Friday, March 25, 2016

Trash to functional treasure

©2016 Barry Smith - A fan of cut brass
I had an unusual request - could I make some interesting garden plot name stakes-signs.  They needed to be something that had a bit of interest in their shape, colour, material etc.

©2016 Barry Smith - Years of patina - lovely greens and browns
In my metal stash I had an old very patinated, worn and dirty brass tray. I decided that if I cut it into wedges like a pie it would produce interesting triangles with a curved top. I could stamped the words on two ledges using 10mm plumbers metal stamps. And the backside (which is the front of the tray) would have the beauty of the worn pattern. Basically I was simply adopting the existing shapes and design of the tray and repurposing them in the new design.

©2016 Barry Smith - Wedges of brass
©2016 Barry Smith - Heavy duty capitals
©2016 Barry Smith - Wedges stamped
©2016 Barry Smith - Ground and lightly polished without removing all the patina
©2016 Barry Smith - The decorative side - more highly polished to highlight the pattern
I think they have worked out well - quite a funky thing to have in the garden as a functional ornament.

5 comments:

  1. Ingenious ... once again you make my fingers itch to work in metal

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  2. Hello.

    Lovely works.
    Thank you for your coming always.

    I wish You all the best.
    Greeting and hug.

    From Japan, ruma ❃

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  3. You always come up with the most creative ideas. These garden plant signs are stunning ... they would fit perfectly in my garden :)

    Happy Easter, Barry!

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  4. Hi I, L, Ruma and GB - thanks for checking out this unusual little commission; and for your comments. I and L - funny how the metal does the creating at times. Ruma - thanks for your ongoing support. GB - must be my weird brain - but I agree it is good to create some quirky bits. All - go well and peace. B

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Comments are welcomed - it is good to connect with fellow travellers.