Here's a riddle for you: a boyfriend and a girlfriend take on 59,670 pennies. Who wins? Well, 130 hours later (none spent in couples counseling, mind you), and we're proud to say: it was us. The idea spawned from seeing other iterations of it on design blogs. However, most of these spaces were tiny, like bathrooms or entryways. Figuring we could do it better, faster, stronger, we laid our first square foot of pennies in the corner of our 234 square foot bedroom. There was no turning back. We innovated the penny process several times, spotting room for improvement as we went along. We started with small tubes of glue and laid tiny dots of it in a line, similar to the way you would decorate a cake with icing. Then, we'd place each penny (heads up except for wheat pennies) and push it into place. Maddening, for sure. Our big breakthrough came from a caulk gun and stronger glue. With that, we'd push out copious amounts of glue, spread it into a square section with a spatula, and lay pennies within the glue pool. A huge time saver, albeit a clothing-ruiner and thumb-stainer. From square sections, we moved to straight lines. This way, we could ensure the pennies would line up with no overlaps when our two sections would finally join. And when they did? Grout time – just like with regular tile. We finalized the project by placing one rare silver penny into the mix of copper. Then, we drowned the floor in a clear coat, and cemented the little Lincolns into their final resting place. Now, we've got a smooth, shiny floor that's fun to walk on and easy on the eyes – not to mention, we're walking on money, people. How cool is that? The project even landed us on the Today Show!!!
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.
I was the weird, artsy kid growing up. At 34 years old, it's funny how things don't change.
Allow me to introduce myself: I am a designer, maker, installer, entrepreneur, and nerd. I grew up learning everything I know from my dad and a healthy dose of trial & error.
Before becoming a full-time “maker”, I worked in the music industry, producing video and developing the marketing for artists like Lil’ Wayne, U2, the Foo Fighters, and many others. Shortly after, I opened two passion projects in Chicago: Code of Conduct – a full service tattoo shop and creative collective in the historic South Loop – and a workshop in the urban West Loop that produces marketing for some of today's biggest and most relevant brands.
Today, I can be found in my workshop where I design custom items like handmade motorcycle parts, furniture, and creative carpentry. Many of my skills are learned timeless trades like welding, woodworking, however I also have modern capabilities like operating Plasma CNC and Router tables (meaning I can cut a logo or designed file into just about any material with accuracy).
If you are looking for something handmade with heart and soul, that actually works and functions, you have found the right maker for the job.
A guide to the best items from the best makers and the stories behind them.
mary nathan
For mary's bar stoolI got bar stools made by Ryan. I would say the experience was fairly easy, my stools came out beautiful I love the uniqueness of them and I would work and recommend Ryan again.
Brian Nash
For Canteen sculpture Projecti ABSOLUTELY love the work that Ryan did for me. I have yet to receive it but just from the images that he sent I can see that justice was done. I really appreciate the job well done.