In winter 2025, Dalhousie University's Stephanie Rogers wrote about Ruben's custom iron arch he contributed to the university. This piece was in honor of the class of 1975's 50th anniversary.

The graduating class of 1975 "has contributed a custom iron arch at the entrance to the campus Herb Garden, turning a long-envisioned beautification project into reality."

To view the piece written on Ruben's ironwork, click here.

Before they became Back Road Farm & Forge, Raina and Ruben went by R&R Handmade.

In 2023, Farmhouse Better Homes & Garden wrote a short piece on the couple.

"Ruben Irons, a second-generation farrier and Raina McDonald, an interdisciplinary artist, create functional metal sculpture in their backwoods studio."

To view the piece written on them, click here.

In September 2020, Raissa Tetanish from The Advocate wrote a piece on Ruben Irons and his content in Frank M. Smith's book What Once Was Lost.

"A new book featuring some of the province's history on blacksmithing includes Scotsburn blacksmith Ruben Irons."

To read the article, click here.
To learn more about the book, click here.

In winter 2020, the Globe and Mail magazine interviewed Raina McDonald and Ruben Irons about their forged copper bowls for their piece on decorative home décor objects.

"American tariffs on Canadian goods have inspired consumers to rethink how they shop."

In 2023, the North Shore of Nova Scotia wrote a piece on Ruben and Raina from R&R Handmade.

"Like many others, Ruben and Raina have discovered that the North Shore is a haven for artists wanting a life realized on their own terms."

To read the article, click here.

In spring 2018, Dalhousie University's Emma Geldart discusses Ruben Irons' Barley Arch project. His ironwork piece frames the entrance to the agricultural university's Alumni Gardens.

"As Dalhousie University celebrates its 200th year, the Faculty of Agriculture is excited to unveil a new symbolic barley addition to its campus- the Barley Arch."

In February 2018, Toronto Star's Debra Norton interviewed Raina and Ruben on the wabi-sabi decorating method.

"If you were unable to embrace the sleek, sparse look of minimalism that has been dominating the decorating landscape, then wabi-sabi might be for you."

To read the article, click here.

In fall 2018, Lori Byrne from the At Home! magazine interviewed Raina McDonald and Ruben Irons about permaculture, passive design, and pretty pumpkins as the leading story for their Your pathway to fall issue.

To view the issue's front cover, click here.
To read the magazine issue, click here.