About Us
The Full Story
Iron Osprey Designs and Iron Osprey Forge are the result of years of planning and working and acquiring skills. We take that effort and use it for you. When we craft a unique commission, you are receiving the benefit of years of practice and training to create your desire. We also have instructors with years of experience to guide students as they explore the art and craft of shaping iron. Located in the oldest city in the U.S. we share an ancient craft in the Ancient City.
Doug Hayes is the owner and primary blacksmith. He began hitting iron in 2007 although it was in 2011/12 that he set up his own shop. Working with the Boy Scouts of America, North Florida Council, he established the smithy at Camp Shands, the NFC scout camp near Melrose, FL. He also developed the blacksmith safety, instructional, training and adjunct services policies and procedures for the program. Within the BSA program he has worked with youth from 7 - 18 years of age and as of Dec 2025 has worked with and taught more than 1500 youth (including programs with 4-H and some charter schools). He has taught at both national and state blacksmith conferences. Previously working with pediatric and emergency medicine (his prior 'life') he brings that knowledge to the forge and has worked with youth with special needs, including cerebral palsy, ADD, ADHD, autism and more.
He has worked with adults with special needs including amputees, those confined to wheelchairs, with Parkinson's disease and the shop area is wheelchair friendly.
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For public outreach he has demonstrated at multiple festivals and fairs and done historical reenactments and demos at multiple locations across Florida, including at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, the Castillo de San Marcos, the Florida Agricultural Museum and the Barberville Pioneer Settlement, plus at several schools.
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His commissions include artistic pieces as well as more commonplace items for home and business. He has done historical reproductions for the Castillo, the Spanish Museum (Old Florida Museum at the Florida Agricultural Museum), St Augustine Lighthouse, the City of St. Augustine and also done work for businesses housed in the historic district.
Iron Osprey Forge is also the primary location for the North Northeast Regional meetings of the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association (FABA), the state educational non-profit and Doug is the NNE regional coordinator.
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