Wrought Iron Handicrafts would like to congratulate Ashley on her outstanding achievements.
It is wonderful to hear from a young adult who has been involved in so many activities around her community.
Here is the letter Ashley wrote:
Dear Ken and Scott Thamert,
My projects have been made much easier to complete since our family purchased the “Metalcraft” machines at the 2001 Nebraska State Fair. I am a member of the Needles and Knives 4-H Club of Madison County, Nebraska. Welding has been one of my favorite projects since I was nine years old. I am now 15 years old.
I was anxious to get our “Metalcraft” machines/tools set up after they arrived. I started practicing bending and scrolling metal pieces. After some thought, I designed two projects for 4-H this year, using the “Metalcraft” tools. The first was a 6 1/2 foot tall climbing rose trellis. Using flat steel, the design combines scrolls and twists. This project project received a purple ribbon (first place) at the Madison County Fair and was selected for competition at the 2002 Nebraska State Fair where it received a blue (second place) ribbon. I then presented the trellis as a gift to my grandmother.
My second project was the creation of a display easel. This project used steel rod. Because the bends and scrolls needed to mirror one another, my “Metalcraft” equipment made this possible. Consistency and uniformity are critical when creating a welding project for 4-H. The ability to bend and scroll the metal without the need to heat the metal first made this project so much easier to complete. While the pieces of the rose trellis were assembled using riveting with some minor welding, the easel was assembled entirely through welding. My easel received a purple ribbon at the Madison County Fair and it too was selected for display at the 2002 Nebraska State Fair.
I was excited to receive not only a purple ribbon at the state fair, but a “special recognition” as well. However, the pinnacle of my awards was to receive, for the second consecutive year, the Outstanding Welding Project Award from the Nebraska Blacksmiths and Welders Association. This is a wonderful honor.
I am on my schools honor roll and active in the marching/concert/jazz bands, orchestra and choir. I am a member of the Norfolk Youth Leadership Council, Jobs Daughters, Needles and Knives 4-H Club and the Madison County Junior Leader 4-H Club.
I am always looking for new project ideas and creating new designs for future projects. The “Metalcraft” tools allow me to expand the possiblities.
P.S. Thanks for making Metalcraft! I love using it!
Not only does Ashley deserve high praise for her accomplishments, but also her parents deserve recognition for their support and encouragement in Ashleys interests. Thank you Ashley, Colin, and Carol.
Ken and Scott Thamert WIH.