I enjoy the creative outlet of tinkering with old metal - "fixture artist" came as a natural step.
Tinker LIghting had very humble beginnings. We were taking old industrial pieces and turning them into furniture in our home because we like the style of shabby metal. I tried making a couple of pendant lights and table lamps that turned out funky fun. We worked through various plumbing and electrical items to come up with the combination of parts to make a safe, appealing and long-lasting light fixture. My husband is good at fabricating or re-working a tool to just the right thickness or angle to make it easier for me to assemble the lights. I call on my husband for any welding necessary - something about those sparks hitting me all over is creepy!
I visit many junk yards, flea markets and antique malls searching for objects that need a new life as a light fixture. Hundreds of my creations are being used in restaurants, wine shops, bars, businesses and offices. I see a definite trend around the country for people to use alternative or funky lighting and I'm glad to be part of that wave.
My Dad saw my lights and offered me a little advice that sandpaper, wire brush or sandblasting would definitely make small work of the rust. Then I could prime and paint them. He didn't understand that I appreciated the scratches, wear and rusty patina. When he spent his last days in a nursing home suffering from dementia he had a nice Tinker Lighting Oil Can Lamp (with no rust) on his bedside table. It brought back memories of the happy days I spent with him in my grandfather's garage and his basement.......just tinkering.
If you've purchased from Tinker Lighting before I definitely appreciate the business. If you're just in the shopping stage I hope you'll come back and let me make something for you.
Thanks for stopping by. denise
