Showing posts with label upcycled art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label upcycled art. Show all posts

Monday, December 26, 2011

Upcycled Cabinets at Bench Mark Custom Signs

Phil's art niche is custom woodworking out of his shop, close to Metamora, Illinois (which is ironically in Woodford County.) He was formerly trained in avionics (aviation electronics) while serving in the Marine Corps. If you look closely, you can see Marine Corps memorabilia and jet aircraft photos decorating his woodworking shop. He currently tests software by profession, so it’s not a surprise to find that his digital day job often overlaps his woodworking night life.
Maple carved plaque uses Phil's v-carving technique.
Although he learned about woodworking through classes in high school, he credits the natural abilities inherited from his father.  Phil recalls, “My dad did cabinet making on the side. I was the gopher from an early age. The first project of my own that I remember was an exact scale replica of a battleship made from cut-offs from whatever project my dad was working on. I was probably 6 years old at the time so you can imagine just how ‘exact’ the replica was." Phil found himself into his woodworking endeavors when he bought a house.  He says, "There are a lot of sophisticated (and costly) projects you can do yourself if you have the right tools and skill." When not creating, he writes for his woodworking web site or answering woodworking questions on Internet forums. He has been featured in Wood Magazine.
These monogram plaques run about $35 in Phils's Etsy shop

How He Designed the Machine to Make His Designs Phil taught himself to use CAD software for his profession, and soon found it too useful to resist when doing his woodworking projects. “With CAD software, you can design or plan your project so there aren’t too many surprises at the end", he says.  Over time this eventually led Phil into woodworking with CNC equipment. This equipment can be quite expensive, out of reach of most hobbyists and even many professionals. So, Phil took the challenge and designed and built his own CNC router. (I'm certain having a background in electronics and CAD helped!)   Phil explains that "The CNC has opened up entirely new avenues in the areas of design.  If I can draw it, I can make it.”
Family signs are a great gift for the new bride and groom.
 Mission Style Meets Military  Phil’s design Aesthetic on signs would be considered Mission (Arts & Crafts), Shaker, and Western Victorian. Phil says, “I just love all the old trim work and designs used in the mid 1800’s.” His CNC machine in his shop is decorated with these scroll designs, similar to those used on gun engravings reminiscent of that era. 
Note the old engravings.
Phil prefers to work with native American hardwoods. Some of his stock comes from trees he felled himself and had sawn into lumber. Phil also gets some of his lumber from a local tree feller. He explains, "You cannot buy some of this wood in a lumber yard, it’s just not available at this quality level.”  Phil will also use upcycled cabinetry, such as doors in some of his designs--but only if they are real solid wood, no veneer! Connect with Phil  Phil is relatively new to Etsy and Facebook, and would love for you to drop him a line to say hello, critique his shop, or give him some new ideas! He is looking forward to becoming part of the Etsy community! Bench Mark Custom Signs and Wonders on Facebook Bench Mark Custom Signs on Etsy!

This post written by Ira Mency, for inclusion on Handmadeology. 

Friday, November 5, 2010

Spotlight on House of Mirth: Etsy's Best Kept Secret - Make this your home for holiday shopping!

November 2010 Spotlight Award:
This 1920's Bookmark, $14, under PaperArts section of the studio 
makes a great gift for the book lover!





As an fellow artist and vintage junkie, I am totally captivated the "House of Mirth" shop on Etsy.  If you haven't visited it yet, you should indeed.  From the brainchild of Recycled Wares, and Paper Picker, you will find  by Nerrissa's  handmade goods lurking here. 

Doubled sided pendant, only $18.99 FREE SHIPPING as of now at House of Mirth.

I think what enthralls me most, is her eye for detail and functionality of her artwork.  Her love of all things yesteryear mixed with the care and concern of using post consumer products like fiber, wood and paper show in her work.  You see it in the transformation...from trash...to functional treasure. 

The Upcycled Lung pendant / brooch is one of many "medical styles" 
available in this shop and makes a unique fashion statement. 



Yet again I find myself admiring her work and drawn back to the bookmarks. I admit, I have no time to read anymore....
...yet this lady calls to me to find a place for her inside the pages of my favorite book.  Her store makes me want to wear brooches and pins again, because her love for all things vintage show in the wonderful jewelry offerings. 
Most brooches range around $23.99, this one free shipping in the Jewelry section.
They say you learn something new every day.  I heard of woodburning, but actually did not realize what the term Pyrography was until I visited her shop.  According to Wikipedia, "pyrography means 'writing with fire' and is the traditional art of using a heated tip or wire to burn or scorch designs onto natural materials such as wood or leather."
Set of clothespins, hold recipes, money, scrap-booking papers and more! , set $8.99 in the Pyrography section.
There's something eclectic here, charming and inviting all in one. Sit back with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea and admire her work. 

Team members, I urge you to favorite her items, blog about this store, add one of her offerings as a link to your Facebook page, and help this very talented artist's work get out there.  It's way too wonderful to be Etsy's Best Kept Secret.