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-

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

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

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

Trophies Week

This week, we will be cutting, polishing, & assembling over 50 trophies---I'm a bit freaked out about it, but it will happen, of that I'm sure....

38 of these; complete with custom plaques, including the category & name of the winner; Thursday is the big day to clean, polish & assemble; hoping we have the plaques done by then.  If not, I might be bolting on plaques Friday night---the event is on Saturday!

Plus this custom trophy: commissioned by a copper mine in Nevada; I still need to fabricate a wood base for it & get the plaques completed & mounted....

And 8, similar to this that are being shipped to Japan....

Plus 3 custom designs that I have not drawn up yet; for a Harley rider, a golfer, & a tree... & a few others.

Holy cows; add that to over 100 degree temps for the week, plus other custom commissions & the WTC project, & family in town for the week=yikes! 

Good thing the chickens & Skwishy Cat are a big help, lol ;)

Seriously: I'm really grateful for the work; just hope I can deliver everything on schedule!

Tomorrow; downtown retail development site visit to discuss a custom public art piece, then floating the river---it's predicted 113 temps in the afternoon; which means my little shop will be a hot-box until later when it cools off.  Wednesday we are cutting pieces all day, Thursday assemble, clean & polish--hopefully in full.  If plaques are not done; Friday we will bolt them on to deliver to downtown Boise on Saturday for the Fusion Awards.   The other trophies: hopefully we will be able to ship out before then...

Cheers to a busy summer season!

Planning a break in August to camp, explore, & recharge :)

Happy Summer :)

-Amber-

new Postcards

New postcards on the way; whatcha think??

These are just for give-away at shows & the like; trying to be a bit more clear in all the stuffs we have to offer :) 

Looking forward to next week--it's going to be busy: WTC fabrication, possible tv interview, lots of design work on the table, & of course keeping track of the bird herd...  Tonight the other Canadian goose decided she was grown up & flew away; I was expecting it, but still sad; she was so sweet.  Might have to bring home another Pilgrim this week to keep the other company ;)

Alarm is set for 6; first on the agenda is a nice long walk/run; then juice for breakfast!  Then it's phone calls & out to the shop for some good cleaning, organizing, & laying out trophies.

Have a good week!

Amber

Carnevale 2013: a magical evening at the Idaho Botanical Garden

I almost can't believe it's come & gone again; year #3 was a huge success!  Thanks to everyone who came out to the Garden & took part in the fun :)

The pic above is one of the few I had a chance to get; it was the very end; the fire dancers under the moon as the stars were just beginning to twinkle.  The crane was for the aerial silk dancer & also used as a stage earlier in the evening; thanks so much to ICS for taking part again this year!

And here I am; complete with a giant set of wings & lots of feathers; I think with the heels & all, I was over 7 feet tall; should have joined the stilt walkers, lol :)  Corset & hat are from SubSpace: the rest, I created/cut/pinned/glued/stapled the night before...

This year, the line-up included the Red Light Variety Show, Professor Algernon, Belly Dancers (with a huge snake), Fashion Show by Bourgios Chic, & fire finale by Pele Rising.  

There was also a costume contest on the Red Carpet where guests got to show off their costume creations for a chance to take home one of the 3 grande-prize trophies that I designed & fabricated :)

our Best Top-Hat winner; she had an amazing costume & very creative angel/devil theme :)  Notice the trophy wings are miniatures of the ones I was wearing ; )

It was such a fun event; the costumes this year were over the top, & the performances were amazing; the Garden is such a magical place for events like this!

Even the kiddos got into dressing up this year!  Titus was a very close second to Best Top-Hat award :)

And doesn't Danielle look stunning?--she is a fellow artist who does amazingly dark & dramatic paintings & illustrations.

Another shot of my wings, hehehehe!

We don't have final numbers yet; but looks like over 600 this year :)  

 It was a huge success & lots of fun; thanks again to everyone who came to take part in the fun!

We are already making plans for next year; any suggestions; please feel free to email me at refinerii@yahoo.com

All proceeds from the event benefit the Idaho Botanical Garden; thanks again to everyone who came out :)

 

Special Thanks to:

ICS-Intermountain Crane Specialties

the Red Light Variety Show

Professor Algernon

Pele Rising

the Idaho Botanical Garden

 

Don't forget to like the FB Carnevale page for all the updates, latest pics, & more....  Hope to see you next year!

-Amber-

Carnevale Awards--Custom Metal Steampunk Trophies

They are cleaned, polished, & ready for Saturday :)

(wish I could say the same about myself)

Mixed metals & hardware; I think very fitting for a Steampunk ball :)  They will be awarded for Best Costume, Best Mask, & Best Top Hat: so come in your best for a chance to take one home.

Standing over 2 feet tall; these are pretty massive trophies :)

I'm getting really excited about the party--we have been working on new inventory all week, so I'll have some new creations available.

Carnevale gets underway at 5pm on Saturday--at the Idaho Botanical Garden.  Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.  Hope to see you there--this is going to be the biggest one yet!

Check out my Events tab for all the details....

See you Saturday!  I'll be wearing a top-hat with purple feathers: come say hi!

Amber