Custom Steel and Mosaic Creations

The more we put our forged steel and mosaic work together, the more new ideas occur to us and our clients for ways to collaborate. It’s such an exciting and satisfying journey!

We created this first table to show off the client’s collection of glaze sample ceramic tiles handmade by her mother.

Forged table base work in progress

Handmade ceramic tiles

Test fit for ceramic tile tabletop

The tiles came in a variety of colors and thicknesses. The fun challenge was to create a pleasing pattern of color AND as smooth a surface as possible. We were impressed in the end that Johannah was able to create a relatively even surface.

This client is local and was able to visit our studios to see examples of other tables Kyle has created. This helps a lot in visualizing the final product. Together, Kyle and the client designed a base that fit their taste as well as the space the client had in mind for the table.

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This next one is a collaborative piece we designed and made for ourselves!

We needed a single step from the gallery floor up to the door to the next room. Kyle forged a small railing with circular shapes for Johannah to fill in with mosaic. For the pure fun of it, she decided to go with dark pink and gold with a green flat marble at the center. Kyle also made the wooden step in hickory to coordinate with the flooring in the gallery.

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We created this last table for a couple celebrating an important wedding anniversary.

Kyle and the client designed the table to fit their entryway hall. The colors in the mosaic were inspired by other nearby artwork. Our friend Christina Boy made the walnut top.

Custom table base in progress

Mosaic inlay in progress

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Gear Table, Take 2

Here’s a hefty gear-inspired table modeled after the original Kyle designed and built for a hotel a few years back. Measuring 5 feet in diameter and 33 inches tall, this custom table weighs in at nearly 400 pounds.

Gear table before patina and finish

Finished gear table detail

Gear table with patina and finish

This client for this particular table is a car enthusiast with a home on the Great Lakes. Once he created the table, Kyle built scaffolding to support the top for delivery and hit the road. Here’s a quick video showing the table packed for delivery and landing at it’s new home.

Tables with Alicia Dietz Studios

We love working with artist friends and colleagues. It’s just so satisfying to put your ideas together with someone who is like-minded as a craftsperson. Plus— friends! Win win. It’s also a great way to stay connected to our community and expand the variety of work we can offer.

Alicia Dietz is an artist and woodworker Kyle collaborates with frequently, building metal bases and structures to support her wood and concrete furniture. Here are two of their recent pieces in walnut and steel.

First up is a small end table combining Alicia’s waterfall top with legs Kyle forged in his “forest” style. The video below shows his process for making them.

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Next up is a dining table in walnut built in a minimalist design with Kyle’s fabricated steel structure supporting the base.

If you’d like to see more of our collaborations with artist friends, you can find them under the Local Love category on our blog.