About the maker
Hello, I’m Johan.
Based on the edges of the Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland, I'm a software developer by trade and working with metal in a creative way gives me a counterbalance to digital life by both producing tangible, physical things but also refining my techniques and understanding of materials and tools. This site is a small collection of that work.
I’ll be sharing finished pieces alongside the process: the experiments, the details, and what I learn as I go.
What's with the name?
Three Paw Forge takes its name from our resident farm cat - Patch - who came to live in our shed around the winter of 2020. Swapping shelter for mouse deterrence skills, she's grown to become a kind of constant within the house grounds. With a kind but strongly independent nature she can be found patrolling the surrounding area or snoozing in the sun. Sadly, an accident with a car in her younger years meant she had to lose a leg to save her life. She now lives her best life passing silent judgement from a distance while I work in the workshop or flopping on her side to invite a brush from whoever is willing to oblige.
Three Paw Forge is not a big operation. I created it out of one half of my home garage using materials from a kitchen refit that I turned into a workbench, anvil table and shelves making a small but functional workshop space.
Who are you?
In my 9-5 I'm an independent software developer in the public sector. This is my 5-9 contrast activity away from screens and digital tech.
Where are you from?
Possibly the question I get the most but sadly has no simple answer! I would describe myself as having a Nordic background having roots or lived in Denmark, Norway and Finland as well as the UK. I live and work in Northern Ireland right now with my young family.