A new adventure awaits Martin Pierce Hardware

UBM launches "PORTA", a boutique for the finest door                                       hardware, the first of its kind in the Middle East." Thus begins a new chapter for Martin Pierce Custom Hardware.  We are thrilled and proud to be associated with Universal Building materials (UBM) and their CEO, Raghunath, as they open their new store in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia.  According to their press release, "Universal Building Materials has established itself as a pioneer in the construction materials  business of the KSA for more than three decades."

We will be joined by other luxury hardware brands as UBM delivers "door jewelry" to the discriminating designers and architects in the area.  The display areas will provide a real see and touch experience to assist clients in making their buying decisions as you can see by these photos of not only our display but others as well.  We were able to be involved in the display decisions so that our products are shown to their very best advantage.

martin pierce saudi arabia willow display

martin pierce saudi arabia display for others

martin pierce saudi arabia large display

If you would like to join us on this new adventure, view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Five easy ways to Have yourself a quiet little Christmas...

candlelight The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is in full swing.  Television and magazine ads are shouting at us to fill our days and evenings with shopping, wrapping and entertaining along with various other events in order to create a memorable holiday experience.  But many of us enjoy taking this time to spend quiet evenings at home with a loved one, or just a good book, a roaring fire and a wonderful glass of your favorite wine.  Here are five easy ways to celebrate a quiet yet still meaningful holiday:

  • Try a new recipe.  There is no rule that says you have to eat the same holiday foods year after year.  Find a  new recipe that incorporates all your favorite ingredients in a new and innovative way.
  • Set a beautiful table. This time of year we are inundated with pictures of large gatherings around a family table covered with mountains of food.  But if you find that your party consists of just the two of you and/or another couple or just you by yourself, celebrate the specialness of the day with a beautiful table setting.  Pull out the "good" china and crystal or purchase a set of holiday tableware that can become a new tradition.
  • Turn off the television.  Take a trip to your local bookstore and pick up a copy of that new novel you have been dying to read.  Do you have home remodeling plans for next year?  Pick up a book on decorating ideas or a DIY manual and take advantage of the downtime to really peruse the book for some helpful ideas.  Dying to see the new "Anna Karenina" movie?  Maybe now is the time to read the book first.  Or pull out an old favorite and re-discover why it became a favorite.  Better yet, find a copy of one of your favorite books from your younger years and travel back in time...
  • Volunteer.  Many of us already give of our time throughout the year but, with some extra time on our hands during the holiday season, try something new by offering your services to an organization.  The USO is always looking for volunteers to help serve our military men and women;  local animal shelters always need dog walkers or even someone to pick up you know what and senior centers love to have volunteers  sit and visit with their residents; our older citizens have wonderful holiday stories that just may renew your faith in the season.
  • Entertain.  Entertaining is one of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday season and is still possible even if you are seeking a quiet little Christmas.  In place of that large cocktail party you host every year, invite a few special friends over to try a new signature cocktail and some wonderful appetizers.  How about a good old-fashioned game night with your favorite couple?  Start the evening off with an easy to prepare soup and cornbread meal and end with simple chocolate chip cookies and coffee.  You will still reap the benefits of spending time with your favorite people but avoid the stress and work of a large party.

 However you plan on spending your holidays, we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas!

If you would like to view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Travel to Saudi Arabia with us in 2013

Ergo collection that appears on Universal Building Materials webpage Well, we aren't exactly traveling to Saudi Arabia but we are very excited to announce that Martin Pierce Hardware will be showcased by Universal Building Materials stores in Riyadh Saudi Arabia beginning in 2013.  They will be opening their first PORTA outlet and will feature many of our bespoke hardware pieces for their high end residential clients.  Universal  Building Materials is an established and respected supplier of building materials and has had a presence in the area for over thirty years and we are very pleased to be working with them.

This international exposure comes on the tails of our experience in Singapore with the W Hotel that we featured in this post.  We truly are becoming world travellers!

If you would like to view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

The future looks bright for Martin Pierce Hardware

It is hard to believe that 2012 is coming to an end.  We have certainly had an exciting and fulfilling year here at Martin Pierce Hardware but are really looking forward to what's in store for 2013. Here is just a snippet of what we expect to experience in the next twelve months:

  • We will journey once again to Las Vegas in May of 2013 to exhibit at the HD Expo.  This will be our third year exhibiting and we look forward to seeing old friends and making new friends.
  • We will be debuting several new pieces some of which will be making their first appearance at the HD Expo.  All I can tell you is that it will be worth the wait for these new hardware designs.  Hospitality and residential designers will all be pleased!
  • Bespoke products are always fun and challenging and we have plans to create these wonderful pieces for some of our favorite designers and their clients.  Here's a teaser:

martin pierce iguana door pull for debbie zylstra client hawaii

Martin's drawing for a custom drawer pull in the shape of an iguana.  Magnificent!

That is just a bit of what we are looking for in 2013.  What design and business plans are in store for you?

To view our complete  line of hardware and sign up to receive the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Pantone surprises everyone with 2013 color of the year choice

design pantone emerald green Color experts from Pantone surprised everyone when they announced the color of the year for 2013 was a rich emerald green.  Everyone expected and, in fact, reported as we did here, that the color of the year would be Monaco Blue.  Perhaps they just wanted to be different from everyone else from Sherwin Williams to Pittsburgh Paints to the world-renowned Color Marketing Group who all chose varying shades of blue as the color to watch for next year

Green is a popular choice as it will satisfy those who are interested in the environment and enjoy eco-friendly living, particularly those involved in designing public spaces such as nursing homes, retirement communities, spas and boutiques.  According to the voices at Pantone, emerald green "..enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

This rich shade of green is also a very versatile color.  Brass accents look rich and elegant yet when combined with oil rubbed bronze it becomes a cozy and inviting color.  And stainless steel adds the pop of shine necessary in any contemporary setting.  Take a look at these samples and you will see how easy it will be to marry the color  of the year with your hardware finishes.

Polished bronze finish of small frog pull

Sample of oil rubbed finish

Ergo collection in stainless

To view our complete  line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Martin Pierce Custom Hardware: The beauty is in the details

Have you ever entered a public building and been struck by the attention to detail in the design of the building?  For example, the city library features hardware that is an exact replica of early twentieth century hardware that celebrates the history of the city, building etc.  Perhaps an ordinary office building has added architectural molding to warm up the voluminous cold spaces that are common to modern buildings.  And it is a wise doctor or lawyer who pays attention to small details such as hardware, paint choices, artwork and other amenities when making design decisions for their offices.  These simple choices will certainly enhance their client or patient's visit. Designers and architects pay close attention to current design trends and the affect they have on the public when designing a corporate office or commercial building. For example, customized hardware that pays tribute to a brand or logo or the local culture is sure to be noticed by all who enter.  Color choices in fabrics and paint that elicit a specific mood the business is seeking will prepare every visitor for what lies ahead during their stay, meeting etc.

Here is a good example of how small details can enrich a space.  We were approached by  WATG Design Group (now known as Wimberly Interiors) to create door hardware for the St. Regis Hotel in Princeville on the island of Kauai Hawaii.  Great care was taken to honor and celebrate the native culture of the island and the natural beauty that surrounds it as evidenced by the Hawaiian door handles we created shown here on the entry doors.

martin pierce hawaiian handles on site at st regis kauai

We also adapted our popular hedgerow line and created a half round to be used as a robe hook in the guest rooms.

martin pierce hedgerow half round adapted to use as robe hoook for st regis kauai

Guests are reminded at every turn that they are in the Hawaiian Islands.  To be honest, do they need reminding when in Hawaii?

To view our complete  line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

What's new at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware?

Things have been busy here at Martin Pierce Hardware.  Along with surviving the holidays we are hard at work on some new projects that we are excited to share with you.

  • Archiexpo takes us to Europe

    We are now actively introducing our work to design professionals in Europe and you can view some of our signature hardware pieces on www.archiexpo.com This site is accessible  in English, French, Italian and German and it is by far one of the more user friendly sites that I have visited in a long time, making it easy for designers and architects to find the perfect pieces for each job.

  • Willow latch

We continue to work on retooling a version of our popular Willow latch that will accomodate the narrower back latches common in Europe.  More information on this project will be available later this month.

martin pierce willow entry set

 

 

So what's new with your business?

As we continue to expand our visibility throughout Europe and the Middle East you can get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce by visiting us at www.martinpierce.com.

 

 

Hospitality design trends for 2013

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend that included time spent with family and friends as well as some bargain hunting if you were so inclined.  Now it's back to work....

The hospitality design industry is on a never ending quest to determine what their discriminating clients and guest are seeking and then figure out how to deliver it to them.  This process can be tricky as the goal is to provide all the amenities necessary for guests and create a memorable experience, all the while maintaining individual brand identity.

Guests of boutique or upscale hotels are always looking for a unique experience that provides all the comforts of home while they are far from home, either on business or visiting for pleasure.  There are several ways hospitality designers can create an environment that insures and enhances this experience and still meet the needs of the corporate parent as well.

  • Spa like bathrooms offer a respite from the harsh realities of daily life and business and "spoil" the guests with items such as large soaking tubs, exquisite linens and luxurious bath products at their fingertips.
  • Inviting and comfortable lobbies that not only create a positive first impression but also provide a gathering spot for guests during their stay.
  • Consumers continue to be interested in seeing that businesses they support maintain an energy efficient and even an eco-friendly environment.
  • The use of local craftsman and artists' work in the design of a hotel will enhance the experience of guests.  Large  photos of the surrounding areas or sculptures and artifacts that celebrate local cultures are just one of the many ways hotels are able to introduce their clients to the area.
  • Small details like custom door and window hardware, hand-made furniture, high quality linens and personalized items that meet a guest's individual needs will set your hotel apart from your competitor.
  • Many hotels are looking to attract local "staycationers" who do not want to roam far from home but are looking for a pleasant getaway.  Design that, again, celebrates the local countryside and/or culture will provide a romantic anniversary getaway or make a family reunion more memorable.

To view our complete  line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

Update on the Sensota Cove W Hotel hardware series

As we shared in our blog post on June 30th, we have been working on a series of hardware projects to be used in the W Hotel, Sensota Cove location.  We were introduced to this project by the Rockwell Group who felt our existing Ergo, Heroic and Morphic collection of custom hardware fit the ambience of the seaside location of this new hotel in Singapore. And, as we discussed in our previous post, our Ergo door set was altered to be a bit smaller in diameter and adjusted to work with a Vingcard controlled entry lock system for the guest rooms which required extensive testing as well as new patterns and molds and were made right here in Los Angeles.  Our standard Ergo pulls were also used on several armoires located in the spa area.

 

We also worked with Diffusion, a  Singpore/American design group who used our Morphic Heroic Pulls in some of the key public areas and in the Presidential suite. The Morphic Pulls were also cast in stainless with a beautiful brushed finish.

 

The fluid designs and wave like quality of our Ergo design fits the setting of this beautiful and luxurious hotel as it is situated right on the waterfront.   This type of attention to detail adds to the unique experience that every business owner wants his clientele to experience.

To view our complete line of hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.

 

 

I am attaching files for these 3 pieces.

Martin Pierce Hardware shares Pantone's color of the year for 2013

 

Have you heard that before 2012 even comes to an end Pantone has announced their 2013 color of the year--for fashion, that is and it is a rich navy called Monaco Blue.  The winning color for Homes and Interiors will not be announced until the end of November or early part of December and early prognosticators are calling for a soft shade of yellow.  No one really knows at this point but they have given us a few hints as to what we might expect.  And just as we were all getting used to Tangerine Tango!

Projected Home and Interior Design trends for the upcoming year include:

  • Tribal.  Colors that are meant to evoke magical feelings from distant spots.  Think of burgundy reds, deep plums, peacock blues and fiery yellows.  2012 color of the year, Tangerine Tango shows up in this grouping.
  • Rugged Individuals.  These colors bring us back home with warm leather shades of dusty brown, burnished clay and other warming earth colors.
  •  Out of the ordinary.  If you like fun and quirky colors you may want to consider vibrant shades of pumpkin orange, amber green and bright violet.
  • Gray and beige are not forgotten but appear in warmer shades reminiscent of birch trees, rocky coves or the blue/gray of a tropical ocean on a cloudy day.

These are just some of the ideas that are being considered by the experts at Pantone as well as from the Color Marketing Group.  Your decisions on color will be based on personal preferences, of course, but also on the psychology of color and how your clients and customers will react to specific colors.

Do you have a favorite?

To view  our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Martin Pierce Hardware: How's Iris?

We have had several inquiries as to how our beloved pitbull Iris is doing and, in particular, how she fared while we vacationed in England.  She spends pretty much every day and night with us so we were concerned about how she would cope with such a long absence.  We are very happy to say that Iris came through the separation unscathed,  due mostly to our dear friends Cynthia and Ken who, along with their dog Ike, stayed in our home and made Iris feel safe and secure.  It's as if she knew on some level that we would be returning.  This may stem, in part, to her remaining at home in her own territory and not in a kennel and having dog-loving friends and her best buddy Ike around certainly helped; at least that is my take on what happened but who really knows what goes on in a dog's mind?

As many of you know, Iris has been a member of our family for over a year.  She came to us through the wonderful efforts of The Rescue Train and it has been amazing and inspiring to see her progress and watch the many facets of her personality develop.  Over the past 14 months she has come to trust people and is much more affectionate with others.  For example, friends from Paso Robles recently visited and the first greeting they received was Iris' stubby tail and rear end wiggling with clear delight!  On a side note, if you are thinking of adding a new member to your family, please visit The Rescue Train's website.  You won't be sorry!

Iris also has a very playful side.  Like many dogs she has a love of squeaky toys and has eviscerated at least 7 crowing cockerels and 2 gurgling lobsters.  In true dog style she also likes to play tug of war with them but is not aware of her own body strength so this game is really a losing battle for me since she is  much too strong  for me ever to win.

 

She is also keen on being chased and this can be hilarious as she often has difficulty getting enough traction on our hardwood floors all of which will at some point now need to refinished.  But that is a small price to pay for the love her sweet personality brings to our home.

Do you have any favorite dog stories...Iris would love to hear them so please share!

To view  our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com 

 

It might be time to revisit the Green movement

 

Isn't this a beautiful sight?  Bison roaming free in Bison National Park.  This is just one reason we all need a reminder very now and then that preserving our natural environment is important.

For several years now there has been a great deal of discussion about being "green" and companies proudly announce that they are environmentally friendly, LEED certified etc.  But what does all this really mean?  Do I have a carbon footprint and, if so, does it come in a size 7?  How do I become "green"?  While I am no expert, let me attempt to briefly answer some of these questions.

  • What is the definition of "green"?  The term green simply refers to a person, product, or process that is earth friendly meaning that consideration has been given to the effects the project or process will have on resources like water, air quality, surrounding communities, animal habitats etc.  As you can see, it is a wide encompassing term that can be applied to many areas of business and life.  It is synonymous with eco-friendly, environmentally friendly etc.   Contrary to what Kermit the Frog says, it really is easy to be green.  Just take a moment to think about what you are doing before you waste water, throw out reusable products, drive gas guzzling vehicles or burn trash.
  • Recycle repurpose, reuse, renew.  All of these terms are bantered about when talking about manufacturing processes.  The goal of many businesses these days is to recycle and reuse much of their manufacturing waste into other usable products.   Here at Martin Pierce we use the lost wax method of casting that literally captures left over wax for future castings, hire local workers and use as many Made in America products as possible.
  • LEED is the acronym for Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design.  It provides the guidelines necessary for a building to be considered environmentally friendly and these would include energy efficiency, impact on surrounding community, hiring of local workers etc.
  • What is a carbon footprint?  Simply put, your carbon footprint is the impact you and your actions have had on the environment during a specific time period, specifically the amount of greenhouse gases you have emitted into the atmosphere in the form of gasoline use, coal for a furnace and even the amount of electricity used.

No need to be fanatical about it--simple things like buying locally to reduce transportation costs, avoiding bottled water, telecommuting if possible, lowering your thermostat and planting indigenous plants that require less water will all help.

For information on our products and to get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Custom vs. ready made...which do you prefer?

With the plethora of ready made and off the rack items available for your home or business it is sometimes easier to bypass the time and expense it takes to create a custom piece in order to get the job done.  But do you really know the difference between a custom piece and something that has been mass produced? Webster's Dictionary defines custom or bespoke as "...something made to individual specifications...".  For interior design purposes this basically means that you have something in the interior of your home or business that is unique to you and your design aesthetic.  This might be a piece of artwork, furniture, wall treatment or, in our case, custom hardware such as door levers, drawer pulls and knobs that has been created to meet your specific needs; no one else will have the exact same piece.

To follow the same idea, limited editions of artwork, furniture and hardware, while not one of a kind, also fall into the custom category.  The original print, wax mold or prototype was created by a designer and used as a template to produce a limited number of the same item.  In these instances, each item is usually hand-finished, painted, stained etc. to create a custom look.

Customization has become the "it" word in design brought on, no doubt, by the popularity of certain items that are seen used over and over again in both residential and commercial interior design.  But don't confuse this term with custom work--customization does not necessarily mean you have a unique and custom piece; it can simply imply that your mass produced item has been given a new finish, for example, or been personalized in some way.  Keep in mind that a genuine custom item is designed specifically with you and your needs in mind, guaranteeing you will have a unique and one-of-a-kind piece in your home.  Yes, this can be expensive but isn't the end result worth the extra cost?

You can view our products as well as many other custom item manufacturers by visiting the Virtual Architecture Exhibition.  For more information on our products, view  our complete line of hardware or speak with us about creating a custom piece for your business or home and to also get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Create a welcoming entry with Martin Pierce Hardware

We all know that you only have one chance to make a first impression.  When it comes to your home or business that first impression begins with your front door.  Tired, pitted and dated hardware can leave an unpleasant impression while shiny hardware that makes a statement about you or your business leaves a positive first impression on all who enter. Door hardware provides an opportunity to promote a brand or personalize a home.  At Martin Pierce Custom Hardware we pride ourselves on designing and creating unique yet functional entry door hardware that will meet your needs.  And if you don't see exactly what you need in one of our collections we can create a custom piece that is unique to your home, store, hotel or business.  Here are just some of our entryway knobs and levers.

Folger & Burt have a wonderful display of many of our products.  If you are in the Bay area you can stop by and see these pieces in person.

Tuscan style homes, spas, wineries and boutiques are the perfect candidates for our Grapevine collection of both interior and exterior front door hardware.

A contemporary home or modern place of business will appreciate the clean lines of our Ergo line.  We also offer an ADA compliant version of this pull for use in nursing homes, retirement communities and those who are looking to meet the needs of a specific clientele.

Greet your visitors with a smile or just add some fun and whimsy to your front door by choosing something from one of our collections such as our Animal, Lizard or Floral lines.

New hardware is one of the easiest and quickest ways to update without having to go through an entire remodel or expensive changes.   Once you have chosen your beautiful new hardware it is time to sweep the porch, replace burnt out light bulbs, add some fresh flowers and welcome customers and guests to your establishment.

For more information on these products, view  our complete line of custom hardware or speak with us about creating a custom piece for your business or home and to also get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

Trend watch from High Point's 2012 Fall market

Twice a year in the spring and fall, designers, decorators, artists and furniture and fabric manufacturers descend on the small town of High Point, North Carolina to attend "market".  Vendors are there to display their products in the hopes that something will catch the eye of an influential buyer and become next year's must-have.  Many of the products you will see in upcoming collections of fabric, hardware and furniture styles were born during market week.  Let's take a look at what we can all expect to see in the coming year:

  • Gold metal is back.  After years of oil-rubbed bronze, nickel and pewter, warm finishes like gold, bronze and copper are making a comeback.  No longer the garish gold and brass of the seventies, today's lustrous finishes can be paired with other metals and will add a warm glow to your hinges, drawer pulls, door hardware and fixtures.   We were a bit ahead of the game when we introduced our new Daisy pull, Ergo key card lever, Willow surface bolt and our popular and charming frog pull all available in varying gold finishes.
  • Pantone, the color guru, has announced that next year's color of the year in fashion will be Monaco Blue, a color that falls somewhere between navy and cobalt.  Others are forecasting that the interior design color of the year will be a mellow shade of yellow.  Either way, both colors are quite a departure from last year's vibrant Tangerine Tango.
  • Neo-classical architecture has never gone out of style but updated and over-sized versions of the iconic Greek Key design are popping up in hardware and as embellishments on case goods, fabric, rugs and window treatments.  It just shows you that, as the saying goes,"everything old is new again".  FYI, that lyric comes from Australian songwriter Peter Allen.
  • Contrast defines many of next year's trends.  For example, shiny surfaces sitting next to matte finishes, old reclaimed wood pieces placed alongside shiny mirrored items, modern paired with antique, rustic with contemporary...you get the idea.
  • Geometric patterns remain popular but are seen paired with more organic shapes to update the look.  Does it get any more organic than our Ergo line?

As with most design decisions, next year's forecasted trends support the idea that anything goes.  In other words, if it works for your home or business, then it works.  Do you have a favorite trend?

For more information on these products or to view  our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

There are bats in the belfry at Martin Pierce Hardware

"Eye of newt, and toe of frog,Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg, and howlet's wing,-- For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble."

Macbeth (IV, i, 14-15)

Shakespeare said it best but, not to be left out during the Halloween season, at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware we not only have bats in the belfry we have lizards leg, and frogs toes as well as beetles and moths and lots of other creepy crawlies to add to the witch'es recipe and a touch of fun to your interior design.

Take a look, if you are brave enough!

 

For more information on these products or to view  our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com.  And Happy Halloween!

 

 

 

The final leg of our journey back to England

London is an amazing city full of both unique and historical architecture sitting alongside new and whimsical sites like the eye of London seen here.

Modern day life goes on surrounded by ancient buildings and traditions including our parliamentary political system of government.  This style of government is similar to the American system of government in that the members of Parliament are elected by the people to represent their district.  It consists of The House of Commons  and The House of Lords.  One of my dear friends from university sits in the House of Lords so we were able to get backstage passes, as it were, to view the building.   For security reasons we were unable to take many photographs but were allowed to take pictures of the Great Hall (or original Hall).  This part of the building has one of the oldest buttress ceilings in Northern Europe.  Magnificent!

Maggie's office has a breathtaking view of Westminster Abbey.

The time spent in London was a fitting way to end our trip and head back home.  Is there nothing better than to spend vacation time with family and friends?

We are now back to work and busy creating new and exciting products that can be seen here.  For more information on these products or to view  our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com

What's new at Martin Pierce Custom Hardware

New product inspiration comes from the darndest places!  We began working on this exquisite orchid pull for a project in Hawaii.  However, that project has taken a turn and we are now designing hardware with a more tribal folk Hawaiian design for them.  But we loved the look of this new orchid pull so much that we have decided to add it to our line.  May we introduce you to our new Orchid Pull (or at least the drawings for this pull)

As always, I think the drawings are as beautiful as the actual hardware! 

Martin has jsut begun carving the mold for this piece.  He has been experimenting with a high density foam similar to the foam used in set decoration as an alternative to wood or wax.  It has the advantage of being quick to carve and, unlike wood, has no grain.  This results in a very smooth pattern.  That being said, like many things it is not perfect as it does not always work well with pieces that have deeper detail; for these pieces we use a dense wood or blue jeweler's wax.  We will continue to experiment and keep you updated on how we like this product. 

For more information on this latest addition to our bespoke hardware collection or to view  our complete line of custom hardware and get the latest news on what is happening at Martin Pierce, please visit us at www.martinpierce.com