10/05/2025
I am not on the same level as Kevin Stone metal sculptor or Stephen Fitz-Gerald , although I hope to be some day if I keep pushing my limits. That being said the comparison to online or big box stores still happen and although I cannot compete with established companies I am hopeful that supporting local means more than saving on shipping and handling
I've been asked so many times about my prices on butterflies and other projects and most people are shocked,
so here is what it takes to build a butterfly,
so you can have a real Idea of why my work is not ornaments for your yard.
Starting with mirror polished stainless steel ($300) per sheet.
I draw the wings and all the parts for the body,
I cut all the parts with a heavy duty powered hand shear.
I grind all the edges to debur and smooth the edges.
I bead roll the pattern into each wing(x4 wings)
I take all the body parts and grind the edges,
I fit and tack all the parts togther creating the body..then weld all the seams.
I grind all the welds smooth.
I metal finish and sometimes polish the whole body
I cut round bar for the legs
Weld and shape the legs the clean and grind the welds smooth.
Then weld the legs and wings to the body
Producing a stainless welded butterfly.
Then clean and polish all the welds...
Then thoroughly clean and prep the metal for paint.
Tape all the patterns into the wings with pinstriping vinyl tape and paint colors using automotive candy paints and metal flake,
Remove all the tape, let cure.
Re-tape all the lines and over the colors with tape to paint the black.
Then remove tape and let cure.
Wet sand, fix imperfections and then clear coat the whole butterfly.
This process can take a total of 50 to 60 hours of shop time,thats if nothing goes wrong and I dont have to redo anything.
So if you add the time, materials like stainless steel, candy paints, clear coats, welding wire and gases, grinding disks polishing disks, polish, rags, cleaners, etc etc...you can see why my work isn't priced like your garden art at wallmart.
Thank you.
