March 2011
What's new
Posted by on Thursday, March 31, 2011 in - leave a comment
Well, after several months of preparation we are finally ready to introduce our new line of hardware. Attached is a PDF of our new brochure. Please take a look. If you are interested in placing a pre-order please call me (Orion) at 800-754-9127. Our full stock will be arriving in 4-6 weeks …
The Blacksmith’s Hands – Tongs
Posted by on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 in - leave a comment
We’re right handed so we hold the hammer in that hand. Even though the tongs are held by the left hand, that doesn’t mean that dexterity isn’t needed. During a forging tongs are raised and lowered, shifted right or left, turned slightly or continuously. Like an athlete or a dancer, a blacksmith …
Kitchen & Bath: Should the Hardware Match?
Posted by on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 in - 5 comments
• Matching finishes or mixing finishes--this is a question that drives a lot of traffic to our blog. Ultimately, mixing or matching is a matter of personal taste. We do know, however, that when executed purposefully, mixing finishes on hardware, lighting, faucets and appliances can add interest …
The Blacksmith’s Hands – the Hammer
Posted by on Monday, March 28, 2011 in - leave a comment
• Blacksmithing is one of the few crafts where the creator doesn’t actually get to touch the medium during the act of creating – at least not during forging. Glassmaking is another craft where the heated medium prohibits touch. • What the blacksmith has, in lieu of hands, are hammers, tongs …
Hiding the Kitchen in Plain Sight
Posted by on Friday, March 25, 2011 in - 1 comment
• The Wall Street Journal's Anjali Athavaley article, Kitchens Play Hide and Sleek, highlights the move away from in-your-face status appliances to a subtler, more covert aesthetic. Instead of placing that $10,000 fridge on display for all to see like a pair of Jordache jeans circa 1983 …
A quick forging video
Posted by on Thursday, March 24, 2011 in - 2 comments
When Molly and I are forging hardware our time at the forge has two components – actual forging and tending the fire while the metal becomes hot enough to forge. • We shot a quick video of a simple forging so viewers can get an idea of what happens in that all too quick time between pulling a …
Wrought or forged?
Posted by on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 in - leave a comment
Many people today don't realize the difference between hand forged iron and wrought iron. And why would they? Industrialization coupled with marketing have succeeded in selling the consumer an efficiently produced product at an attractive price. While a select group of people have always had an …
We get letters...
Posted by on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 in - 3 comments
Received this note last night and it really made my evening: • Thank you. I am not a frequent purchaser; I work too slowly for that, but you might be interested to know that I made my first purchase from you in 1960: four bed bolts and 4 covers for the antique I refinished for our bridal bed …
Gustav Stickley @ the Dallas Museum of Art
Posted by on Monday, March 14, 2011 in - 3 comments
• Running until May 8th, the Dallas Museum of Art is holding a comprehensive retrospective examining the life and work of Gustav Stickley, a name synonymously tied to the American Arts *&Crafts movement. According to the museum's website, *"his exhibition will include over 100 works produced by …
Hoosier Cabinets & Baker's Tables
Posted by on Friday, March 11, 2011 in - 2 comments
• Whether you are remodeling an early 20th century home or just aspire for the warm look of an unfitted kitchen, incorporating antique pieces such as Hoosier cabinets and baker's tables into your design will help move you closer to your design goals. Antique pieces often need a bit of TLC, but …
Interview With A Cabinet Maker : Douglas P. Dimes
Posted by on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 in - 2 comments
• picture courtesy of D.R. Dimes *&Company • Douglas P. Dimes of D. R. Dimes *&Co. creates show-stopping reproduction furniture and kitchen cabinetry. As the owner of a business passed down from his father, his experience as a boy cleaning up in his dad's shop. These days, D. R. Dimes leads … read more »
Interview with a cabinetmaker-Robert Bakes
Posted by on Thursday, March 3, 2011 in - leave a comment
• Robert Bakes (photo: Newyorksocialdiary.com) • Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Robert Bakes, of the full service design house Bob Bakes *&Company, about his background, his kitchens, and his forthcoming kitchen pull. The Bakes Pull is a much anticipated, soon to be released high-end …
Have woodworking skills?
Posted by on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 - 2 comments
Please read the attached flyer from the National Park Service. This is a chance for kids to learn some woodworking skills and build a historically significant piece.
Ikea Budget Kitchen Remodel : Black & White Palette
Posted by on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 in - 1 comment
• Continuing the series on kitchen remodels on a budget, today's post features the neutral palette of a black and white kitchen. This classic color (or non-color, if you will) combo makes future updates easy as you can just switch out accessories, creating an entirely new look. • If you like … read more »