Custom designs made by adapting existing cabinet pulls - a pragmatic alternative

In previous posts we have explained why creating one-off custom pieces is expensive as it requires a 3-dimensional pattern to be made and then a one- or two-part mold, all of which takes considerable time and expense.

However, don’t be too downhearted as there is a pragmatic alternative, that is if you like one of our collections and have a creative mind.

Our hardware collections reflect a theme and while each collection embodies the same style the pieces are not simply smaller and larger versions of one pattern, but artistic adaptations of the style honed to fit a particular function and scale. A good example of what I mean can be seen by comparing 3 willow cabinet pulls, while all were designed for cabinet doors and drawers and all have flowing leaves each of the pieces is different and distinct and reflects a holistic approach to design.

Sometimes we find ourselves thinking like the pizza chef who is called upon to add extra basil but hold the anchovy. Using my culinary analogy and realizing that taste is obviously subjective I was presented with the challenge of making the large willow cabinet pull but with fewer extraneous leaves and with a concentrated leaf arrangement akin to the smaller cabinet version. We were also asked to see if we could grow the willow sprig so that it could be used as an appliance pull with a span of 16”.

Below you can see how we cut and pasted a left and right willow sprig at the wax stage and how we then melded the sections together to create a longer piece. At this point a minimal amount of time and expense has been spent on creating a new piece and if approved we will use this new wax pattern to create a bronze casting. Since this will be an appliance pull, we do not expect the order to be for more than a few pieces and for each casting we will go through the same cutting and pasting process. If the order had been for many units then we would have created a new permanent pattern from which a mold would have been formed so that hundreds of subsequent waxes could be made.

By making a left and right willow sprig in wax we were able to fuse the 2 to create a hybrid piece.

Baroque carving a training ground for nature inspired door handles

The Willow collection of custom door handles in part owes its existence to Martin Pierce’s early training as a wood carver. On leaving school at 16 he served an apprenticeship as wood carver and finisher and spent countless hours carving acanthus leaves, oak leaves and acorns as decorations for reproduction baroque furniture. The training was invaluable in developing carving and drawing skills and for focusing his awareness on leaf styles and movement in nature.

As a free-lance wood carver, Martin was able to reflect nature in a less stylized manner and he began sculpting trees and leaves with more fluid lines. As an antique reproduction carver Martin’s work was limited by the formality of each period he was copying. As a hardware designer and pattern maker his work is now constrained by the practical needs imposed by door hardware. In this composite shot you can see how the same willow leaves have been sculpted to act as small tight easy to hold knob for door bolts and how the same leaves have been carved as a looser vortex of flowing leaves to make a large entry door knob whose purpose is largely decorative.

Swirling Vortex of Leaves Central to the Willow Collection

The pattern for the center of the Willow leaf vortex  was carved in basswood and then painted with a grey primer to conceal the grain and pores of the wood and too create a smooth surface for reproduction in wax (red image). The wax replica is made by creating a mold from the pattern and it is approximately 4% smaller than the pattern.

How Martin Pierce spends the final days of summer

Our beloved pitbull, Iris, certainly has the right idea!  Since Iris joined our family a few years ago she has become a very loving and affectionate dog and enjoys sharing tea in the music room with our guests and friends.  Lounging lazily in the den and soaking up the sun sounds inviting to me as well.

As the lazy days of summer begin to disappear we are busy working on several new projects that we look forward to sharing with you in the coming months.  In the meantime, here is a quick review of some of our custom hardware products that will remind you that fall is just around the corner.

How do you enjoy these last remaining days of summer?

To view our entire collection of custom architectural hardware please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Are the leaves falling where you live?

I know it is a bit early to be asking that question but can you believe that fall is less than one month away?  The air will be turning crisp, the days will get shorter and leaves will begin to turn color and fall to the ground; even here in Southern California. Nature has always provided inspiration for Martin's custom hardware designs and leaves are no exception.  Here are some of our hardware pieces that celebrate leaves of all types.

A sweet and simple pear leaf drawer pull adds interest to any piece of furniture or cabinetry.

Wine harvest occurs in late summer and early fall and you can almost hear the corks popping when you look at our beautiful vine pull from our Grapevine collection.  

You can almost feel the leaves rustling beneath your feet when you look at our oak and sycamore leaf pulls.

What is your favorite type of leaf and are the leaves falling where you live yet?

For more information on these new products, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com