artisan as well as a mechanical and production engineering engineer. During my studies as a metal artisan I worked at Häijää smithery in 2010. I have been in the business since 2011. First through Taidosto co-operative and founded my own business, Kvenland Forgeworks, in 2017. My current goal is to gain the degree of Master Blacksmith.
The Smith Joona Peltoniemi
The Workshop
The Kvenland Forgeworks forge, located in Jumesniemi, Hämeenkyrö, built with care honouring traditional forges of ages past and is one of a kind building that finished construction in 2021. During its design and build great care was taken to provide a workspace suitable for the various tasks of metal working and smithing. At the workshop it's possible to make items by forging, casting or other techniques. We like to think our, and your, imagination is the limit as to what our forge can make into a tangible reality. The Forgeworks is also open for private metalworking classes by reservation.
Työtiloissa pystytään valmistamaan isoja ja pieniä esineitä takomalla, valamalla tai nykyaikaisemmilla työtekniikoilla. Pyrimme pitämään vain mielikuvituksen rajana sille, mitä kaikkea työtiloissa voidaan valmistaa. Pajalla voidaan järjestää myös taontakursseja yksityisopetuksena.
Location next to my home also makes it possible for flexible scheduling and express order work!
The Forge is open for customers by reservation, call or email and we can agree on a meeting about your project!
Crafting
In my portfolio you will see two kinds of items: stock items and commissioned work. I keep stock items available throughout the year or at the very least they are made on a quicker order schedule. These items are also available during fairs at my market table every time I attend the many artisan events in Finland. You may also find them on my Etsy -store.
Commissioned works are designed with you, the customer, and following your specifications and wishes, creating unique and special items just for you.
We try to respond to email requests within 24 hours.
Kvenland Forgeworks’ speciality are replicas of ancient designs, especially those from the Viking Age. We produce replicas from jewellery and weaponry for museums and historical re-enactors. Most of the replicas produced are based on findings from Pirkkala -area in Finland. A lucky metal detectorist can order a brand new, shiny and usable replica of their latest find by ordering it from here!
Tool sharpening and repairs on metal objects are traditionally a smith’s bread and butter and we also provide such services.