My love of metal is more than a passion, it is my life. I work in a world where art and metal coexist in a fascinating yet functional way.
Each wrought iron piece is 100% handcrafted in a hot forge. I work directly with designers, architects, homebuilders and homeowners to design and build custom home decor, furniture and other accessories.
When choosing to work with VanMadrone Metalworks, your project will receive the highest level care, customer service and passion in providing professional, hand-forged wrought iron work.
Jef Van Syoc is an artisan master blacksmith and the owner of VanMadrone Metalworks.
VanMadrone Metalworks was born of fire in May of 1999. On a cool spring day, I ventured to a neighbor's house in search of fertilizer for my new garden. Little did I know I would meet an incredible artisan blacksmith who would become my mentor. He introduced me to a world where art and metal coexisted in a fascinating, yet functional way.
I spent the next year and a half learning the art of traditional blacksmithing in a dark, smoky shop. The craft was magical, mysterious and quickly became my calling. Every time I entered the shop and built a fire in the coal forge, the rest of the world would disappear and the only things that mattered from then on were the fire, the hammer and the iron.
Nearly three decades later, I am still enthralled with this magical craft of old and am lucky enough to call myself an artisan blacksmith — a man whose love of metal became more than a passion, it became my life.
VanMadrone Metalworks is an eco-conscious company, using recycled materials whenever possible. Most importantly, all products are hand-forged by me in my shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I also offer free estimates.
My approach to work is simple — I partner with clients to develop a design that is both inspirational and functional. By working closely with clients, I am able to ensure every detail is accounted for and every project is completed and installed in a timely manner.
With years of experience in the profession, I work alongside clients from beginning to end — from fine-tuning a design to troubleshooting common issues along the way. My expertise is working with metal and my goal is to share my knowledge with clients in order to forge a strong partnership that results in a finished product unlike any other.
While I do most of the forging from my shop, I am equipped to work at your location for any finishing touches during installation. I also accommodate demonstration requests to share my love of wrought iron and the techniques used to produce each handcrafted project.
VanMadrone Metalworks offers a number of unique products, all designed and handmade by me. From gates and garden accessories to fireplace tools and fences, I can custom create whatever you can dream up. Take a look at my work and see what inspires you.
From time to time, one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted pieces are available for purchase on these marketplaces.
Explore some frequently asked questions below.
I work with iron, steel, bronze and copper.
There is no job too small, insignificant or unimportant.
I’m inspired by some of the blacksmith greats, including American master blacksmith, Samuel Yellin (1885-1940), who is referred to as the 20th Century’s foremost artisan in iron; and Cyril Colnik (1871-1957,) a master blacksmith known iron work in architecture. I also find inspiration in nature, which is regularly reflected in my work.
My work is guaranteed to satisfy my clients — no job is complete until my clients are happy with my work.
The saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words” is appropriate for my craft — my best references are my photographs. However, depending on the size of the job, I do have many happy clients that can speak to the excellence of my work.
I can make just about anything you can think of! My work ranges from custom motorcycle parts and railings to bed frames and kitchen tools. There isn't much I can't create, and I'm never afraid to figure out something new when a custom project comes along.
Get in touch to discuss projects or consulting.
Private blacksmith experiences are available. These can be beginner through advanced blacksmithing classes with one-on-one instruction provided by Jef at an hourly rate (4 hour minimum). Students will forge a hand-made item to take home during their session. Please contact me for details.