About this project
UPDATE: NEW REWARDS!
Thank you to everyone who has backed our project so far! We truly appreciate the support of each and every one of you.
We've added two new rewards everyone can use- a 13.5 watt LED bulb and beautiful recycled glass beverage tumblers cast by the same studio that makes our lighting glass.
FREE TUMBLERS! We've sweetened the deal for backers who pledge over $250. You'll receive 2 free tumblers with your pendant or table lamp, ($60 value) OR 4 free tumblers with multi-pendants ($120 value.) What a deal! Please help us spread the word.
Tumblers are available as separate rewards also, in sets of two or four, in any color combination you choose.
The LED bulb has a standard medium base to fit about any lamp or fixture, and it is perfect with our pendants or table lamps with sandblasted shades.
For nearly 20 years, we've been building lamps and fixtures in our own shop in Berkeley, California. Educated as architects, we originally drew inspiration from the local architecture, which is rooted in the American Arts and Crafts tradition; and have since developed an extensive array of original designs. Most recently, we've created a line of simple, modern lamps and fixtures built with beautiful recycled glass shades and solid brass components. As a 100% solar-powered, green business, Metro Lighting is proud to offer this sustainable alternative to typical mass production; locally designed, handcrafted, and built to last a lifetime.
We are working with our supplier to cast these recycled glass shades in a range of colors. We can produce each color with a transparent or sandblasted finish, and pair that with hardware in oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel. The ability to offer such a wide range of colors and finishes presents a multitude of design combinations as they are mixed and matched and fitted with various light sources. As opposed to many manufactured items, these items are not made overseas, but are designed and handcrafted in northern California! And as you can see below, this design is elegant in its refined simplicity.
All pendants will come with 5 foot cords which can be shortened on site. Other lengths available on request.
Note: We offer citrus yellow to round out the color palette, but due to compatibility issues, the citrus color cannot be made with recycled glass.
Light bulbs are not included. You can purchase them locally or through Metro Lighting. We offer a super-efficient 13.5 watt dimmable LED bulb (60w equivalent), non-dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs in 13 or 18 watts (60/75w equivalents), bullet-shaped B-10 incandescent bulbs in clear or frosted 60 watt versions, and 30w Carbon filament Radio bulbs (not energy-efficient but they provide a beautiful warm glow.)
This asphalt color T-shirt is made by American Apparel and will be printed in Berkeley, CA.
Risks and challenges
We've been designing and building lighting fixtures for nearly 20 years. The glass shop we are partnering with has been transforming bottles into art glass for just as long. We are absolutely confident in our ability to complete this project.
We are already producing these in small batches, but funding this project will enable us to streamline our process and reduce breakage.
As we scale the product line to a broader market, the challenges we foresee are:
1. Forecasting demand for each color and stocking to meet those levels.
2. Packing and shipping products safely and cost effectively.
In addressing these:
1. Colors are poured in sequence, so if we don't create enough in one batch, we'll pour more in the next cycle.
2. If we exceed our initial goals, we have our eye on some terrific equipment that can transform used cardboard boxes into packing materials. We also hope to eventually print custom packaging for each product. Until then, we'll use off-the-shelf packing and shipping materials.
Questions about this project? Check out the FAQ
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Funding period
- (35 days)