Monday, March 31, 2014

Gold Leaf Design in Washington D.C.

What do you get when you take nearly 100 tree branches and combine them with almost 1000 pounds of glass beads? A series of striking designs. See for yourself!


We have always loved combining the natural with the man made. We don't view it as improving on nature, but rather accentuating its beauty. Gold Leaf Design Group was asked to create one of our signature pieces for planters in the Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda MD, right outside Washington DC. Premier Plantscapes wanted something luxurious and elegant and natural to compliment the upscale redesign of the mall.

We first started beading trees several years ago and it has proved to be very popular, inspiring both interior designers and imitators alike. This particular design called for nearly 100 large Manzanita branches with about 2/3 of them to be covered in glass beads. It required a lot of coordination even from the start as we needed to source from several vendors to keep individual prices down.

We started by bringing in the branches and inspecting them for cracks and suitability. We sort them into branches to be beaded and those to stay natural and then trim and shape them. Each beaded tree had about 2500 glass beads so we needed to make sure the ones selected were free of cracking and would be strong enough to support the weight.

Each bead was hand-placed onto the branches. Nearly 1000 pounds of glass beads total. The job didn't stop there, we also needed to carefully pack and crate each piece for shipment to Washington. Fortunately we've had a lot of experience in making trouble-free shipping and installation.

A lot of thought, planning and work go into our custom pieces like this one, but the result, I think you'll agree, looks gorgeous and looks great in our customer's planters and the environment they've created. Making each piece consistent, but not cookie-cutter...working with both natural and man-made materials...ensuring the long-term beauty of each piece. That is the kind of challenge we thrive on.

Friday, March 28, 2014

I am Gold Leaf: Bill




Bill is a recent transplant from Dallas Texas. He arrived just in time for one of the coldest and snowiest of winters in Chicago, but he toughed it out! Here he is with his "friend"...


Let's learn a bit more about him...

Name: Bill Clark
Title: Design Project Manager

My typical day starts at: Wake at 6:30-Work at 8:30

My typical day involves: During the work week, I talk interior and landscape design clients through their projects. I help identify potential trouble spots, develop and provide estimates. I then work with our production team to communicate the client's vision and make sure the project gets done in a timely manner. On the weekend, I relax!


FAVORITES
Favorite season: Spring
Favorite Band/Singer is: I like a lot of different music
Favorite book is: Gone with the Wind
Favorite TV show: Grimm
Favorite adjective: Awesome!

TRIVIA
My oddest job was: Gas Station Attendant
When no one is looking, I people watch.
My ideal day would include: Sunshine, Family, Friends and Food
How many tattoos do you have? 0
How many scars do you have? 1+

EITHER / OR
Peanut butter...Crunchy or Smooth? Crunchy
Talker or Listener? Listener
Pencil or Pen? Pencil
Elvis or Beatles? Beatles
Chocolate or Vanilla?​ Chocolate

Friday, March 7, 2014

Even in the Courthouse...

You can't escape Gold Leaf Design Group. We continue to pop up in the most unexpected of places. After dodging / delaying my summons a couple of times (I had a catalog to put together), I finally fulfilled my civic obligation and made my way to the Cook County Courthouse in Maywood...on the snowiest day we'd had in a couple of hours. (It has been very snowy...maybe you've noticed?)

I on the far northeast side of Chicago. Google maps said it would take 35 minutes to get in with no traffic. I tripled that time, giving myself over an hour and a half...and still I was late. I was not the latest to arrive. I think everyone was forgiving.

After receiving the waiting room instructions and unpacking my computer to do a bit of work I spied the Victoria magazine. "Oh," I thought "we were to be in that. Hmmm...I don't think I ever saw the actual publication...what are the odds that...."

And there we were.

It makes the 4 hour round trip journey + sitting in a jury room for 7 hours worth it.
Almost.

Sort of.