Handcrafted Cocktail Bell

Steve Schoettle is the founder and guiding hand behind Sea Island Forge, a company born from a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship and the communal power of fire. Based along the Georgia coast, Steve’s work is shaped as much by place as by process—where outdoor living, slow evenings, and gathering around a flame are woven into everyday life.

Steve started out in the architectural metalwork business, whose work can be found in spaces like the historic Cloister resort. As his craft evolved, so did his vision. Inspired by long evenings around wood fire built in historic syrup kettles (originally used to cook down local sugar cane into sugar and molassas), the couple debuted their first kettle-style fire pit at a local farmers market in 2014 — a modern reinterpretation of a communal hearth designed for gathering, cooking, and conversation.

Under Steve’s leadership, Sea Island Forge has grown from bespoke ironwork to heirloom-quality outdoor hearths and accessories that marry function with living tradition. His work now centers on crafting fire tools and fire pits that are as enduring as the memories forged around them — practical art meant to be passed down through generations.