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21 Metal Art Ideas!

Updated on January 21, 2014

Project Ideas For the Metalworker!

Are you a metal working enthusiast? Do you love exploring a diversity of ideas? If yes, then this is definitely something you just cant afford to miss. Listed below are 21 fantastic and unique ideas for metal working arts.

Most of these a beginner can accomplish with minimal metalworking tools. But don't let that fool you. These are very good project ideas that you can use for your home or sell for a small or large profit...

Copper Rose:

Roses are indeed a joy to watch. They make a wonderful gift for women of ages. A copper rose is an ideal gift that a metal worker can give his loved one. First of all, it adds a sense of uniqueness. Secondly, it personifies your creativity and the hard work you put in.

Moreover, it requires a few things such as drill, tin snips, hammer, a couple of pieces of 22 gauge sheet metal, chisel and pliers.

Make a Copper Rose:

How to make a copper rose.

Metal Art Books For Metalworkers:

Ready, Set, Weld!: Beginner-Friendly Projects for the Home & Garden
Ready, Set, Weld!: Beginner-Friendly Projects for the Home & Garden
My favorite book on welding and metalwork in terms of making home furnishings and garden art. Ideal for the beginner.
 
Creating Welded Sculpture (Dover Art Instruction)
Creating Welded Sculpture (Dover Art Instruction)
A more advanced guide to making metal art.
 
Tools for Metal Sculpture 2nd Edition
Tools for Metal Sculpture 2nd Edition
A must have if you want to make metal art.
 

Wire Vase

If there’s one decoration item that is seen in almost everyone’s house, it’s a “vase”. Such is its ubiquity! However, one fantastic way of adding exclusivity to it, is by making a metal-wired vase. Well some advantages of making it is that it requires basic household tools along with cheap materials and moderate skills. So for all metal workers out there, a wire vase is a must have!

Steel Bird

Metal Bird Sculpture
Metal Bird Sculpture

For all bird lovers out there, this is a must have. While a metal bird may not as be as realistic as the one you see sitting on the tree, it definitely offers an exquisite and unique appearance. But before you jump into making one, you’ll have to collect some important tools like a drill, anvil, blowtorch, strong cutters, ball-pein hammer, Tin snips, 22 gauge steel sheet, vice etc.

Make A Steel Bird:

Basic overview of making a steel bird sculpture.

Car-b-que

Gone are the days, when cars were just used a means of transportation. In today’s age, classic cars are also used to make BBQ as well. Quite peculiar, isn’t it? So if happen to have an inoperative classic car, how about you transform it into a Car-b-que! Just note that this project requires advanced skills and tools. So make sure you have both.

Penny Whistle

Penny whistles are one of most fun toys around. Almost everyone has enjoyed playing penny whistles back in their childhood. Pennywhistles are also musical instruments in their own right. They can also be used to get people’s attention in times of emergency, calling out animals and so on.

It’s quite easy to make one with tin. You’ll need a few things such as a pipe, a pipe connector, fine & square tip punches and metal files. Additionally, a hammer, drill (along with a bit), center punch, knife and duct tape are the tools you’ll require.

Metal Fire Bowl

A metal fire bowl is a great idea for metalworkers. It requires at least intermediate metal working skills and is a practical project as the process gives you a useful fire bowl in the end!

Steel Chimes

Another terrific metalworking idea is hanging steel chimes. It’s relatively easy to make and is definitely appealing to the eyes. They also make an ideal gift for any occasion. You can make one from steel for sharper sound while copper makes mellower sound.

Make Wind Chimes

This is how to make metal wind chimes.

Metal Binder:

Metal binders are indeed a great tool for protecting important papers and documents from being misplaced or spoiled. Whether you’re a student, businessman or ordinary person, metal binders are beneficial to everyone. In case you don’t want to spend money on buying, just make one of your own using a discarded metal sheet along with some tools such as power drill, sandpaper, hacksaw, metal cutting shears, dremel, centre punch etc.

Man Pencil Bearer:

This project may be small and simple, but after completing it, you’ll surely be amazed by the uniqueness its exhibits. Placing it on a showcase, table or elsewhere will getting your visitors’’ eyes rolling. Just a handful of things are required to make it like a coping saw, blowtorch, metal sheet (obvious), protractor, hacksaw, bench grinder and vice grips.

Railroad Spike Opener:

Railroad spikes can be easily found next to tracks. But the question is: Are they of any use? Absolutely yes! Railway spikes can be used for a variety of metal working purposes. That being said, for now we’ll emphasize on it being used as a bottle opener. With the help of few tools such as hammer, vise, pedestal grinder, drill press etc, you can turn it into a full time bottle opener.

Metal Mailbox Stand:

This is yet another very useful and practical metalwork project. If you have a mailbox, or your potential customers do, you can put this mailbox stand to good use.

Metalwork Videos:

Metalwork How to Shape, Texture and Antique Wireworked Jewelry
Metalwork How to Shape, Texture and Antique Wireworked Jewelry
Great DVD if making jewelry is of interest to you.
 
Arc Welding I and II
Arc Welding I and II
My favorite stick welding DVD set because it's priced low but the information is awesome.
 
MIG Welding Made Easy (Covell DVDs)
MIG Welding Made Easy (Covell DVDs)
If you do a lot of welding then you know that MIG is the best and easiest form of welding for the busy metalworker. This DVD is a must have.
 

Bike Drillium:

Have you ever heard of a bike drillium? If you haven’t, here’s a brief explanation of it. This is basically a process of drilling hole in various parts of the bicycle for added uniqueness and attraction. Quite impressive, isn’t it? Just keep in mind that this is a pretty long procedure and requires a variety of tools since you will be dismantling the bicycle.

Railroad Spike Knife:

This is another great metal working idea. Now this may not be as classy as other knives, but serves the purpose quite well. Plus it’s really easy to make. The things you’ll require are a few railway spikes (one for each knife you want to make), pipe wrench, a strong flame and safety gloves.

Railroad Knife Tutorial:

If you have access to a forge and anvil you can make knives and other things from railroad spikes.

Metal Candle Stand:

Candle stands support candles and candles support an elegant ambiance. Why not make a metal candle stand?

You can even make it thinking of give you girlfriend/wife a romantic gift? If yes, why not make a heart-shaped metal candle stand? The materials required for making one are relatively cheap and accessible such as steel strips, small washer etc. Tools needed are a metal cutter, vice grips and welder.

Metal Fly Fishing Coat Hanger:

This project involves plasma cutting and is an absolute delight when completed. Once completed, you can proudly hang your coat on this DIY project, and ask friends and guests to do the same.

Metal Jewelry Tree:

Ever thought of creating a metal tree? It’s a great way of making beautiful and an affordable and unique metal dcor item.

Copper Chain and Pendant:

Jewelry is among the most precious possessions a woman has. Keeping that in mind, gifting them a copper chain and pendant will indeed increase their love for you even more. That being said, the process of making a copper pendant along with a chain is quite straightforward. You will just need a copper wire for the chain and a small copper piece for the pendant.

How To Make a Chain and Pendent:

This is how to make a chain and pendant using sliver and Korean jade.

Steel Candle Cover:

Candle covers are a great way of preventing the flame from extinguishing and also add to the appearance to the candle. That being said, you can design your own candle cover using a soda can. Quite impressive, isn’t it? With the help of different tools, you can cut a number of designs such as petals on the can.

City Silhouette:

You can have your own skyline in your home or office. This DIY project will help you put up a metal city silhouette on the wall of your dining room, office, garage or wherever you want to display it. The project will basically involve taking one continues sheet of metal and carving out a skyline from it.

Horseshoe Wine Rack:

When made with perfection, this is truly a masterpiece. Not many possess the expertise of making it look as good as the one in the given picture. It requires tremendous skill. You will need a number of horseshoes (depending on the size) to build a wine rack, along with important other things such as metal pipes, epoxy glue etc.

How To Make A Horseshoe Wine Rack:

Good guide to making the wine rack.

Metal Clay Dragonfly:

A shimmering metal clay dragonfly is indeed a masterpiece. Making one like a pendent is a task easier said than done. You have to be quite meticulous while putting things together. You can gift it to a special girl in your life whether it’s your mom, wife or daughter!

Each one of these 21 metal art ideas presents an excellent way for metal workers to express themselves. You can create these to impress a loved one or a potential buyer!

working

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