Custom Porch Stair Railing

Ever wonder how a hand-forged railing goes from an idea in a homeowner's mind to a beautiful addition to their home? Here's the story behind the first of two custom residential porch stair hand railings we created and installed recently. (You can find part 2 here.)

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Once the client has approved a design for a custom railing and we begin production, the first step is a full-scale drawing on our steel layout tables. This exterior stair railing design included scrolls big enough to require a little creativity to fit them in our small gas forge!

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There you have it! The finished product, a custom hand-forged stair rail, painted and installed in the brick steps and slate patio.

Mosaic river panels

It's not every day a commission comes along in your favorite colors AND your favorite theme. But that's exactly what happened here! This client was looking to add something special to the entry of their riverside home. We created two mosaic panels inspired by the James River in shades of cool greys and blues.

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We used this sampling of colors found throughout the house to create the palette for the mosaic panels.

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Abstraction of natural imagery is one of Johannah's favorite inspirations. For the mosaic panels, she created waves of color to reflect the shimmering movement of the river. You can see some of the notes she used to create the shading of color in the photo above.

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More progress shots, from complete color palette in the top left to grouting in the bottom right.

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First panel installed! With the door slightly ajar, you can see how well the mosaic colors coordinate with the palette in the house. Success!

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The second panel, and the gorgeous view of the river from the house. The wall of windows directly across from the entrance where the mosaics reside immerse you in the greenery of the lush woods along the river's edge. What an honor to be part of this beautiful retreat from the world.

Hand-forged Gifts

If you're looking for hand-forged gifty type items, you're in the right place! Whether for a sixth year iron anniversary gift, something unique for that craft beer lover in your life, or something special for yourself, we've got you covered.

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Our hand-forged bottle openers have been one of our standards for awhile now. This year we've added the option to personalize your opener with initials or a date.

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Kyle recently revived a favorite item from the early days of his smithing journey, the hand-forged letter opener. We introduced these this spring in time for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and graduation, and we're happy to say they've been a hit!

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We've been selling our bonfire pokers at craft shows for a few seasons, and recently added them to our Etsy shop. At approximately 40" long, they're longer than your standard indoor fire poker, and just perfect for your outdoor bonfire.

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Here's Kyle (on the left) and his assistant Kallen (right) forge welding the poker end of a recent batch of bonfire pokers.

In addition to our standard designs, we also create custom fire pokers with initials or a monogram in the handle in our all-metal Etsy shop, Lucia Metal Studios. At 24" for indoor use or 40" for outdoors, a personalized fire poker makes for a unique and useful gift.