Today’s project is more than just building a pendant lamp. I really believe that to continue growing as an artist, you have to always be experimenting, trying new techniques, and working in new mediums.
If you’ve been following along on my journey with metal patination, you’ve seen me learning how to create new colors using different chemicals and techniques. With this project, I wanted to keep pushing myself to try new things.
One of the big firsts here was creating a curved copper top for the lamp using an English wheel. I’d never used an English wheel before, and honestly, creating different shapes out of metal is something I’m really trying to learn how to incorporate into my work going forward. Then at the end, I tried a new patination technique on the lamp to create some interesting patterns. For this build, I was less concerned about the colors themselves and more focused on the pattern I could create. I was really hoping this new technique would produce something beautiful.
The build itself had its challenges. At one point, I realized I should have drilled a hole afterwards instead of before—it was making everything way more difficult. Live and learn, right?
Before I got into the patination process, I wanted to give a quick safety note. Even though what I was using here is just common household products, when you mix household products together you can get a volatile reaction. So I wore a respirator and safety goggles, and made sure to put on gloves too. Yeah, definitely take special safety precautions if you ever try any type of chemical patination, even with common household goods.
Watching the pattern come to life and seeing this pendant lamp take shape was really rewarding. It’s all part of the learning process—the successes, the mistakes, and everything in between.
Thanks for following along.
More Project Build Videos
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In this episode, I build a custom asian inspired keepsake box. The Keepsake box sides are made from bamboo, and the top and legs are cherry. If you are into woodworking and want to make this box, I do have "How To Plans" available for this project.
A client needed a place to display his grandfather's shaving kit and a few other collectibles. Here's how I designed and built the floating shelves to hold them.
In this episode, I help a Colorado Springs Client remodel their staircase. The existing staircase was a straight run with an outdated style. I redesigned it to have open-ended steps with a craftsman handrail.
In this episode, I build a custom entry table with walnut cuffs. The main table is made from cherry, and the feet are adorned with decorative walnut cuffs.
Today's project is more than just building a pendant lamp. I really believe that to continue growing as an artist, you have to always be experimenting, trying new techniques, and working in new mediums.
I took my time building this round table. I’m thrilled with the result—a sleek, Scandinavian-inspired table with Midcentury undertones.
Building a custom rustic steel dining table base, from welding and acid treatment to creating unique rust patinas with vinegar and finishing with weighted concrete for stability
Today's project is to build a decorative wooden ice bucket for a bar cart I constructed earlier. This isn't a functional piece meant to hold water; it's a prop, designed solely to add visual interest and character to my home bar setup.
building a sculptural two-moon coat rack, from grain-matched bandsaw cuts and CNC joinery fixtures to hand-shaped hooks and a hidden wall-mount system.
A while ago, I built a barn door with a steel frame that encased the wood for a client in Denver, Colorado. It turned out great, but one question kept coming up: How did I keep the bottom of the door from swinging around? Most barn door hardware kits include a T-track that gets screwed into the floor, with a slot routed into the bottom of the door for guidance. But since my door had a steel base, routing a groove wasn’t an option.
