Garden trellis and fence standing strong

Here are some photos of a recent project. This is a combination fence and trellis for a garden. I used rebar and traditional steel to create a contrasting design. The tall trellis structures are perfect for vines and climbing plants. 

The bottom of the fence section creates a nice background for mums this season.

Custom light fixtures adorn several of the posts. The lights add a nice atmosphere.

Small portholes with glass inserts let the light shine out.

I used louvered glass for added interest.

The lids are removable to access the LED bulbs inside.

The entire structure was left to nature to finish. A pretty coat of surface rust adds to its character in the garden.

Sturdy railing for stair landing

Installed this chunky and strong railing on the landing of a staircase. This is made from 3-inch round tube with steel balls at the corners. It makes for an easy to grab railing. 

The rails are bolted to the floor and to the wall and newel post.

A glossy black enamel paint finishes them off.

Loft cable railing with steel panels

Our Downtown Lee's Summit Main Street association moved recently. Their new home called for railings up to and around a loft storage space. We wanted to create a cool railing system, one that was functional and unique. One of their employees came up with the idea to showcase the downtown street grid in the railing. Great idea! So, off to the shop we went. Here is the result:

A simple cable railing and matching handrail make going up and down safe and easy.

Each panel had a different view of the downtown street grid.

We used expanded metal sheeting to cover the large openings in the railing panels. It adds a nice industrial touch.

Simple and budget-friendly eye hooks, turnbuckles and cable made for a good solution on the stair railing.

Custom tray for a TV stand

I client asked us to make a large tray that would attach to an existing TV stand. The stand holds a large flat screen television. The tray will offer a spot for a speaker and other items.

The tray has angled signs to keep items from rolling off. It has a flat black painted finish.

Jeep grill makes great wall art

How about this? A vintage late 1970s Jeep CJ5 grill outfitted with light bulbs to make it shine. We made a wall bracket that provides a secure way to display. Next we added some fixtures, bulbs and off/on switch. Some cleanup and polish and it is ready to to go.

Heart of the Royals

Here is a steel KC Royals heart I made after the team won the World Series. Just a simple tribute to the team and players that made our city and region so proud. Let's Go Royals!

Steel wall panels for display

Here is a series of 15 steel wall panels we recently installed for LAND3 Studio. The panels have a brushed steel finish. Three of the panels are painted to match the green color of the firm. Magnets are used to hold drawings, layouts and information. They provide an interesting and easy way to show off work.

The panels are made from light gauge metal. Each is stiffened with a frame of steel rod.

Magnets provide a simple way to attach materials. And it is easy to move things around during discussions and critiques.

The panels have a small profile. Just enough to create depth, but shallow enough to not stick out.

Look for the new sign!

Installed the new shop sign. This sign is made from leftover materials and finished with a rusty patina. The letters are offset from the background for greater depth. Lastly, I coated the sign with lacquer to add some gloss. I like how the turtle shadow shows itself as the sun moves across the sky. Come see me at 317 B SE Main Street in historic downtown Lee's Summit, Mo.

Informational wall graphic details building history

Here is recent wall graphic I produced to capture the history of our building. It is broken out into three chapters: the original building, the restoration and how the building is today. I used standoff fasteners to attach it to the wall. The graphic is printed on vinyl.

The graphic is four feet wide by three feet tall.

Time capsule sculpture installed

Wow. It is finally finished. This is 'Emergence', a special sculpture to commemorate the 150th birthday of Lee's Summit, Mo. This sculpture was months in the making, a real collaboration between the city, Truly 150 committee and myself. The sculpture is located in the plaza area of the Lee's Summit City Hall.

'Emergence' is made from steel and glass. It takes the form of a crystal, nine faceted shapes grow from its base. No matter the view, the angles and shadows are always different.

One interesting aspect of this sculpture is that it will hold the time capsule of the city. The time capsule will be filled with items from today to be opened in 2065, the city's bicentennial.

Night the sculpture takes on a fresh personality. Fiber optics inside the glass lanterns glow. Of course, the colors can be changed throughout the year, showcasing events, moods and seasons of the city.

1957 Corvette grill is ready for the wall

Here is a crusty cool cutout of the iconic 1957 Chevrolet Corvette's toothy front end. This is cut from 1/8 inch steel. I gave it a coppery, rusty patina, perfect for its new life on the side of a shed or in the garage. This wall sculpture is 28 inches wide by 11 inches tall.

Have a favorite car front end or grill? Let me know and I'll make one for you!

Metal and granite gifts go out the door

I was asked to create a special gift to give to prospective attendees of next year's ICMA convention, here in Kansas City. The ICMA is the International City/County Management Association. Using elements of the convention logo, I cut out steel trumpets that reflect the city's jazz heritage. Next, I had granite tiles laser engraved. Each gift has a different finish. Some are left as raw steel, showing the burn marks from the cutting. Others have a copper plate or a copper rust patina. I used a torch to add color to some of the gifts.

Each gift is approx. 6 inches wide by 4 inches tall. I packaged them in low profile boxes for easy shipping.

Decorative archway leads to garden

Recently installed this gate archway at a Oklahoma residence. The arch anchors to the top of existing brick columns. The design incorporates a sunflower and wheat shocks, reflecting the homeowner's roots in the state of Kansas. The centerpiece is a copper-covered sunflower that shines in the sunlight. The hammered copper sheet will age beautifully. It all looks good perched above a cheery aqua colored wooden gate. The remainder of the arch is powdercoated for added durability.

The copper is riveted to the sunflower face.

Mission-style fireplace screen

This handsome, Mission-style fireplace screen is in place. The screen is made of steel and painted with a satin black finish. Sturdy, wide feet keep the screen grounded. But it is light enough to move easily for access to the fireplace.

Security gates for a trash enclosure

Gates are not just for gardens and yards. This newly constructed trash enclosure needed a pair of tall, strong gates. We fabricated, painted and installed these large swinging gates. The lockable latch can secure the dumpster area, if needed. And a simple pin keeps one gate in place, if only a single gate needs opened.

The gates are painted with a white enamel finish. It looks bright against the shadows.

Razzberry Wimzy gets a new sign

Razzberry Wimzy is a cool small retailer that specializes in upcycling and reuse of vintage materials and furniture. The store is filled with funky, colorful items with a handmade touch. They are located in a historic brick building. Fossil Forge designed and installed this colorful sign.

The sign is held by a custom steel bracket. It has a hammered painted finish.

Alpha Mortgage sign in the window

This window sign is part of a rebrand of a local real estate and financial services company called Alpha Mortgage. Fossil Forge redesigned their logo, signage and other marketing materials. Vinyl signs were applied to the outside and inside windows of the business.

Little Free Library made from newspaper box

Unveiled another Little Free Library to come out of Fossil Forge. This one was created from an old newspaper box. I turned it into a cheery little bookbot. Glass eyes and bright colors help to attract attention. Handprints from the owners are displayed on each side of the box. Open the door and share books! This one is along a busier street, so I anticipate it will see lots of use.

Garden archway topped with family hands

Installed this graceful garden arch yesterday. It is made from steel. The finish will be a natural one, letting nature paint it a lovely rust brown. The arch is topped with the hands of six grandchildren. Each one captured in steel.

Information totem at Unity Village

We recently installed this custom information kiosk at Unity Village in Missouri. This display showcases the Prayer Garden and its 12 sculptures. Large display graphics are mounted to the totem, offering information and a map to the nearby garden. The graphics were created and produced by Fossil Forge, too.

The Prayer Garden surrounds the historic tower on the grounds of Unity Village.

The totem has two brochure boxes that visitors can use. Campus and garden guides are available from these weatherproof boxes.

The stucture is made from steel and painted with a hammered finish. It is set in concrete along the sidewalk leading to many of the Unity buildings.