by Richard Sheppard
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by Richard Sheppard |
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An artisan
blacksmith truly has the awesome joy of participating in a variety of
possibilities in their work. There are many fields of work and different
tasks for every project. One is never stuck doing the same things day
after day. For example: new clients are always just around the corner.
You must know how to sell your work. Then you must do the research in
order to provide the customer with the proper period or style for their
estate, i.e., colonial, Victorian, modern, etc., or general project. One
of the most important selling points of a project is being able to
define the need, then invent and describe the solution, and be able to
submit detailed drawings for the approval of the customer. If the client
already has an idea as to what they want, you also have to be able to
interpret those ideas and be able to artistically provide the proof in
which they can see their dreams and visions realized. Sometimes samples
are necessary and at other times your previous jobs can sell the next
job for you. This is why you should always have a portfolio of previous
projects. High end projects are never a problem when clients see your
expertise. People who truly want quality work are always willing to pay
the price for a job well done. |
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Recently, I was asked to come up with a design for a light in a wine
cellar. The light was to hang over a table I had made for the customer.
The project would need to be mounted (on a stone wall), in such a way
that the light could swivel. After much thought and research I came up
with the following design. (Reference Drawing) The light only weighs 3
and 3/4 pounds and the bracket weighs 4 and 1/2 pounds. The metal for
the light is a 20 gauge steel which I purchased at TSC (Tractor Supply
Store). *This is a much better way to get metal instead of having to buy
4 X 8 ft. sheets at the steel supply store! The metal comes in 24” X 24”
sheets and is very soft, bright metal with no scale, and wonderful to
work with. The glass for the light was purchased in Paden City, WV. The
glass plant there is fantastic and they are very accommodating. Any
color you want is available at .91 cents per pound. I always use
porcelain light sockets for safety reasons. I do all my own wiring on
the light itself and the customer gets a qualified electrician to
connect the finished product. The metal for the bracket is just standard
stock material.
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