Monday, November 30, 2009

Drawer Handles



I have 2 options at the moment, wood or handmade iron.

Finishes for Iron

As of now, I have 3 types of patina finishes for the iron. All are sealed with a matte clear coat.

Rust Patina - Natural rust

Natural Patina - This is how the steel comes from the mill

Acid wash patina - Treated with acid

Black Patina - Coming soon, additional cost around $50

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Optional drawer

I decided to add an optional drawer for my pieces. It's handmade including the handle. I figured it would be nice to have a small hidden drawer for the clutter coffee tables collect like remote controls. My thought was to recess it a couple inches or more so it's not really seen unless you look at the table at an angle or under it. Dimensions are 10.5" wide x 12" deep x 1.5" tall, although since it hangs down 1/2" it will fit something almost 2" tall. This drawer is unfinished and not attached to the table, just sitting on a stack of CDs. Also, this could go under the bottom shelf to be even more hidden, and/or you could have multiple drawers. As always, custom sizes are available. Priced at $95 each installed on your table with a matching finish.

Here you can just see part of the handle.


If you want, the drawer could be flush mounted like this.

Drawer pulled out to expose the seldom used remotes.



Drawer removed to see the size against a 20" deep coffee table.


Or on a side table. This drawer is too wide for this table so a smaller one would fit. I think it looks great on this piece so I'd recommend flush mounting it.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Vintage Industrial Side / End Table










Inspired from the French industrial era (circa 1940s), this table is constructed entirely of iron and is riveted together for a rugged industrial / retro look. It looks vintage but not beat up. The top measures 20" x 18" and it is 26" tall making it ideal to use as a side table or an accent table. Priced at $275, contact Greg at 602-330-1234 for more information.




Wednesday, November 18, 2009

French Industrial Era Coffee Table / Cart


After making the previous French industrial era inspired table, I decided to make a smaller version without the drawers. It's more at home in tighter living spaces like apartments and lofts. The frame is made of iron and the wood planks are aged to a nice gray and light brown patina. The caster wheels make it easy to move around rooms and also lock. Dimensions are 38" x 20" x 18" tall. Price $345, call Greg at 602-330-1234.






Saturday, November 14, 2009

French Industrial Era Coffee Table



Just finished this French industrial era inspired coffee table with caster wheels. Dimensions are 48" x 24" x 18" tall and it has 2 generous size drawers as well as locking casters to keep it in place. With two shelves and two drawers, it offers a lot of storage space for it's size. Asking $545 for this unique piece.  Here is the same table, but in a smaller size: Link







Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Industrial Vintage Furniture Designs That Inspire Me

Here is a slideshow of 100+ industrial/vintage furniture designs that I found across the internet. I use these for inspiration on my own projects. If you like a particular design, just let me know...

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Ordering, Shipping, Custom Work

Ordering/More Info:
I accept Paypal, checks, and money orders. You can call me to place an order (602) 330-1234, or email me --> greg@retro.net


Custom Work:
I am more that happy to do custom work for clients, interior decorators, retail shops, etc. This includes custom sizes, wood and iron finishes/colors, materials, add casters or remove them, come up with new designs, and more.  I have a picture list of vintage industrial furniture that I keep to inspire me and allow clients to browse for design ideas and you can see it here --> Industrial Furniture That Inspires Me. Since each piece is made by hand, they will have a unique look and vary to some degree from piece to piece. Lead times vary from 2 days to 2 weeks depending on the design.

Shipping:
I can ship too. Prices depend in the item and how it's shipped. There are some economical ways to ship too like Greyhound Package Express. All items will be packaged with care and insured.


Bulk Ordering:
Bulk orders may receive discounts (ie. you need 3 or more of the same design). Order 10 tables and I can get the price down even more. If my cost goes down, then so does yours.


Returns/Terms:
In stock items are returnable within 7 days from the date received for a full refund (minus shipping) as long as it is in new condition. Please call me if there are any problems. Client is responsible for return shipping charges if applicable. I want each client to be happy with their purchase and I understand that the piece may not fit your home once you get it there. Custom orders are non-returnable. Each piece is guaranteed to be free from defects for 60 days. If the item needs repair after the 60 day period (ie. you dropped it down the stairs), I can probably fix it for a modest charge if it is delivered back to me at your expense.

Century old Barn Wood Vintage Farmhouse Console Table


"36,000 Sunrises"
Unique console table for sale. Vintage farmhouse inspired design with reclaimed wood, salvaged from an old barn near Mormon Lake outside of Flagstaff built in 1906. The wood faced to the east and has seen over 36,000 sunrises. It also has some of the original iron nails in it. The iron work looks aged to match and is detailed with old style rivet construction. It is heavy and very solid. The top measures 44" x 18" and it is 30" tall. This is a one of a kind table with really beautiful wood and iron work. Asking $395, please call Greg at 602-330-1234 for more information. I will have more similar tables for sale soon so contact me if you are interested. Thanks for looking!





About Me and My Designs

My Story:
Recently my wife said she needed a table for the 2 chairs she got for her birthday. Sitting at a desk all day, I missed working with my hands, so I got to work. My wife liked what I made (she has impeccable taste), but I knew I could improve on it. So I made another table for our backyard. Then after visiting several shabby chic furniture stores, and 100s of similar vintage websites, I came up with some designs that I really love. Each piece I've made is an improvement on the last design.

My Style:
I prefer designs with an industrial flair. Especially the mid-century French industrial era. My wife calls it industrial cottage. It may look like a vintage piece from Maine or Europe. I do love the east coast look which you don't see much here in Phoenix. My style is evolving with each piece I make.

The Furniture:
I craft every furniture piece by hand and each is unique.  Some of the pieces use reclaimed barn wood or metal, and others are distressed. One of my pet peeves is distressed furniture that was done poorly. So I go through a lot of effort to make my work look vintage (not old and beat up), yet keep it functional and eye catching. And it's built to last and remain in style. As it ages and wears, it looks better.  All metal and wood is sealed unless otherwise noted.  The iron (new and recycled) was purchased at a local salvage yard here in Phoenix and all of the lumber is locally bought. Even the 100 year old barn wood is from this state.

Why Am I Doing This?:
Well I love what I do. I put my blood, sweat and tears into my work (well I haven't cried yet at work but it'll probably happen sometime soon). Working with iron is awesome. Maybe it's a primal thing, but shaping metal with a hammer, heat and fire makes my day.  I tell my wife all the time that during a good day, something catches on fire. Sometimes it's me, but that's part of the excitement. I probably should stop wearing flip flops while welding and wear my boots. I also get to play around with various chemical reactions for the metal and wood finishes.  Maybe I sound like a kid at play, that's how it feels to me. I was always fascinated with the old time blacksmiths when I was younger.

Vintage Barn Wood and Iron End Table



Unique custom side table for sale. Vintage farmhouse inspired design with reclaimed wood, salvaged from a century old barn in Chino Valley (circa 1892-1907). The iron looks aged to match and is detailed with old style rivet construction. It is heavy for it's size and very solid. The top measures 15.5" x 26" and it is 24.5" tall. This is a one of a kind table with really beautiful wood and iron work. Asking $350 (SOLD BUT TAKING ORDERS), please call Greg at 602-330-1234 for more information.


Century Old Red Barn Door

Unique Red Barn Door with iron work and a leather strap. Just over 6' tall and 3' wide and it weighs around 100lbs. It's from Wickenburg, AZ circa 1907. It was basically a small shed that, over the years, turned into a small horse barn and lean to. The owner said that the last red paint job was done in 1957. It was taken down in March of 2008. This antique would make a great conversation piece alone, or could be made into some furniture like a dining table.

Asking $650, call Greg at 602-330-1234 for more info.




Industrial Metal Coffee Table




Just finished this indoor/outdoor coffee table. It has an industrial vintage asthetic to it and measures 49"H x 28"W x 17"T. It's a one of a kind and constructed of heavy gauge steel weighing approximately 50lbs. The finish on the steel is raw with a brushed, almost chrome look. It's ready for paint, clear coat, or chroming, but I personally like the raw steel look. I will be creating more tables and chairs in this style so check back with me if you are interested.

Price $465, please call Greg at 602-330-1234


Handmade Wood Picket Fencing - Post and Rail



After looking at all the plastic picket fencing that was available for my yard, I decided to make my own. With all the feedback I've gotten from my neighbors, I decided to start making these for other people. It's designed to last a lifetime and is handmade out of high quality douglas fir. The posts are 6" x 6" and the rails are 4" x 4". The post tops are beveled and the rails sit in notches that I chisel out by hand. These can be stained or painted. I went with a natural stain to show the nice wood grain. The pictures shown are after a year of weathering and it still looks great.

The Home Depot and Lowes plastic fencing looks ok, but up close it looks like plastic. And after a while in the sun, it starts to fade and crack. And if you touch it, well you know it's cheap plastic. The post and rail fencing that I make is solid, not temporary junk. All my neighbors are commenting how much they like my fence. You can stop by and take a look at my fencing too before you buy.

Sample Price:
46 feet of fencing would cost $1000. That includes 8 posts and 14 rails, ready to be installed. Free estimates via email or over the phone. I just measure how much fencing you need. It's roughly $21 per foot. I can give discounts for large orders.

Installation is not available since I am not a licensed contractor. You can do it yourself, or hire a contractor. Posts are 4' long and you need to dig a 12" deep hole and set it concrete for a secure fit. So the posts sit 3' high. Rail width is recommended at 6', but can be made in other sizes. Delivery time is typically 1-2 weeks. Email me through craigslist or call Greg at 602-330-1234 for more info. Thanks for looking...



Barns and Barn Wood

The first shipment of barn wood I received came from 3 barns in Arizona. They all have an interesting story so take a look below for some history:




The red barn wood is from Wickenburg, AZ circa 1907, it was basically a small shed that, over the years, turned into a small horse barn and lean too. The owner said that the last red paint job was done in 1957. It was taken down in March of 2008.




The second barn is from Chino Valley, AZ. circa 1897, it was on a homestead property that had been sold to a mobile home dealer. We did not get to talk to the original owners, but through word of mouth we found out that it was first homesteaded to the Smith family somewhere around the mid 1800's. When it was tore down (Oct. 2007) we figured the barn to be 110 years old.




The third barn which was called 36,000 Sunrises, had gray and/or black and brown with orange and gold tints to the wood. This barn came from another homestead situated on Mormon Lake just outside of Flagstaff, AZ. It was was built in 1906 and was tore down in November of 2007.

Contact Me

If you are interested in buying something for sale, or some custom work, give me a call at 602-330-1234. -Greg

Iron Garden Trellis



Constructed of rebar, this makes a great trellis for a creeping vine or ivy like Arabian Jasmine. It can be left raw to rust in the elements or painted. Various criss-cross patterns can be made to support the vines. The one pictured is using baling or farm wire at measures 8' wide x 6' tall. And it's easy to install in the ground. Prices vary from $200 on up.



Slideshow of all of my work

This is a slideshow of all of my work.