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There is a new bistro opening up in a nearby town called c'est la vie bistro. French-inspired and globally influenced, there is a decided artsy ambience. After talking with the owner about her desire for upscale clipboards I reminded her about my metalworking. We began an email flurry.

With her heart set on solid metal clipboards, the blank sheet of metal for each one would have been around $100 not including any cutting, shaping, or labor. Those would be some expensive - and heavy - clipboards! I provided several alternatives. Copper-sheathed clipboards would be roughly 1/3 the price so I created two different samples.

I heavily modified existing clipboards. The clip portions were removed, sanded, painted gloss black with a clearcoat, and oven-baked to ensure a decent working life. They would be re-attached using shiny stainless steel implements that were also modified.

One large precisely cut copper sheet would cover each clipboard. Once veneered it would look like a super-sized envelope. Special adhesive keeps the copper affixed. It substantially increases rigidity compared to an undressed clipboard.

 
Speaking of cake, they have a dynamite dessert menu.
 
The patina was flame-induced, clearcoating mandatory as tarnishing would happen quickly in such a demanding environment. I expect the coating to flake or wear away after some time but is was laid on thick and oven-baked. Each one had a unique pattern.

What a fantastic complement of colors: small shiny silver implements contrasting with the gloss black clip against a backdrop of rainbow copper. Small touches like this really made the difference.

Some were purely accidental. The proof of concept had a badly oxidized clip too ugly for even such a lowly demand. A quick squirt of black paint took the sin out. To re-attach the clip, I used some machine screws because that is what I had.

Several people specifically commented on the color scheme of the clip ensemble. The beautiful copper background was icing on the cake. Speaking of cake, they have a dynamite dessert menu. I would have accepted payment in "dough."

If an idea of yours involves metal, send me an email. No promises but at least I can help you get closer.


Posted by M: March 2, 2016


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