Custom Metalwork
Clay and Steel is dedicated to the art and craft of blacksmithing.
Most metalwork is manufactured by welding mass produced shapes into usable forms. Blacksmithing is different. Blacksmithing uses fire and hammers to sculpt metal as if it were clay into individual shapes.
The result is distinctly handmade. We can create elegant, unique, and functional art crafted for your space.
The owner Celeste Flores is known for her organic metalwork in a variety of mediums and finishes. She also rents her shop to other students and teachers of the craft. Interested in commissioning a blacksmith? Read below
Commisions
Design of your custom metal art can range from simple to complex. We can create a whole undersea world for you, or an elegant and understated table.
For Celeste it is a collaboration between herself and the owner. She loves the boundaries of style, era, and space that are inevitable in a site specific project. Celeste can arrange the whole scope of the project from design to installation. She works with designers, architects, engineers and contractors as needed to ensure a quality result. Her rates begin at $80 per shop hour, plus the cost of materials, design and external labor.
She also loves makes small highly crafted handmade objects. The art of blacksmithing requires time and care. Celeste is dedicated to making high quality timeless objects.
A whole range of artist blacksmiths and welders utilize our shop. From new students to seasoned instructors, there are all levels of blacksmiths working within Clay and Steel.
Developing blacksmiths can help with a variety of requests, from novelty gifts to repairs. The rate for novice workers begins at $25/hour plus the cost of materials and overhead. If you have a smallish project that needs just that extra bit of artistry you can contact us. We’ll try to put you in touch with the right person for the job.
Clay and Steel LLC strives to make well-connected and quality recommendations, matching clients with skilled smiths who align with their project needs. However, we are not responsible for the quality or execution of commissions not completed directly through Clay and Steel.
Apprentices
Made by You
Skilled and creative homeowners are sometimes interested in the DIY route of metal design and fabrication. We can help you reach your goals.
The first step is to take some classes. You will need basic blacksmithing and welding skills. Classes begin at $150 per session. You can view or class offerings here.
After that you will likely need private instruction to design and plan your creation. After some consulting and personal instruction to get you started, it may be possible to rent time at the shop to complete your creation. You can read more about private classes here.
Please be aware that blacksmithing and welding are skills that often take many years to become proficient at. It is not possible for us to estimate the time for a individual might take for any project outside of the class offerings.
Materials
Many materials can be forged, or hammered into shape. If you want to delve deeply into my world, you can read a guide to metal options here.
Copper and bronze are two of my favorite options. They are durable, they don’t corrode and require very little upkeep. They are excellent choices of outdoor, kitchen and bathroom spaces.
Steel is the most affordable and common option. It can be easily hammered into beautiful shapes and welded in to solid functional structures.
There are many other options, including aluminum, stainless steel and nickel.
Metals can take a wide variety of patinas. Bronze can be colored the classic golden brown to the well known copper verdigris. It is also possible to bring out hues of dark violent, rich creams, charcoal brown and more.
For jobs that require a classic finish there are beautifully formulated options available on the market. For specialized products I can work with patina specialist who has expertise in finishing and coloring metals.
Steel has many variety of finishes available as well. I can create a natural patina, or we can choose to powder coat or paint.
Patinas
Shapes
Blacksmiths treat metal as if it were clay. They hammer the material into shapes while it is glowing hot. We can cut, bend, twist and taper metal.
Take a look at Celeste’s metal art to see the range of possibilities. Celeste is not taking basic railing or gate jobs at this time. However if you want a handrail that is a work of art, we can create that for you. You can view a full break down of our policies and procedures for commissioned artwork here.
