When I first decided to start my own business I went through the self employment program at Community Futures. Probably one of the best decisions I made. They helped me so much getting things up and running, probably wouldn't have been able to do it without them. Anyway I got a call from them today, apparently I will be placed on there "Wall of Fame". Always feels good to receive a little recognition for the effort, blood sweat and tears to make a business happen.

Well, I have not posted here in a while. So I will bring everybody up to speed. Here at Cstilian it is very busy, with a lot of products and projects on the go and there is less then two months to go to the art exhibition in Kimberley. On top of that I also have to make enough pieces for the next exhibition in Cranbrook in October. If you need something call me, don't worry, I will fit you in.

Next week is a big week for Castilian Fountain & Metal. I am finalizing the final loose ends on a couple of art exhibitions later this year. I have my ideas ready, Now, I have just got to get in the mood to bring some beauty to a dystopian ugly subject. Nuclear power. if you have not read my write up on Vagabond Journey, please do. I will be posting all the information on the exhibitions asap. I will be posting a few of my new pieces as they get finished. Please feel free to be a critic. Don't be to tough on me, LOL.

I would like to thank the people of Salmo for there positive reviews and thank you's for the bicycle racks and dog posts. The best compliment I can receive for a project like this is to see them being used and enjoyed. So a big thumbs up to the businesses who helped make the project a reality and a big thumbs up to you for your positive feedback and telling me how much you like them. For us old metal workers, it helps to know we are making a positve change in our community. Cheers.

I haven't posted for a while. Here are the latest updates. Castilian Fountain & Metal is heating up for spring with some interesting projects coming up that I will post here soon. Also have some interesting shows coming up this year. The shows will be posted as soon as I get all the details established. There is still room to get your project in time for spring and summer.

Several years ago I built a very large set of gates. When installing gates like this sometimes you need a helping hand. Here is a few pics of what it is like to install large gates' Special thanks to my two cousins, Joe Simmons and Carl Lundgren for helping to make this clients dream happen.

The countdown is on. Only about 40 days till spring. Start your ornamental iron job now and have it ready for spring. i offer free advice and estimates on all jobs. Each estimate comes with a drawing and complete cost breakdown. No job is to small. Don't forget about the plant hangers and dragonfly stakes and other smaller products for your yard and garden. Call me to add some curb appeal to your castle.

Ok. Here is the deal. I have two art exhibitions this year. One in Kimberley and one in Cranbrook. I have to make quite a few new pieces. This means I have to move several out and move the new ones in. I will be posting the ones that I want to sell. I am taking all offers. If you are interested pm me. First up. Mrs Yamaguchi's Fence.

Ok. Here is the deal. I have two art exhibitions this year. One in Kimberley and one in Cranbrook. I have to make quite a few new pieces. This means I have to move several out and move the new ones in. I will be posting the ones that I want to sell. I am taking all offers. If you are interested pm me. Second up. My Shattered World

Another question I get asked about is aluminum railings. There are some things here to talk about first. Most,about 95% of aluminum railings are purchased at local building supply stores. The advantages of these type of railings is cost. These railings are more inexpensive then most. the reason for this is the use of very thin wall aluminum tube. The strength of these railings is very low, I have had clients who complained about how people could litteraly kick out the spindals. Also check the base plates for mounting. There are usually 4 small holes for like # 12 screws. I use four 3/8" bolts or anchors on each post. Thats minimum for me. Which would you stake your life on. Real ornamental aluminum is 2x - 3x the price of steel. Aluminum has come down in price quite a bit but is still more then steel. Aluminum doesn't rust and is forever. This is true and false. Aluminum doesn't rust but over time will carode. this is especially true when bolted or fastened against steel. It just takes longer. Wood is also less expensive but requires a lot of mainteance. Wood is better suited for interior use, used with ornamental iron, it make a beautiful staement. Wood fences deteriorate fairly quickly and are not as strong as metal. Second from last is stainless steel. Solid stainless steel railings have many advantages. Your house in 1000 years will probably be dust but that railing will be just fine. It's disadventage is it is very, very expensive. Compared to ornamental iron it can be 10 to 20x the price of steel railings. The last is real wrought iron. This material isn't made any more. Only recycled material remains. This makes building anything out of wrought iron extremly expensive. Specialist are usually brought in to work it. This is the same material used in cathederals, castles etc. Long lasting? Untouched, hundreds of years.

The one question I get asked a lot is, what is the advantage of using ornamental iron over other materials. Ornamental iron seems more pricey then most others do. There are a couple of answers to this question. The first is that every material out there has some advantages to it otherwise it wouldn't be there. It basically depends on your style, what you are trying to achive and your budget. Which brings me to my first answer. Yes, ornamental iron costs more in the "short term" but is actually less expensive in the "long term". This is because of it's longevity. I have restored a railing that was still functional that was dated 1929. It hadn't been looked after for many years but was still able to be restored, try that with wood. Well cared for ornamental iron should last a life time. Other advantages are: - Strong - Low maintenance - Never seems to go out of styles. Been around for hundreds of years and it's not going away anytime soon. - Can make a huge statement about your status, tastes and values. - Almost unrivalled at accenting your homes interior and exterior - Can improve your property value. The other reason for ornamental iron being more expensive then some other materials is material cost and the tools it takes to work it. For example campared to wood. A 4x8 sheet of plywood to 4x8 sheet of steel is more then 10x the cost. Then there are the tool costs. Plasma cutters, welding machines, benders, torches and the list goes on and on, all these machines cost a lot more to purchase and to run then say a wood shop.

It's January and it's time to start thinking about this years events I will be attending. Certain shows are a must and that will not change. However I am looking to change things up a little bit this year and try some new events. Have to do this every few years. The must shows are The West Kootenay Trade Show, The Nelson Garden Festival and The Castlegar Garden and Nature Fest. I also have two Art Exhibitions this summer. If you know a show or are hosting an event and think that Castilian Fountain & Metal would be a good fit and are in the West Kootenay area please let me know who, when and where and I will look into it. Let me know. Thank you