I thought a metal letter opener with a leaf handle could be the go. I had not made one before so the one below is a prototype. First couple of photos are the prototype Leaf-blade in the rough. The overall length is 170mm (about 7 inches). It was made out of a piece of brass from an old solid fuel single burner stove.
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| Barry Smith © Leaf-blade on the anvil - in the rough |
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| Barry Smith © Leaf-blade on the anvil - in the rough |
The Leaf-blade polished up well.
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| Barry Smith © Leaf-blade on the anvil - polished |
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| Barry Smith © Leaf-blade on the anvil - polished |
And Fiona did a test run; and it works.
So maybe I'm onto something with this adaption of the foldformed leaves - form and function? Though the prototype is fine I will use slightly thicker brass next time just to give the blade a little more rigidity.
Just a little shout-out about Fiona's and my current exhibition Light and Lines in Handheld Gallery. The exhibition opens on Thursday 6 October at 6pm. In case you have the opportunity to drop in, the exhibition runs until 29 October. The gallery is located in Suite 18, upstairs Paramount Arcade, 108 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Gallery hours are: Tuesday-Saturday 12-5pm.
Just a little shout-out about Fiona's and my current exhibition Light and Lines in Handheld Gallery. The exhibition opens on Thursday 6 October at 6pm. In case you have the opportunity to drop in, the exhibition runs until 29 October. The gallery is located in Suite 18, upstairs Paramount Arcade, 108 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Gallery hours are: Tuesday-Saturday 12-5pm.
i love when art meets function - in fact, it is why i love to visit moma in the city so much... bringing art into our lives, usable - making it an integrative part of how we view things, how we honor those who can do things the way you do...
ReplyDeletethese are terrific!
Very nice item. There are all sorts of handmade trinkets out there for women or gee-gaws for the home but it is hard to buy anything for men. Most don't wear jewelry - many don't even wear ties anymore so tie tacks are out. Your letter opener is both artful and masculine, small enough to pack in the luggage and personal enough to have meaning - the perfect take home gift. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea and gift - they turned out beautiful. I would caution you however, with customs the way they are anything over 2-3" that looks like a blade will be confiscated - they even took my nail clipper. Maybe they are OK packed in luggage. Would hate to have those disappear.
ReplyDeleteClever idea Barry... should sell well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Baz - great idea coming to creative fruition xoxo
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous Barry, but I'd agree with SooZeQue, you might want to check what customs would think of it. Apparently you can't take small embroidery scissors on board, and my niece has a set of car keys that flick out from a handle, and they wouldn't even let her on with those!
ReplyDeleteMD, V, SZQ, JM N & MIA - thanks for feedback on this new prototype. Correct - this little number would have to go via luggage in the hull. Still light and interesting guy think - need to make a couple more to get the technique down pat. Go well. B
ReplyDeletenifty, barry!
ReplyDeleteDelicious letter opener, an entire artistic charm and a luxury to being able to have. Good and beautiful work.
ReplyDelete