“Behold, I Myself have created the smith who blows the fire of coals
And brings out a weapon for its work”
Isaiah 54:16
Meet Matthew from Faithful Ironworks and his Hand-Forged Copper Barrette
Meet Matthew,
the founder and operator of Faithful Ironworks– a Local Christian Blacksmithing Shop in Williamston, Michigan. Raised in a Christian, homeschooled family, Matthew was led to start Faithful Ironworks, where they create hand-forged tools, custom products, and jewelry, including Blacksmith Barrettes.
With excitement and gratitude we welcome Matthew from Faithful Ironworks to the STAND.
May he continue carrying on the legacy of Blacksmiths who forged not just tools, but the foundation of freedom in America.
Blacksmith Barrette
A Hand-Forged Pure Copper Hairpin
It’s a very beautiful piece!
Beautiful work. Very functional as well.
I love to wear this on days when I am running late.
I love the beautiful simplicity of this piece!
In a culture dominated by modernist ideals, it is a rare and precious gift to hold something so small yet so profoundly beautiful. With its serene simplicity and intricate detail, this piece offers not only a glimpse of artistry but also a reminder of the peace and divine beauty we find in Christ—a reflection of His perfect design in an often hurried world.
Locally-Made and Hand-Forged: A Touch of Timeless Craftsmanship
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the value of handcrafted items. However, there’s something special about owning a piece that has been made with care, intention, and skill. Matthew’s Blacksmith Barrette is a perfect example of this—a beautiful, locally-made accessory. Each hairpin is carefully crafted from pure copper, a material known not only for its durability but also for its historical connection to strength, healing, and artistry.
Hand-forging this copper hairpin is more than just a craft—it’s a way to bring art and function back into everyday life. In each piece, Matthew gives his dedication to quality, ensuring that it’s as beautiful as it is practical, adding a touch of timeless craftsmanship to your daily routine.
The Surprising Benefits of Copper Jewelry
Not only is this barrette beautiful, but it may also offer surprising health benefits. Copper is known for its potential to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, which some believe can extend to wearing copper jewelry. Though the benefits of copper are still being studied, many people report experiencing improvements in joint pain and skin health when wearing copper accessories. Crafted from pure copper this barrette may potentially provide you with these possible health benefits:
Wearing copper in your hair, such as copper hairpins or accessories, is often said to have potential benefits for hair growth, but there’s no strong scientific evidence to definitively support this claim. Copper is an essential mineral that plays a role in the body’s production of collagen and elastin, both of which are important for hair health. Some believe that wearing copper may stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth, but this is largely anecdotal.
Potential Benefits:
- Copper and Collagen Production: Copper is involved in the formation of collagen and elastin, which help maintain hair structure and support overall scalp health.
- Antimicrobial Properties: Copper has natural antimicrobial qualities, which may help keep the scalp healthy by reducing the buildup of bacteria or fungi that could potentially hinder hair growth.
- Improved Circulation: Some believe that copper, when in contact with the skin, can help improve blood circulation to the scalp, which may support healthier hair growth. However, this effect would likely be minimal compared to other proven methods.
A Thoughtful Gift with Lasting Value
If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, this hand-forged copper barrette is an excellent choice. Whether it’s for your wife, mother, daughter, or friend, this simple yet elegant accessory serves as a reminder of the beauty in life’s small details. It’s more than just a hairpin—it’s a piece of artistry that will last for years to come.
While the process of learning to care for the barrette may require some research and attention, the reward is well worth it. Copper naturally tarnishes over time, but with a little maintenance, you can keep the piece shining brightly for years. Caring for this barrette allows you to connect with its craftsmanship, ensuring it remains a cherished item that brings beauty and functionality to your life.
Care Instructions:
“This barrette is made out of pure copper. Copper naturally oxidizes over time. This leaves a dull, dark tarnish which eventually turns black. This tarnish is not harmful, but it doesn’t look great. To avoid this and maintain the nice copper color and shine, please do the following:
- Soak the barrette in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water with 1 tablespoon of salt for 5 minutes.
- Scrub away any tarnish with a cloth while rinsing the barrette.
- Dry the barrette with a towel.
To prevent oxidization from occurring as rapidly, keep the barrette in a dry place away from humidity, sunlight, and water when not in use. If storing the barrette for a longer period of time, coat it with a thin layer of mineral oil and place it in a dry, airtight bag or container.
Copper is a soft metal. If the barrette is subject to rough handling (dropped or stepped on for example) it may bend slightly out of shape. If this occurs, the barrette can be bent back into shape by carefully shaping the copper with your hands or in a vise.”
– Matthew Mason.
Please contact Matthew if you have questions about this.
Closing Thoughts:
In a world where consumerism often overshadows craftsmanship, it’s refreshing to embrace the beauty of handmade, locally crafted pieces. Matthew’s Blacksmith Barrettes brings a unique touch of elegance and practicality to your daily routine, all while carrying with it the timeless benefits of copper. Whether worn as a statement piece or a functional accessory, this hairpin offers a glimpse into the artistry that used to define our daily lives.
The process of caring for it may take a little time and attention, but in doing so, you’re not just preserving its shine—you’re preserving a piece of history, craftsmanship, and beauty in an often hurried world. A thoughtful gift for loved ones, this barrette is more than just a hair accessory—it’s a reminder of the artistry and care that go into creating something truly meaningful.
By choosing handmade, locally sourced items like this, you’re supporting craftsmanship that brings us back to a time when beauty, detail, and artistry were valued in every aspect of life.
FAITHFUL IRONWORKS
Photos by KellyJo.Photo