Cori Messenger
I’m a blacksmith and artist living in Oregon. I’ve been shaping metal since I was 11, growing up on a farm where I learned the value of hard work, patience, and making things that last.
Today, I combine my love for blacksmithing with my artistic side, creating everything from functional tools to one-of-a-kind pieces. I work primarily with a wood-fired forge and spend a lot of time experimenting—pushing my skills, making mistakes, and finding new ways to blend practicality with creativity.
For me, blacksmithing is more than just a craft. It’s how I think, how I solve problems, and how I express myself. I’m always learning, both technically and artistically, and every piece I make reflects that ongoing process.
Thanks for being here and taking the time to look at my work.
-Cori
Artist Blacksmith
Wood-Fired Forges
Cori’s blacksmithing journey began as a young teenager when she first learned the craft at the Philip Foster Farm historical site. After gaining foundational skills there, her father designed the first version of Whitlox wood-fired forge, which became the cornerstone of their family’s blacksmithing legacy. The Whitlox forges played a key role in Cori’s development as a blacksmith, and she continued to refine her skills using the very forge her family created.
Now, Cori is launching her own blacksmithing business, Messenger Forge, while still working with the same wood-fired forge her family designed. Her new venture marks an exciting new chapter, yet she remains deeply connected to the traditions and craftsmanship that shaped her journey.
