Six Hook Custom Coat Racks

We've made quite a few six hook mosaic coat racks this year, each with its own special twist. We thought we'd share a few photos to show you the steps to creating a custom piece like this. 

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This first group of photos shows the process of creating the mosaic itself.

In the first three photos, you can see:

  • creating a color gradient based on photos submitted by the client.

  • an example of the reclaimed material we use for all our mosaic supports. This particular board's former life was a template for a railing.

  • a blue mosaic celebrating the couple's anniversary with mementos from their relationship.

Next three photos show:

  • a mosaic with found objects.

  • Johannah's mid-process studio mess.

  • a mosaic featuring coins left over from the customer's travels.

This group shows what happens once the mosaic is complete. First the mosaic is glued into the reclaimed wood frame made by Kyle. Next the mosaic is grouted, a process that often requires plenty of blue tape to protect the frame and some found objects and mementos. Last the hooks are installed. We love seeing the texture and shine of mosaics in raking light. The way mosaics change in the light is a big part of their magic.

And the completed coat racks! Whether you are celebrating a special memory or looking for a unique way to hang your jackets in style all while complementing the room, our mosaic coat racks are the perfect thing. We offer them in three sizes: two hooks, four hooks, and six hooks. We love working with our clients to create a one-of-a-kind piece of functional artwork just for them.

A few spring projects

C'mon in to the studios and see a few of the smaller projects we've been working on this spring....

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We created a set of custom decorative window grills for an artist friend.

This forged steel and mosaic trophy is inspired by the logos of the two companies who presented the trophy.

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Here's Kyle forging a set of gargoyle horn door handles for another Stone Brewery location.

Cat Tail Sculpture Commission

Over the last few years, Kyle has created a series of cattail sculptures. This is one he was commissioned to create for the client’s front porch. Take a peek at the design and creation process below!

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Creating a to-scale drawing of the sculpture is the very first step in the design process. Next we re-create the drawing in full size on the steel layout table (the blacksmith's equivalent of a workbench.)

Next up: making the cattail flowers. In the first photo, we're using a fullering tool on the anvil to shape tube steel. The last photo shows the needle gun we use to create the texture on the cattail.

We used angle iron to create the leaves. Here we're cutting the ends into points, then shaping the leaves hot using a tool known as a bending dog in the the vise.

To make the base, we cut the shape out of steel plate. We added texture later on with the hammer.

And now to assemble all the parts!

This piece was finished with a rust patina, a finish that works well with the subject matter and holds up great for exterior work. Here the piece is installed on the happy owner's front porch!