The Process of a Piece

The art and the craft come together as the peice evolves from original concept to a tray that is both beatiful and functional. Scroll down to see more examples of specific designs and hear about the process in Arthur Armour's own words.

Inspiration

Arthur Armour drew his inspiration from a wide range of sources: American History, culture, the art deco movement, nature, and his faith. In this example, he was even inspired by the milk-man. This design was always referred to as "The Pioneer". Click on the milk bottle for a link to the Cample's Pioneer Dairy Historical Website or on the Die to hear Arthur talk about it...

Examples

World Map

The World Map tray

Map Inspiration

Animals around the globe

Planning Sketch

The final drawing is made on tracing paper so the reverse image can be transferred to the steel before cutting begins.

The carved, steel die. Although this photo is mirrored to show it as it appears on the tray. The Die is cut exactly opposite the way it appears on the tray including reversed lettering.

Details: tray handles and edges

Arthur Armour and the World Map design [Click here to watch]

The Finished Product

Other formats of finished products

Oak Tree

Dogwood

Original Geese

This is the tray that got Arthur started, but there were only about 50 of this version made.

The first design sketched by Arthur Armour

A block of steel carved on his parents back porch.

The Geese in Arthur Armour's own words...It was a great design, except for it didn't work for production. [Click here to watch]

The heart of the matter was the sale. Hear the story of how it all began.

Hammered Aluminum Design and Production

The process for any design is to start with inspiration and finish with your own unique creation. The gallery below samples Arthur's journey from inspiration to final product for several of his works.

Map - Inspiration

Inspiration comes from all sorts of lived experience. This map was in the September 1930 Ladies Home Journal. Another inspiration came from a horse and wagon on the local "Pioneer Dairy" milk bottle.

Oak Drawing Large.jpg

Oak Die Cutting

Custom chisles are used to carve the reverse design into a plate of steel

Repoussé'

Using a polished hammer, the aluminum is driven into the die to pick up the design.

Oak Imprint2.jpg

Shape

Each tray requires a basic shape, depending on final 3 dimensional product.

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Edging is often applied in the flat state in order to appy it in a consistant fashion. Many types of hammered edges were used over the years.

Coloring and Finish

Using a coal fired forge, coal tar was picked up out of just the right section of fire in order to get a finish that properly defined the unique outlines and hammer marks, bringing the finished piece to life.