Cricket Forge

Cricket Forge Expressive steel pieces, built to be used and remembered. 1987 → Francis Vega and Neal Carlton formed Vega Metals, Inc. in downtown Durham, NC.

The company was prolific, conceptualizing and producing thousands of site-specific architectural metalworks. They were featured in numerous trade publications and received seven international awards for metalwork.

1999 → The Vega team formed Cricket Forge to branch out creatively, and focused on a production line of handcrafted indoor and outdoor furnishings. Many of the products quickly became n

ationally recognized, and still are to this day. Lifelong friendships and collaborations were forged in the spirit of creativity and the appreciation of sharing art. Sadly, in 2013, Francis passed away to cancer. The company continued on, lovingly, via Neal Carlton, and Francis’ wife, Cindy.

2018 → The Cricket Forge torch was passed to employees Jonathan Paschall, Aaron Earley, and James Dudley. They continue the decades-long focus on craftsmanship, creativity, and community.

2019 → After nearly 30 years downtown, Cricket Forge moved to a newer and larger facility in Durham. In this space, the team has newfound room and inspiration to keep producing the pieces you love, while also designing new and exciting products.

Some projects begin with a business. Others start with an artist, a public space, or an individual with an idea they can...
06/12/2026

Some projects begin with a business. Others start with an artist, a public space, or an individual with an idea they can’t quite find anywhere else.

Over the years, we’ve many opportunities to create and collaborate, such as:

• New signage for Howard Hanna Allen Tate
• A public art piece with Martha Clippinger for Loop Charlotte
• Front desk signage for the Durham office of Method Savvy
• The NorthStar Bench at Beechwood Cemetery, created with artists Jackie MacLeod and Whitney Hunt
• A custom sign for LouElla Wine Beer & Beverage
• A custom butterfly sculpture

Every project is different. Every challenge requires its own solution. What stays the same is our commitment to thoughtful design, skilled craftsmanship, and work built to endure.

Whether you’re an artist, business owner, designer, municipality, or homeowner, we’re always interested in hearing what’s next.

06/02/2026

Quietly becoming one of our favorite finishes lately.

The Luna Moth, painted by hand in layers that shift somewhere between garden and glow.

05/25/2026

Memorial weekend, forged properly.

Shop our Acute Angle Tables via the link in our bio.

Inspired by one of nature’s most recognizable color stories.The Monarch Butterfly Bench began with observation. The deep...
05/21/2026

Inspired by one of nature’s most recognizable color stories.

The Monarch Butterfly Bench began with observation. The deep charcoal edges. The vivid orange wings. The soft balance of light and shadow found in the monarch itself.

What started as inspiration became form through hand-cut steel, sculptural lines, and a silhouette designed to feel expressive from every angle.

The result is a piece that feels both grounded and alive. Built to hold presence in the landscape long after the season changes.

If you haven’t explored the new Cricket Forge site yet, this is your sign.A more intentional shopping experience, expand...
05/15/2026

If you haven’t explored the new Cricket Forge site yet, this is your sign.

A more intentional shopping experience, expanded custom and wholesale information, and a better way to explore the work itself.

Go take a look around. We built it to be lived in a little. 🦗

Cricket Forge has always been rooted in craftsmanship, character, and the belief that functional objects can still feel ...
05/13/2026

Cricket Forge has always been rooted in craftsmanship, character, and the belief that functional objects can still feel imaginative.

Over the past several months, we’ve been refining the brand to better reflect the direction the work has been moving for years: more sculptural, more expressive, and more intentional in every detail.

This rebrand is not about changing who we are. It’s about declaring it clearly.

From the updated visual identity and typography to the new website experience, every decision was made to better reflect the work itself and the environments these pieces are meant to live in.

You’ll also notice that one thing remained unchanged: the cricket mark itself. A symbol tied to warmth, craftsmanship, and the story behind the name from the very beginning.

A huge thank you to .offsetco for the thoughtful foundational work that helped shape the strategic direction of the brand and clarify the deeper identity behind Cricket Forge.

And thank you to for creating and bringing the refreshed brand system and website experience to life with care and intention.

More expressive. More immersive. More distinctly Cricket Forge.

Who doesn't love something shiny for Mother's Day? Sneak peak at an in-progress custom project.
05/10/2026

Who doesn't love something shiny for Mother's Day? Sneak peak at an in-progress custom project.

02/12/2026

Busy start to the year here = Busy shop!
👯‍♀️ 2 new members of the team
🥶 Some ridiculous NC snow storms
🪏 New neighbors kicking off construction for a big new building
🦋 LOTS of orders!

Might still be winter, but the busy spring season is around the corner!

We love seeing our old friends again!This pairing of aged verdi Butterfly bench and Wing Chair was just Show us how y...
01/09/2026

We love seeing our old friends again!
This pairing of aged verdi Butterfly bench and Wing Chair was just

Show us how your Cricket Forge pieces are doing in their homes! Tag us + and use the "spotted in the wild" hashtag and we might feature yours (and send you a little gift 🎁)

12/18/2025

Thrilled with how our latest commission for came together, and is now installed in Charlotte, next to

Thanks also to for their support for this project.

One last big thank you to fellow artists, and team for the installation teamwork 🤝

We are always so glad to bring artists' visions to life, especially as part of such a vibrant community!

Address

2314 Operations Drive
Durham, NC
27705

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(919) 680-3513

Website

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