Crafting Beauty in Resin: Emily’s Journey from Bulgaria to the Knife-Making World In this inspiring episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Emily from CastingCraft, a talented resin artist known for her stunning custom knife handle scales. Emily shares her incredible journey from growing up in socialist-era Bulgaria to immigrating to the United States after winning the green card lottery in 1999. She opens up about the challenges of starting over in a new country, the importance of perseverance, and how her love of creativity eventually led her into the world of knife-making. Emily discusses her path from working as a veterinary technician to becoming a resin entrepreneur, crafting unique and artistic handle scales that have captured the attention of makers across the globe. From embedding fish scales, ostrich feet, and even pet ashes into her resin designs, to developing more than 500 unique patterns, Emily’s innovation and craftsmanship shine through. Michael and Emily also talk about the supportive knife-making community, the value of collaboration over competition, and her experiences attending Blade Shows across the U.S. Emily reflects on her roots, her daughter’s connection to Bulgarian culture, and her growing business that now feels like a true family within the knife world. Join Michael and Emily for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation that celebrates creativity, perseverance, and community—a perfect reminder that every artisan’s story begins with a spark and a willingness to take the first step. Listen now to Episode 21 of Behind The Anvil with special guest Emily from CastingCraft.

Forging Stories and Steel — with Mark Holt... During An Mike's Damascus Knives knife making class for more go to www.mikesdamascusknives.com...

In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson wraps up a knife-making class with Mark Holt, a programmer and fantasy novelist from Salt Lake City. What started as a simple search for a blacksmithing class turned into a weekend of sparks, steel, and storytelling. Mark shares how he discovered Michael’s shop through Google Maps, chose to take the class after comparing other local options, and ended up not just making a knife—but rediscovering a love for hands-on craftsmanship. The two dive into Mark’s family’s upcoming move, and even his son’s unusual bedtime routine of watching blacksmithing videos to fall asleep. Mark reflects on the knife-making experience, discussing forging techniques, grinding and beveling tips, and the satisfaction of shaping Purple Heart wood handles by hand. This episode captures the rhythm of the forge and the imagination of storytelling—where metal, fire, and creativity meet. Whether you’re a maker, writer, or dreamer, this one’s about finding meaning in the process of creation itself.

Behind The Anvil Podcast with America Garcia In this inspiring episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson welcomes America Garcia, co-owner of Black Rabbit Tattoo in Richfield, Utah. America shares her remarkable journey from her childhood in Honduras to becoming a respected tattoo artist and entrepreneur in the U.S. — a path shaped by courage, faith, and creativity. America talks about growing up with a love for drawing and art, how a childhood sketch eventually became someone’s tattoo, and how that moment lit a fire inside her to pursue tattooing as a career. After immigrating to the United States, she worked hard to build her skills, eventually changing her name to “America” during her naturalization — a symbolic step in embracing her new life and identity. Guided by a spiritual experience and a strong sense of purpose, she and her business partner Kelly opened Black Rabbit Tattoo, a place that blends artistic expression with professionalism and heart. Michael and America dive deep into the artistry and discipline behind tattooing — from design inspiration and safe tattoo practices to the emotional connections built with clients. They discuss how tattoo culture has evolved from taboo to mainstream, and how artists like America are helping redefine it with integrity, style, and creativity. The two also explore Michael’s own tattooing experiences, stories from the shop, and his ongoing work as a bladesmith, touching on their shared values of craftsmanship, passion, and perseverance. Together, they announce plans for future collaborations, including displaying Michael’s custom knives at Black Rabbit Tattoo, joint creative projects, and upcoming community events. This episode is a celebration of art, resilience, and the power of following your calling — no matter where your story begins.