You can find more information and resources related to blacksmithing in the Arts and Crafts - Metal page of my Directory.
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Making The Stem
These three roses were made from recycled automobile body panels.
Cutting and texturing the stem
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First, the stem is cut from a steel rod to about 12 inches or so -- I don't
measure this, just cut it to a length that feels right. Sometimes, I cut this
with a large cable cutter, sometimes with a hardy on the anvil, and
somtimes, such as this, using a hacksaw.
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Next, I use a hammer to texture the stem, trying to get some semblance
of an organic shape. I don't try to make it look exactly like a rose stem with
thorns, but I try to impart an impression of such. I'm wearing a glove on the
hand that's holding the stem, because the texturing process causes the steel
to become hot enough that it's painful to hold.
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On the end of the stem, opposite where the flower will be, I flatten the
stem so I'll have a place to sign and number the finished product. Generally,
I do the flattening cold, but if it looks like it might want to crack, I'll heat
it in the forge or with a torch and flatten it at a red heat.
The next step is Making the Calyx & Leaves.
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