Collection of ten
Categories: Products; Commerce and business
Word count/read time: 353 words; 1-1/2 minutes
There is a new bistro opening up in a nearby town called
c'est la vie bistro.
French-inspired and globally influenced, there is a decided artsy ambience. After
talking with the owner about her
desire for upscale clipboards I reminded her about my metalworking.
We began an email flurry.
With her heart set on solid metal clipboards, the blank sheet of metal for each
one would have been around $100 not including
any cutting, shaping, or labor. Those would be some expensive - and heavy - clipboards!
I provided several alternatives. Copper-sheathed clipboards would be roughly
1/3 the price so I created two different samples.
I heavily modified existing clipboards.
The clip portions were removed, sanded, painted gloss black with a clearcoat, and oven-baked
to ensure a decent working life. They would be re-attached using shiny stainless steel implements
that were also modified.
One large precisely cut copper sheet would cover each clipboard.
Once veneered it would look like a super-sized envelope.
Special adhesive keeps the copper affixed. It substantially increases
rigidity compared to an undressed clipboard.
The patina was flame-induced, clearcoating mandatory as tarnishing would happen quickly
in such a demanding environment. I expect the coating to flake or wear away after
some time but is was laid
on thick and oven-baked. Each one had a unique pattern.
What a fantastic complement of colors: small shiny silver implements contrasting
with the gloss black clip against a backdrop of rainbow copper. Small touches
like this really made the difference.
Some were purely accidental. The proof of concept had a badly oxidized clip
too ugly for even such a lowly demand.
A quick squirt of black paint took the sin out. To re-attach the clip, I
used some machine screws because that is what I had.
Several people specifically commented on the color scheme of the clip ensemble. The
beautiful copper background was icing on the cake. Speaking of cake, they have a
dynamite dessert menu. I would have accepted payment in "dough."
If an idea of yours involves metal,
send me an email.
No promises but at least I can help you get closer.
Posted by M: March 2, 2016
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