Custom Projects
Traditionally blacksmithed iron bears hammer blows of the maker and maybe a little blood, sweat and tears too. Wrought iron is handcrafted heirloom art and will be part of your legacy. Owner Mimi Riley has the professional experience to guide clients thru the process of articulating their aesthetic in order to collaborate on the design.
Start with a 20 minute no charge studio visit and discussion of your project. At that time you’re welcome to pick up steel samples in the shop, get a feel for the heft and beauty of wrought iron steel. Our meeting can include thumbnail sketches to flesh out your ideas. Words are inadequate when discussing art or aesthetics and there are many flavors any one base design can lead to. If you have sample photos of the type of metalwork that appeals to you this can be very helpful reference and a good starting point. This helps us get on the same page…so to speak. I prefer to design the work that I build, however I also work directly from a set of drawings or a photo. You may want to print a several examples – these can be out of a magazine/catalog/real life/ or a sketch you provide. I have a selection of metalwork design books for reference. Once we have met and I have a firm idea of the scope of your project I will put together pricing information then we can nail down project details. We are also able to communicate by photos and sketches via email and phone conversations.
I require a 50% deposit due upon booking into my fabrication schedule. Cash is preferred. Deadlines and due dates are understood to be flexible as each commission is unique and not part of a well timed production process. For those outside of the Seattle area crating and shipping are available. Any prices quoted are for custom metal work only. Installation/delivery and design are billed at $75/hour plus any materials. Feel free to contact me with any questions on how to proceed with your commission or the art I fabricate. I am excited to work on new projects, to expand my portfolio and skills.
P.S. Budgets can be stretched by providing sketches and precise measurements so that I don’t have to travel. If you are able to pick up & install the piece yourself this will be credited towards your budget.
If your project requires a template you might consider building and delivering it to my shop in Georgetown. Generally this applies to gates & railings and inset panels. Many clients provide me with a template to build from. I am happy to provide you with instructions to build a simple template with 1” X 2” wood and a screw gun.
I look forward to a handshake at the shop
Mimi Riley
Available for new work June 15