Mike Jean has been a blacksmith since 1990. My Grandfather was a blacksmith in Alabama and so was my great uncle Vic. Uncle Vic's tools are still on display at the Barney Mining Museum in Walker Co. Alabama.
I was the smithy for Billie Creek Village, Rockville, IN for six years and was voted by the visiting school teachers as the best children exhibitor 5 years running. I have smithed for the Van Wert, OH Historical Society; the Paulding, OH Steam and Tractor Show; The Ohio Folk Festival (Good Will Organization), Dayton OH; Wind River Reservation in Riverton, WY and from 1996 to 1999 Six Flags over Mid-America's County Fair at St. Louis, MO.
Mike in his workshop
Mike displays the art of blacksmithing for a child in his shop.
Below is a custom sign made by mike jean and is also his logo for his work!
I regularly demonstrate my skills and love for blacksmithing at the annual bridge festival in Parke County, IN. I have done several school demonstrations in Sullivan, IN, Attica, IN, and elsewhere. One of my big draws at these events is stamping children's names on horseshoes. I am basically self taught but have had help from other smithing friends when a problem has been too tough for me to figure out on my own. I mainly concentrate on keeping the craft alive and demonstrating it for the public. Entertaining the children and "older" children is more important than making a large profit. I try to make a majority of my products right on site during my shows, giving the public a greater feel of what I do as a blacksmith. This allows me to make custom made items as they watch. One favorite demonstration is making a wizard face. The most important thing to me at an event is that everyone goes home with memories of good times. We practice the new 3R's; Respect yourself, Respect others and take Responsibility for your actions. We also offer for sale new iron kettles like grandma's in capacities of 2.5 to 19.5 gallons plus other interesting merchandise.
All of Mike's creations are made from scratch and contain only the finest steel and coal that the midwest could offer. Have a custom piece to be made; Mike is YOUR MAN! You can contact Mike @ 765.397.3887 or by e-mail at mklbjean@k-inc.com
