08/31/2026
My name is Lori Lankford and I will be a vendor at the first annual antique and artisan show at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in October. Originally from New England, I moved to North Carolina in 1994. I became interested in cast iron when I acquired my first pans after the death of a family member. I learned how to restore cast iron safely after researching. I use the process of electrolysis to remove rust with the occasional vinegar bath. I never use harsh chemicals or high heat/fire to remove rust. After electrolysis, I lead-test every piece and inspect for cracks prior to re seasoning. All of my cookware is ready to use right away. I will have cookware from the 1800’s to the present. There will be Griswold, Lodge, unnamed pieces, all ready for the kitchen.
Back story:
My love for cast iron started in a kitchen full of stories.
My husband’s grandma used to stand at the stove, making the best grilled cheese sandwiches you’ve ever tasted—crispy, buttery, and cooked in her well-worn cast iron pans. While they cooked, she told stories about her life, her family, and the memories made in that kitchen.
When she passed away, I acquired her cast iron pans. They were seasoned with decades of use and love, but they needed care. Wanting to honor her and preserve something meaningful, I decided to restore them. I began researching how to properly clean and revive cast iron, not realizing the journey it would take me on.
That research led me to a page where I discovered the cast iron community—people passionate about history, craftsmanship, and preserving cookware meant to last generations. Through that community, I learned, grew, and truly fell in love with cast iron restoration.
As each pan came back to life, I fell in love with the durability, character, and stories behind cast iron cookware. Every piece carries a past, and restoring them felt like preserving her legacy while preparing each pan for new memories.
What started as a way to honor a grandmother’s kitchen tradition has grown into a business rooted in care, history, and quality—bringing cast iron back to life so it can continue to be passed down for generations.
