A couple had an idea for centerpieces for the tables at their wedding. Their initial plan was to make models of molecules using plastic pieces glued together. After several attempts, they decided that it was not going to work like they planned. They approached me about a month and a half before the wedding and explained their concept, and asked if I thought I could help out. I took the concept, and approximate dimensions and came back with a couple examples. They liked the examples and requested them plus enough for all of the guest tables. Afterward they kept some of their favorites for their collection and used the remaining as gifts for the wedding party. All of the pieces were created using steel reclaimed from various sources. Color was added using enamel paint and each piece was given a protective clear coat of acrylic lacquer.
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
My interest in metalwork began at a young age while visiting my grandpa's farm when he was shoeing the horses. I was fascinated with how the metal could be formed and shaped. Several years later, while in high school metal shop, I learned the basics of forming sheet metal as well as gas and arc welding. This reinforced my love of metal and opened up a whole new world of creation that, unfortunately was put on hold shortly after graduation. A couple decades later, I began work resto-modding a '53 Chevy pickup. This ended up a reminder of my love for metalwork.
During the process, I was able to see the craftsmanship and metalwork performed by human hands as compared to modern cars. This also caused me to take notice of other everyday things once made of metal with fine detail but are now hum-drum and made from plastic.
This prompted me to take the skills I had learned so far and see what else I could do with the old metal. So, I dusted off my grandpa's anvil, portable forge and oxy-acetylene torch, along with the metalworking tools I acquired for the truck and began making… more scrap.
Over the next few years my creations became more and more refined and recognizable, and more people approached me to make a creation for them.
I still use primarily recycled metal, most of it is transformed and no longer recognizable from it's previous form, but in some cases it does remain intact. Many times it still has some of the character em-blemished on it from it's previous life.
No automated equipment is used and, with the exception of found objects in some pieces, no mass produced parts are used. Each project is a unique, one-off, original piece of art created by hand, by me, using "old school" techniques in my studio just outside of St. Louis, Missouri.
Thank you for stopping in to learn more about me. I look forward to working with you soon!
Erin Polansky
For Custom Business Card HolderBob worked with me to create the perfect personalized business card holder to give to a very special person. He took a lot of care to learn about what I was trying to achieve (which was rather niche) and he took great pains to get it right.
The job took longer than I would have liked, (I think there were some extenuating circumstances on his end which could not be helped) but it was definitely worth the wait. The recipient is thrilled and so am I.
John Long
For Custom Business Card HolderI love the way my project turned out. Bob designed, created and had my custom made business card holder in my hands in 1 week. The business card holder has been on my desk for a couple of hours and has started several conversations.
Ken Sutherland
For Themed Card Holder For KenOnce again - and again - Bob is our go to designer/ maker of custom business card holders! Each time we bring on a new team member we ask him to creat a holder based on a unique interest of that person. Our staff love them as do our clients. The collection on our entry table created lots of interest and conversations particularly with prospective clients. We use them when first introducing team members - adds a very personal touch to relationships. everyone looks forward to the revealing of a new holder! Thanks again Bob!
Ken Sutherland
For Custom Business Card HolderBob make really cool business card holders - very personalized! You can share an idea or send a sketch and he will draft an image for your approval or changes. Gets done quickly. We get lots of compliments from clients who see our four custom business card holders that Bob made.
I did have some frustration with the Custommade web site --- they clearly have record of my previous projects with Bob - but not the most recent.
Jane McNally
For Family Crest Wall HangingI'm sorry it took so long to review but I love my crest its exactly what we invisioned thank you so much excellent job
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