Trophies, Bouquets, Special Projects; what a week!

Just a quick update; as this is the 3rd night in a row I've been up till after 1 am, lol :)

I've been working on a super-secret special project that I'm really excited about: but I can't share just yet...lets just say it involves blue lights, metal (of course), some long hours, & some crazy creative ideas & collaborations.  All the details & pics next week ; )

For now; a look at the trophies we just shipped out; over 50 to a global development & real-estate company; this is the 2nd year they have had me make their awards for just one of the divisions of the company.

Love the way these came out; they are made from aluminum, the larger awards have a panel of rainbow colored steel; very pretty.  I like the simple, classy feel of these trophies.  I'm hoping they like them as much as I do ; )

Loving the contrast of the colored steel against the polished aluminum; the color is really vibrant in real life. 

More updates to come; can't wait to share pics of my super secret special project!

Amber

Comedy for a Cure Award

I was commissioned by Comedy 4a Cure to create a very special award for one of the top supporters of the event; we delivered the finished piece this afternoon & it was presented at the big event this evening : )

It's funny; the recipient of the award has actually talked to me about commisioning custom awards for his own company;  so I really hope he likes the design I came up with for his award :)

The main structural components were made from polished aluminum, with a layer of steel--treated with a rainbow effect, & then topped with custom engraved acrylic.  I am loving the final look; I could not be happier with the way the rainbow effect came out (it's a bit of a gamble; as it reacts with the metal however it wants...) 

The color came out beautifully, & I'm happy with the overall look of the award; I was nervous that the wings would over-power the whole award, but I think they came out just right

We have lots of trophies in the works; more on that later & lots of metal wedding bouquets to make this weekend.  OMG: so busy all of a sudden; it's great, but a bit stressful at the same time, lol. 

Looking forward to a new big machine in the shop; should speed up the trophy making & other projects as well!  So excited---the shop is in chaos right now; making room for it, but it will be worth it : )

Loving the fall weather; today I worked in the shop with both big doors open; the ducks came & visited, but I had to chase the chickens & geese out--they want to be inside & get in the way, lol :)

This is going to be working weekend; we have so many orders that I'm afraid we won't be able to keep up!  But that's a good problem, right?  That's what I keep hearing anyway, lol : ) 

Happy Autumn!

More updates to come; some big news!!

Amber 

Hacker Trophies

I was commissioned by MIT to come up with some trophies for a Hacker Tournament taking place in October....very cool : )

The theme for the tournament was "grungy industrial" & this is what we came up with :)   The base of the trophies is based on the glider emblem; with the circles cut from different layers of metal; depending on the award; the 1st place being the most intricate, 2nd a bit simpler, etc....

We used the tournament logo on the plaques & incorporated the colors of the logo in the colored window; it's actually a piece of  polished aluminum with transparent auto paint layered over to mimic the gradient color in the MIT Hack logo.  Love the contrast against the rusty steel!

 I hope they like them as much as I do!

Loving the color contrast with the blue/green :)

-Amber-

 

Custom Metal Trophies: lots of orders!

Wow!  I have had a lot of orders come in for custom trophies the last couple weeks.  We just finished up "round one" & have lots more to go--not complaining; trophies are a lot of fun & each project is unique; I love being able to create something spectacular for special events.

This set of three was shipped out today; going all the way to Nantucket Island!  Made from steel, copper, & aluminum; we did a wave pattern on top with a rainbow finish to the metal, along with the custom engraved copper plaques.  Love how these came out :)

 Also shipped out this week; custom motorcycle awards : )  We did a stylized sprocket design with custom engraved acrylic plaques.  The 2 larger trophies got a base made out of recycled pieces & parts, including gears, bearings, pistons, & more.... I think these are really cool: they will be presented next week to the top rider/motorcycle/motorcycle design of the year; I hope they like them!

On the list for the next few weeks; Strongman/Women awards going to Peru, a big order for a commercial development company,  possibly some robot trophies, & a horror film festival.

Plus, Comedy for a Cure; here is Boise.  I can't give details yet, but will be making something really special!

To see more of my custom trophy designs, visit my Etsy shop at:

Etsy/Refinerii

And please follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn to see project photos, chicken updates, & more : )

-Amber-

Wedding Photo Shoot; Metal Bouquet & Centerpiece by Refinerii

I recently received a custom request on my Etsy shop for a 2 foot tall wedding bouquet...  At first, I was thinking: 'this must be for a drag queen or something like that--(awesome!)  Come to find out; still awesome; it was for a photo shoot & they wanted a bouquet-like piece for a table centerpiece...

I just got some of the pics & wanted to share : )  I made the metal centerpiece & the bridal bouquet; just the metal frame; if this was my project: I would have added tons more bling; but that's just me.  I still think both pieces look great in the photos : )

The centerpiece was about 22 inches tall; I had to make a base twice as big as I normally make for bouquets, lol---but I think it really looks nice : )

The bridal bouquet looks  lovely; a nice alternative to flowers, while still remaining feminine, elegant, & sophisticated : )

I think I'm going to have to add the centerpiece option to my Etsy shop; what a nice way to tie everything together :)

-Amber-

Curb A'Faire Trophy-done & delivered!

Finished up the trophy & delivered it just in time for the festival today :)

Complete with rhinestones, feathers, & custom graphic; I think this one turned out really well--definitely a bit different than trophies I have been making, lol, but I had a lot of fun with it.  I really enjoyed adding in some more whimsical elements to the design.

 I even did the graphic design work: I think it came out pretty nice : ) Actually getting the sticker onto the trophy was a challenge, but we made it work ; )

 From the base to the top; there is an old wheel, the top of an aluminum bottle, bronze faucet thingy, part of a chicken feeder decorated with keys, a silver bowl, & an aluminum gear-ish cup thing.  Copper pipe & hardware for the handles, & of course the feathers :)  

-Amber-

 

Hyde Park Curb A'Faire Trophy in Progress---chicken approved

This is what happens when I have the shop door open...there is also a cat in the corner, lol

Anyway; working on the trophy for this weekend's Hyde Park Curb A'Faire event; the first annual: taking place in conjunction with the long-running Hyde Park Street Fair.  The Curb A'Faire will be a showcase of performing arts & will include a chalk art contents on Sunday.

I'm really having fun with this one; going very whimsical & using all kinds of "junky treasures" in the design.  And I'm not even close to being finished: there will be colorful graphics, sparkle, feathers, & more; hopefully capturing the spirit of eclectic whimsy that is the Hyde Park Street Fair.

Chicken-Bird certainly approves, so I must be on the right track ; )

I'll be delivering the finished piece Friday or Saturday; stay tuned for the finished pics!

-Amber-

World Trade Center Project makes the local news :)

 I was interviewed this afternoon for the 6:00 news here in Boise.  I met a lovely reporter at World Trade Center Sculpture Plaza at Riverside Park & did a short interview about the project.  The story aired at 6, & might air again at 10.   Here is a link to the video:

World Trade Center beam transforms to art in Boise - www.kivitv.com

And this is what they had to say on the website :)

World Trade Center beam transforms to art in Boise

By Karen Lehr

A beam left behind in the wreckage at the World Trade Center now calls Boise home.

Boise artist Amber Conger worked with a whole team for almost two years, to transform the damaged metal rod into a new sculpture in Riverside Park.

Just this week the finished sculpture, weighing nearly 4,000 pounds, was mounted in Riverside Park to honor those who lost their lives on September 11, nearly 12 years ago.

“It was scary, it was very scary, not knowing, you know, watching it all happen and not knowing what’s going to happen next, and where any of your people that you know are,” Amber Conger said.

We all remember where we were on that day in 2001, especially Conger.

“At the time I was a flight attendant actually,” Conger said. “And I was in Seattle getting ready to go to the airport and go to work, and I was watching the news and saw it all happen.”

Amber was honored to get involved with the project to give new life to the partial beam shipped to Boise from New York City.

“It’s just surreal to know what it is,” she said. “That’s really why I wanted to get involved in this project. It does hit home for me and I’m an artist and I feel like this type of project ,this is really what it’s all about.”

The beam itself remains in its original condition-exactly how it came from New York City- but metal rings now frame it, inspired by ripples in a pond.

The sculpture was mounted in Riverside Park alongside the pre-existing fallen firefighter memorial.

“That’s definitely the best part of the project when we were down here last week with the cranes and seeing it go into place,” Conger said. “It makes it all worth it, definitely, and I’m really happy that we got it done and in place in time for 9/11 this year.”

When the memorial is finished, names of the 343 first responders who lost their lives on 9/11 will be etched into a steel wall along one of the curved walkways in front of the sculpture; a way to remember those who risked their lives to save others.

On Wednesday a small ceremony will unveil the new artwork, and plants and final touches to the monument will be added in the coming weeks.

Pretty cool : )  There will be a dedication on September 11th; I'll post details as I have them; anyone is welcome to come.  For more information on the sculpture, dedication, and the project; please email me at refinerii@yahoo.com or contact me on my FB page.

-Amber-

Boise World Trade Center Memorial--Sculpture Install

In between rainstorms today, we installed the finished sculpture at Riverside Park.

Thanks so much to everyone who came out to help; including ICS Cranes, Blake Trailers & Fabrication, Lochsa Engineering, Jensen-Belts Associates, & many more.

The install went very well; no real issues: we had to re-adjust the mounting bracket for level a few times, but other than that, everything went smooth.  It helps that we have all worked together on projects like this before: this project in particular is really special. 

Everyone out there today has earned my trust & respect:  &  I knew that the sculpture was in good hands; I really was not even nervous for this install: which is a first for me, lol :)

It's always a bit surreal to see the finished piece go into place, but especially so for this one: to have the opportunity to make something out a such an important piece of history is overwhelming--& I'm very grateful to have been part of the project.

There are a few more details to finish up, but you can see the finished piece anytime at Riverside Park in Boise.  There will be a dedication on 9/11 in the afternoon--will update details as I have them.

 I'm really happy with how this project turned out; really curious to hear some of the feedback--hoping everyone likes it as much as I do : )  

-Amber-

Hyde Park Curb Affair Trophy in Progress...

This trophy was commissioned for a new event in Boise; the Hyde Park Curb Affair---a showcase of performance & chalk art; happening in conjunction with the Hyde Park Street Fair.

Keep in mind, the photos are just sneeky-peeks: there is a lot more fun stuffs to add, this is just the beginning.

For this trophy; I wanted to go completely different; with lots of antiques & artifacts--so far I have galvanized tin, bronze, aluminum, copper, stainless, steel, silver & brass... To be honest; this one has been challenging already, & I still have a long way to go...  Joining together all these different elements is crazy; I have had to redo things 3 times already to make it work; some welding, nuts, bolts, rivets, drilling, polishing, scratching my head is dismay, etc... lol

But, I know it will all come together eventually---I have plans for adding some wings, crystals, full color graphics & more: the thing is already over 2 feet tall & probably will grow over the next week :)

These organic/assemblage pieces are interesting; to say the least...  the amount of tools I have had to dig out just to get it this far is amazing, lol... as you can see--my work table is full of stuff---lots of hunting for just the right piece to make it a bit taller, add a color, etc.  

 These sort of pieces really are an experiment: I have had to take the thing apart & put it back together to get it right so many times, lol.  Re-welding, re-bolting, re-drilling; because it didn't go together quite right: but it's all part of the process--I'm happy with where it is right now: tomorrow I will begin experimenting again :)

I wonder what it will really look like when it's done?  We shall see...

Amber

New Duckies on the Farm

omg, a few weeks ago I saw a Craigslist add for Swedish Black ducks; somehow, they 

ended up in a pet carrier in the back seat of my truck, lol :)

I seriously could not resist taking them home...

 they really are the cutest things, ever!!  Quwaking & wagging their little tail feathers--way

better than anti-depressants, lol---you cannot watch them out in the yard for more than 5 minutes & be smiling: they are such happy little duckies!

For the most part, they get along quite well with everyone else--although the geese are big meany-heads... they so love to chase the ducks & throw their weight around.... Little do they know: they will be off to "freezer camp" soon.: if they weren't such bullies--I would love to keep them around: but  they insist on being mean: they chase the chickens & ducks away from the foods; just for for the fun of it; they don't actually  eat it...big meany heads..lol

 Everyone  else seems to co-exist quite nicely...

Except for the fact they we have 6 roosters at the moment.  Even though they are little, their crowing contests in the morning are getting a bit old.  The herd will be thinned next week, though when 4 of the little noise-makers join the geese in freezer-camp.

In other bird news: Grey Chicken keeps insisting on beeing broody: besides the fact that we don't need any more little chickens at the moment, it's been so hot that I worry about her sitting in the coop all day....  So, she got dunked in the pool: I have found that cooling them off will usually break the broody cycle. We'll see.

Yes, it's quite the little bird farm around here :)  

I've got some projects to do; nesting boxes for the duckies, improvements to the chicken house, etc.

And working on some designs for chicken/duck/farm garden stakes & signs; soon to be available on my Etsy shop.

 -Amber-

 

Hyde Park Curb A'Faire-Boise's Newest Street Performance Event!

I'm going to be creating the Grande Prize Trophy for Boise's newest street performance event: the Hyde Park Curb A'Faire & I'm so excited!  

We have a shopping trip planned for tomorrow to hunt for treasures to create something amazing for this---Pacific Recycling, the Reuseum, Idaho Power Salvage, & a few other secret location... ; )

Not sure yet what it's going to look like, but I'm really looking forward to creating something whimsical with a bit of a steampunk influence....  We shall see.... I'll update on progress.

If you are a performer interested in this event; contact me for the application---email me at refinerii@yahoo.com & I might even be able to get the fee waived for you ; )  

This is going to be a fun new event for Boise, & I'm really excited to be involved---check out the FB event page at: Hyde Park Curb A'Faire for all the details.  

Hope to see you there!

-Amber-

Boise's World Trade Center Memorial-Progress Update

The sculpture is finished up & ready for installation at Riverside Park next week sometime.  After over a year of planning & talking & thinking--it's finally done!

Pictured here are myself (looking fat--nice pose, lol) & Montry Smith: owner of Blake Trailers & Fabrication; where the pieces was built.  We had a little unveiling today for press & those involved in the project: thanks to everyone who came out to see it :)

We got pretty close to the original design: I'm very happy with the overall look of the piece.  Looking forward to seeing it in place: the courtyard is ready & waiting for the final pieces; including the sculpture & the wall of names.     The finished project will be dedicated on September 11th: I'll be posting more info on times & details as I have them.

The sculpture will be on display all this week in front of Blake Trailers in Star--you will see it as you drive by.  Anyone is welcome to stop in for photos & you can see the vision board in the office.

Working on this project has been surreal from the beginning: & I'm so honored to have been able bring my vision for the beam into reality.  Everyone who has worked on this project has been so generous with time, money, etc--I think we all felt the same: privileged to be a small part of such an important moment in history; & hoping that we have created something serene that pays tribute to all those who were lost.

Amber 

Trophies, Bouquets, Duckies, Installs, & Summer Madness!

Wow! Things have been busy the last few weeks!  I've made trophies, wedding centerpieces, wedding bouquets, worked on public art, proposals, & installed a fountain!  Plus, we somehow ended up taking in 5 adorable little duckies that have been nothing but distracting, lol :)

 

 

Starting with; the fountain--that has kept me busy for weeks!  Commissioned by the Idaho Botanical Garden last fall: this piece took 3 tries to get right (more on that later) It is finally in place & looks beautiful, just like we planned; I'm very happy with the overall look of it; even if it didn't go smooth the first (or second) time, lol ; )

In addition to 8 trophies that shipped to Japan last week, & the 12 that will go to South Carolina on Monday, I finished up this one for a copper mine in Nevada & sent it out.  It stands 22 inches tall; made from steel, aluminum, & copper, with a wood base--one of my best yet :)   This is a perpetual trophy; winners names will be added to the base year after year.  I hope they like it as much as I do ;)

And the new duckies!  OMG: so cute!  I found an add on Craigslist saying that a family had rescued these 5 ducks as babies, but no longer had the room for them: they were very concerned that they go to a good home with lots of room, & I was very happy to take them :)  They are young Sweedish Black ducks, as far as I can guess-4 hens & 1 drake. And so sweet & cute & happy!  I have missed having ducks around the place, & when I saw the add I couldn't resist ; )  I'll post more pics later...

And, the latest crazy alternative wedding bouquet; instead of pearls & flowers she wanted nuts, bolts, & hardware....love it!  One of my favs.   Also this week; shipped one out that will be walking down the aisle at Burning Man, another to Spain, & a whole bunch of tree centerpieces for a wedding in Canada.

Whew!  It's been quite the week!  I was so happy to sleep in a bit today & get caught up: still a few bouquets to make tomorrow & an order of trophies; thankful for the weekend & no one calling ; )

Updates coming; next week is Boise World Trade Center Memorial Week--it will be done & installed: one way or another :)  

Amber

Little Roosters

Anybody out there need some little roosters to add to their flock???  I have 4 available; all black--2 fancy frizzles, & 2 regular--all bantams: little crows (more like sqwaks at the moment, lol)

In the pic; the black ones with the fat combs are the roos...  One of the frizzles has really pretty gold tips on his feathers: so cute!

They were all hatched this spring & are just starting to crow (squeak).  So funny to hear them try to crow like the older rooster; they try but so far, not even close, lol: their little voices are changing & all they can manage is a squeaky sqwak; hillarious!  

 Bantams are 1/2 (or less) the size of normal chickens---I had a mixed flock earlier this spring, but decided to go with all bantams & I'm so happy with the decision :)  They are much less destructive in the garden (my chickens free range all day), they don't wander near as far, & the rooster is not nearly as loud.

My full grown roo is the goldy-red one in the center of the pic above: I never had roosters until this year.  The full-sized roo we had was gorgeous, but huge!  He could dig up any plant in my little garden & was so loud when he crowed: also led the hens way too far on daily walkabouts.  When he started getting aggressive, we decided to let him go.  He & his harem of 4 full sized hens went to live with a lady that also lets her chickens free range: I'm sure they are happy there :)

If you let your chickens free range & have the space, I would totally recommend trying a roo in the mix; they watch for predators & will protect the flock, give the hens the best treats, & their crazy antics are a crack-up :)  Plus: you will have a self sustaining flock; the broody hens will sit on the eggs & hatch out cute little fuzz-balls each year!  We got 11 this spring; & will keep the hens & hopefully re-home 4 of the 5 roos :)  

The bantam sized roosters think they are 10 feet tall, but aren't nearly as intimidating as a full sized rooster.  At only about 6-8 inches tall, their presence is not much of a threat.  Although, my little gold roo does chase my cats, lol

 So: if you want to take home a pocket-rooster, let me know; I would let them go to a good home for free.  I might even be willing to sell a few of the young hens too; email me if interested :)  The small eggs are so cute!  The most charming deviled eggs ever....

Amber

I AM FUSION Awards

This is the 2nd year I have created the I AM FUSION Awards for Boise's Fusion Magazine.

Boise's only red-carpet celebration of local talent & business: & I am honored to be able to create the trophies that are presented to the winners :)

 The big event was tonight at the Egyptian Theater: I was not able to attend this year due to other commitments, but from the buzz on Facebook, it sounds like it was a great success again :)

36 trophies were delivered this afternoon for the event; & I must say: I really like the design this year; polished aluminum for lots of sparkle, steel, & copper: simple & elegant...

Thanks so much to Rogue Graphics for the help, along with Blake Trailers & Idaho Custom IronWorks--could not have done this without you :)  

Even though I already know who won, it's fun to see the winner's comments coming in on Facebook.

Congrats to everyone who was nominated & to the winners---I'm jealous, lol: wish I could keep one of my trophies ; )   Maybe someday, lol; but seriously; love being a part of this event!  I hope everyone likes the trophy design---this is one of my favs of all-time :)

Amber

Steampunk Wedding Bouquet-show & tell

Just wanted to share the latest custom wedding bouquet--a steampunk bouquet with little gears, crystals, & pearls :)

Too much fun!

 The little gears came out of old-style power meters; I have used them before for jewelry, but this is the first time I''ve put them on a bouquet: love the look!

Accented with copper, white & cream pearls, & crystals in champagne & clear for lots of sparkle--I can't wait to see the wedding pics.  Also making a matching pomander for the flower girl :)

Amber