Thank you for checking out my Kickstarter Campaign!  

Over the past two years,  as a landscape designer I noticed a lack of modern or fashion forward planters for my clients. All the planters I came across followed the same basic mold. I wanted to bring something more design conscience and artistic to the modern garden without compromising sustainability.

The first products I introduced into the market are in what is called the Desert Collection.  'Jack' and 'Jack be Little' will be a great addition to this modern family.  This Collection is comprised of ideal planters for succulents and water-wise plant material.  People can use them for other things too, of course...fruit bowls, candy dishes, keepsake displays, jewelry holders, and the list goes on as far as your imagination does.

Growing up in one of the few, solar powered homes in Southern Oregon at the time, I have always considered myself a preservationist of the natural environment.  I remember hammering together creations out of my father’s wood scraps from his shop. Still after 30 years, I am rummaging through unwanted materials that can be up cycled into desirable, functional products.

I have always placed great importance on using American-made raw or salvaged materials whenever possible and try to support the Pacific Northwest’s economy by working directly alongside my team of local artisans and small business owners.

I have gotten great reviews on the 'Jack' and 'Jack be Little' planters thus far. However, with YOUR support, I will be able to continue my journey on providing architecturally interesting, design savvy planters and other home/garden accessories.  If I can exceed my goal, I would LOVE to offer more rewards to the great people that support me.  Steel Life believes in returning favors and paying it forward.

You don’t know Jack? Let me introduce you...

Jack is made from a seamlessly designed, beech wood stand that was created with the help of another local artisian in Bend, Oregon and the Amish community further north.  Beech is rated one of the top sustainable wood products on the market today...another reason to LOVE our product.  The 'Jack' stand is then finished with a UV-resistant, water-repelling coating that is made from natural, renewable oils and waxes.  Our prototype does not show the planter with the wood finish, but it will be a beautiful walnut stain that compliments the citrus and sky blue planter cone.

Jack's cone-shaped bowls are individually spun by one set of hands and the use of machinery that dates back to the early 1900s, then...

...BOLDLY powdercoated with two of Steel Life's signature colors.

Steel Life's Desert Collection was previewed in the Uptown Design District for Palm Springs Modernism Week last February.  I was thrilled by the enthusiast response from the public on our products. Steel Life has been featured on Apartment Therapy and Studio 'G's websites.  It has also been recognized by A.P.L.D (Association of Professional Landscape Designers) and was displayed at Dwell on Design in Los Angelos last month.

Steel Life already has the recognition it needs to become a successful BRAND in the Home and Garden Industry, it just needs a little funding to keep the momentum going! (this is where you come in.)  The 'Jack' is one of its' kind and I can't wait to get it out in the hands of the modern public. More specifically, YOU!

I will be using Kickstarter funding for the following:

New cone molds and                              Initial Inventory:                    $3,200-               planter stand set up fees:  $   800-

Initial Powder coating:        $1,000-        Shipping and other Fees:     $500-

Branding & Marketing:       $   200-        Kickstarter Campaign Fees:  $500-

*88% of funds raised will go to local artisians and other small business owners that Shannon directly works with.

*9% funds will got to any forgotten materials, shipping, credit card processing and Kickstarter fees.

*3% Steel Life branding on products. We need to represent!

Rewards:

To keep my costs low, I am mostly offering my 'Jack' and 'Jack be Little' planters to my backers.  That is, after all, what I am trying to get out to the masses!  Some of the rewards, however, include a set of stylin' Retro Jacks and Kickstarter exclusive notecards from me.  

I have also added trade and retailer exclusive rewards for those looking to increase their sales and stand out from their competitors. 

I truly appreciate each and every contribution to my campaign.  I have backed other kickstarter campaigns and have been able to enjoy seeing their success.  Now, I'm ready to try it myself.  So, let's DO THIS!