Thomas Elfers
Rutherfordton , North Carolina-
United States
Metal-
Abstract
Tom Elfers, graduated from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 1986 and has spent the last 30 years exploring all avenues and mediums of art. From graphic arts to dimensional signs, stone carving, drawing, painting and sculpting, Tom has found his passion in creating extraordinary metal designs. "Metal is forgiving, it allows me to design, shape and perfect a creation that can last for hundreds if not thousands of years."
phone:
828-288-3001
website:
www.ornametals1.com
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Artist Blogs
Living to Dream, or Dreaming to Live!
2012-01-25
So many people spend their lives wanting to "Live their Dream," and yet they do nothing to move toward that. Our lives are what we make of them. Sure we have some things that have gotten in the way, some things that have turned us down the wrong path, but these "Things" are just that, things. There really is nothing that makes us do what we do, that makes us think what we think, these are choices that we make in order to stay where we are comfortable, even if that comfortable place is not what you want. The truth is, it is what you want, or you would not be there! I know, you're thinking, yeah right, I want this bad relationship, or this awful job, or horrible life, well... is someone making you stay in the bad relationship? Is someone making you work at that awful job? Is someone making you have that horrible life...YES someone is, and it's You!
You are the only one that controls your life. You are the one that decides to stay in that bad relationship, keep that awful job, and to have a horrible life. These are all choices that you have made. You are also the only one that can change, that can make different choices, that can have what you really want. It is just as easy to make a good choice as it is to make a bad one. So why do people keep making bad choices? Habit! They are "Used to it," it's what they have been doing all their life. But as we all know, we can change these habits, we can break the chains of bad decisions.
The choice to have a better life is an easy one. The decision to be happy, to live your dream, or to do the things you always wanted to do is very empowering! And it is a decision, a choice that you have to make, one way or another you are going to make that choice. So why not make the choice to be happy, to live your dreams and do the things you want to do. Make it a NEW habit to choose wisely, to be happier and to have the things you have always wanted. It is just a matter of Choice!
Sounds easy enough, right! It is as easy as you think it is, and it is as hard as you think it is. This is another choice, choose to make it easy and it will be. There are some things you need to do to live your dream, to have a happier life and to get the things you want. This is probably one of the most important things that you can do to achieve what you want. They are simple things, like writing down what you want, set goals for when you want them. Post this where you can read it every day, or even better, carry it with you so you can read it several times a day. It is also important that you BELIEVE what you have written. You must see yourself achieving these goals, believe that you can and you will!
This is just one step toward having a better life, but it is amazing how well it works! It works every time for everyone, no exceptions. Think about what you want, and you will have what you think about.
6 Tips to Prosper during a "Slow down"
2012-01-25
If you run a small business, you know that the market, trends and business plans have changed drastically in the past two years. Small businesses are especially hard hit, so here are six things you can do help your business actually prosper during the current slow down.
1. Reduce overhead and operating expenses. Don't be afraid of change! Moving your business to a less costly building can greatly reduce your overhead costs. Get rid of any unnecessary services, ie. cable TV is not necessary at the office, that snack machine is eating away at your cash flow, bringing breakfast or lunch to work could save hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year, just changing the type of lighting you use can help reduce your electric bill. These little cuts add up fast, and will help take pressure off of you so you can spend more time on your Ideas and production.
2. Give your office/shop a fresh look. This will help create a sense of moving forward and not stagnating. It will also show your customers that you have pride in your business and make them feel more comfortable doing business with you. There are many inexpensive ways to spice up a office or shop, paint is one of the cheapest, window or wall dressing can really make a big difference, Potted plants will warm up any area, and keep it Clean!
3. Create your own Web Site or Blog. There are hundreds-thousands of sites that offer free web sites or blogs. Take advantage of all the Free forms of advertising that you can find! Most of the free sites make it very simple to create a web page, they can walk you through it and you can have a site or blog up in a matter of minutes! Some suggested sites are; Merchant Circle, LinkedIn, Face Book, Twitter, etc. The more your name is out there the easier it is for customers to find you.
4. Get involved in your community, become active in your local merchant associations, join your chamber of commerce, attend town meetings. These are all great places to Network! The more you are seen the more attention you will create for your business.
5. Take a good look at your abilities and products, and change to services and products that are popular Now! This is an ever-changing market and if you don't change with it, it will move right on without you!
6. Never Give Up! Be persistent, follow up, follow up, follow up every chance you get. Keep your eyes and ears open to what is going on around you, there are opportunities Everywhere! What skills do you have that you haven't tapped into? Do what your really good at and what you really love, these two things alone will give you passion in your work and passion leads to success!
In these trying times it is possible to achieve Balance and Prosperity, but don't wait for it, go get it, now!
What is positive thinking?
2012-01-25
You've heard it a hundred times if you've heard it once, "just think positive". What does that mean? How can you think positive when there are so many negative things happening. I'll tell you what I think.
Thinking positive is not just a thought process, it is a commitment to a different way of life, it is a process in which the way you think is the way you live. Think about your life, is it what you "thought" it would be? The truth is, it is exactly what you thought it would be. You see it is the way you think and feel about your self, your life, that directs you down the path that You choose. Nobody makes you do, or think, or act in a certain way, it is all YOU! So it is up to You to do something about it. What do you Do?
Think Positive! How? That's easy, it's a matter of Remembering the positive times in your life, like when you graduated High School, College, or when you got married, had a child, got your first bike, your first kiss, your first job. Remember how it felt, how it looked, how it smelled, How did You "Feel", I guarantee you, you felt Positive, Elated, Amazed, and Empowered. These feelings are the key to thinking and feeling Positive. They are your Brick and Mortar of the life you want to build. Your ability to remember those feelings when you are feeling down is a sure way to bring you back up!
Applying a "Positive Think" as I call it, to the decisions and choices you make throughout your day is how you can turn your life around. Your "Life" is what you think it is, if you think it sucks, then You are guaranteeing it sucks, but just the opposite works also, if you think your life is Great, is Wonderful, is an opportunity around every corner, then it will be as you think it is. You see, it is what you think and feel that truly directs you to the life that you want.
What kind of life do you want? One that is dark and dreary, or one that is Bright and full of opportunity! It's your choice, no one can make it for you, you are in control of what you think. Think Positive and you will be positive.
I am a professional Fabricator/Designer working with clients from all over the country. We build Custom Gates and Entrances for home owners and developments. Our company specializes in complete entrance design and construction. We are a full service company that provides Custom Gates, Full Automation, Electrical and Lighting, Block and Stone work, Landscaping, Monument and Street Signs. We pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship and exceptional service, come see us at http://www.ornametals1.com
Imagine Creating...Anything!
2009-01-21
I am Tom Elfers, Owner of Ornametals. Most of my work comprises of welding and fabrication of ornamental iron, but also being an artist I try to spend as much time as possible working on Sculpture! I love creating. If you check out my media library you will see different example of my work. I love working with new materials as well as found items. I explore the surrounding salvage yards for new materials to make sculpture from. Sometimes I can spend 3 hours looking and find only one thing, and other times I can find so many things I can't fit them into my truck. So much stuff...so little time!
This is my first whack at a real blog so I'm not sure what to think or exspect. Of course as most I am looking to network, explore new styles of fabrication, new and old methods of creating sculpture and incorporating that into my business.
I find there is no better satisfaction than giving a customer a one-of-a-kind item that they love. That is why I'm in this business. I get to create every day, it's always something different, and my customers are always happy. What A Life! It took me almost 40 years to get here but I finally stoped telling everyone I would love to be an Artist, and realized I always was an Artist.
I would be happy to answer any type of questions on any of my work, or to take on some constructive critisism. I am not a master artist, just an artist trying to be a master.
Have a great day and always CREATE!
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Midnight - Forged Steel - 4' x 3' x 18" - $2800.00 |
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Comments
2009-01-21 06:58:13
Great work Thomas, very skilled and imaginative. Keep it up! |
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