Thanks a bunch Smoky Rick! Hopefully, I'll have some time to download some more photos later.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Karin

Thanks a bunch Rick!

Karin Valerius
Valerius Metalsmithing, Ltd.
Elgin, Illinois

Hi Paula,

Thanks!

I was the very first artist blacksmith to make complete custom hand-forged roses since before WWI. Before the wars there were beautiful flowers created from scratch. During and after the wars artist blacksmiths only used castings.

I was not happy with the castings and would not use any of them. In the early '80's, I decided to custom make them myself. Prior to this, all of the flowers had been pre-made and purchased ready to weld onto your project.

This piece was "On Loan" to the NOMMA Museum for ten years for members and public viewing alike. I received the highest award for this piece.

Over the years, many have tried to copy or learn to fabricate them properly. Many have also tried to take the credit from my work. This happens quite often. No matter, one can usually see the difference in the fabrication from one artist to another to know that they are not the same. And, each and every piece is unique in its own way. So, I started a new tradition. That was a huge compliment to me and my company's reputation!

I have since instructed many others in the art of forging flowers. We offered an entire apprenticeship artist blacksmithing program with extra classes for people who wanted to further their skills education beyond a normal apprenticeship. It was wonderful. We even provided students with housing because they came from all over the country and even Europe. Many of our former students today have made quite a big name for themselves. I am very proud of them and the work they have accomplished!

As in all good things come to an end, I no longer have a desire to instruct. Times goes by too fast, and I only wish to create.

Karin Valerius
Valerius Metalsmithing, Ltd.

Dear Karin,
I think your work is quite beautiful from what I can see from the photos. I looked at your pictures on FlickerPhotos...Do you have a web site???
I hate to be a party pooper but I find your last bog to be redundant!!! I really don't understand how anyone can claim that they are the only blacksmith to make hand forged flowers since WW1..How old are you?????? Sorry.I was in Europe and Ive seen some amazing metalwork...And our Grand High Mystic Exalted Ruler ...Enrique who started this wonderful site has made hand forged flowers of his own (which I find are unique + quite complex)..I just find this to be a strange comment regarding ones abilities....

Help me out!!!!! SteelyJan

"Sorry.I was in Europe and Ive seen some amazing metalwork...And our Grand High Mystic Exalted Ruler ...Enrique who started this wonderful site has made hand forged flowers of his own (which I find are unique + quite complex)..I just find this to be a strange comment regarding ones abilities...."

The roses fabricated were the first hand-forged since that time. I never stated that no one has made any since. Many have. There have been many sketches and instructions on how to do them since that piece was made as well. And, I have had that piece back for many years. Each artist has their own interpretation on how they feel their piece should look.

And, as an added note, I have been to Europe many times. We have been invited to do demonstrations and instruct on techniques. I am very familiar with the work from Europe--old style and new.

Our company has been in existence for 70 years. That should help to clarify some of your questions/concerns, because my remark was not uncalled for. I was stating a fact, not a fallacy.

Karin,

Well I am a little perplexed on the subject of rose making too. Not until 1980 huh? Well lets see I first started making roses back in 1972 or so. Now I am only a small time hobbyist type artist and maybe never hit the air waves.
See I learned how to make mine by myself by tearing apart a 5 & dime cheap plastic rose and using that as a pattern. Maybe mine were not made the same as yours but I think you need to clear up just how you made them.

www Metalrecipes -- heat and beat to the desired shape, repeat as necessary.
warren