Commemorative Figurine "Learning To Drive"
The customer wanted a special gift for his grandfather who had taught him to drive on an antique tractor. This figurine was created using upcycled steel primarily from a 55 gallon drum and coated with clear acrylic enamel. Approximate Dimensions are 8.14" x 5" x 6.5"
Long-time member
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Fast shipper
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
Great service
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!
- KS
Ken Sutherland
For Custom Business Card Holder5.0I was so pleased with the first two business card holders Bob made for me I ordered a third - and at the last minute was quickly got it done for my staff Christmas party! They will be fun to give out. (I already showed a couple of clients and they really enjoyed them!)
Bob is great to work with - communicates well (providing sample drawings of your ideas) and quickly creates the project and mails it promptly. Nicely done Bob - thanks! - EP
Erin Polansky
For Custom Business Card Holder4.7Bob 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. - KS
Ken Sutherland
For Another card holder5.0Delivered another fun project quickly and designed to my request beyond expectation. I will be presenting this custom business card holder during today’s staff meeting. They always look forward to what theirs will be - confident this one will delivery equal joy. Clients enjoy seeing our collection and getting to know staff on a more personal level. Thanks Bob!
- ML
Magda Lageyre
For Surfboard previous request4.8Great job communicating & I was provided with 2 sketches of what I might be looking for. I chose one and was very happy with the end result.
- KS
Ken Sutherland
For Themed Card Holder For Ken5.0Once 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!
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