Deck railing ready to shine

Finally, took some photos of a recent deck railing project. For starters, the deck was a beautiful place to build something. Freshly built onto the rear of a great little Tudor-style home. The homeowners requested a simple design accented by a centerpiece panel. The panel displays a stylized tree silhouette. The entire railing is made from steel and welded together. All of this makes for a sturdy and long-lasting barrier. A coat of black enamel paint covers the railing. Here is to many great years outside enjoying the view!

There are two openings along the deck.

The twin tree silhouettes were hand-cut from steel and welded into the railing frame.

Window security cages are installed

Spent the last couple of days finishing the Window Cage project. This was an interesting problem to solve. The client wanted something to address the issue of covering the window wells at a 1940s-era house. Security, good design and practicality were crucial. Also, access for the family cat and a place to climb out in an emergency were key. Each cage is approximately 3 feet deep by 6 feet wide. Plus, the angle of each is different because of the grade around the house. Plexiglass panels will cover each side. This will prevent leaves and other yard debris to gather in the wells.

This cage has a hinged hatch that can be opened. But most of the time it will be locked.

The top of each cage has a steel silhouette of a cardinal. Each window structure is made from 1/2 inch steel bar and 1 inch steel tube. It is all covered in black enamel paint.

A table full of memories

A couple of weeks ago, I finished working on a special project. A customer had a great idea to blend some family farm relics into a modern table. The result was a really cool solution. This narrow table incorporates steel, glass and wood. I built the steel frame using a simple design to show off the artifacts. The perforated, wrinkled and rusty metal piece hangs under the glass top. It brings back memories of a growing up on a farm. The metal was remembered as a place where a father sat to change his boots during a daily round of chores. The lower shelf uses wood rescued from a decaying barn on the property. All of these pieces were integrated into a useful table. A great way to display family history in a practical setting!

Over the years, a tree grew up into the metal piece. Left behind is a wonderful burl, which adds even more character to the table.

A glass top was used to reveal the floating metal piece. The stout metal table frame is coated in a glossy black enamel paint.

The bottom shelf will make a useful spot for other items. Or left alone to show off the barn wood.

A little more media

Thanks to Lee's Summit Lifestyles magazine. They were kind enough to create a story about Fossil Forge. Here is a screenshot of the website. To read more go here: www.leessummitlifestyle.com

Monster metal bird feeder

I have started to make a series of cool Monster Bird Feeders. These are made from steel and found objects, and of course, glass eyes! Each has a beautiful rust patina that is coated with a tough acrylic sealer. The top of the creatures mouth opens to pour in the seed. There is removable plexiglass to hold the seed in view. On the back is a strong hanger for wherever it is placed: fence, tree, or deck post. Look for more soon.