Step 1: Client Meeting

The first step of the light making process is most important. Here we strive to establish a relationship with the client (you) and obtain a clear understanding of what you want. In this way we ensure you receive exactly what you want, and expect, in your custom light fixture. We’ll discuss styles of architectural lighting as well as dimensions and finish. Importantly we’ll also talk about pricing. We truly care about providing the highest quality custom lighting at a fair cost to you. After all the specs are mapped out we create a scale drawing of the piece in relationship to its installation. Only after all this is understood by both Lightcrafters and yourself do we finally lay out the piece so we can begin to shear the materials.

Step 2: Shearing

Once we know the shape and dimension of your custom wall lights, we can begin to shear the material. Again, all of our products originate from a single large flat sheet of metal, usually copper or stainless steel. If necessary, this is where the metal will be patinaed and/or hand-burned with a tiny torch to give the material a unique, antique finish.

Step 3: Shaping the Metal

Once the metal is fully sheared we can begin to craft the custom lighting specified by the customer. We will begin to bend the metal into the shapes we need, solder join the pieces together, and carefully clean the metal and apply multiple layers of patina if not completed in the previous step.

Step 4: Final Adjustments

After the custom lighting is completely put together we thoroughly clean the piece, apply layers of patina and seal the piece with the appropriate long-lasting lacquer to ensure it’s long lasting integrity and beauty. Any diffuser such as glass or mica comes next. The last step before the product is completely ready to be shipped is to lamp the fixture according to appropriate electrical practices using UL listed parts.

Step 5: Packing and Shipping

Finally to ensure you receive your quality handcrafted custom lighting as quickly and seamlessly as possible we carefully package and ship your order. Based in Austin, Texas we ship virtually anywhere in the world. Typically we ship orders within three weeks but rush orders can generally be accommodated.

So there you have it. Now you have some insight about how the light manufacturing process works at Lightcrafters. You can be 100% comfortable knowing you will get the highest possible quality at a fair cost to you. We take pride in handcrafting lasting custom wall sconces, post lanterns, lighting pendants and other light fixtures. Know that at Lightcrafters we truly care about making relationships with our customers and ensuring all of our customers receive the utmost satisfaction

• Contemporary wall sconces
• Dark Sky wall sconces
• Exterior wall sconces
• Southwest wall sconces

Wall sconces can be produced in several ways to look exactly how the customer wants. At Lightcrafters, we are capable of taking any idea for custom lighting and making it a reality. All of our sconces are handcrafted and produced with the utmost care and quality, and we are capable of shipping virtually anywhere in the world. Creating completely customized wall sconces is our passion, and we're always ready for any challenge.

For many years, since 1995, I have espoused the value of using clear incandescent bulbs.  They work great in our punched copper light fixtures by putting pinstripes of light along your wall as shown in this beautiful mica and copper wall sconce made by Lightcrafters.  Clear incandescent bulbs do a great job of casting light evenly in all directions.

When LED bulbs first came on the scene several years ago a clear version was not available.  Fortunately you can now buy a clear LED bulb and at a reasonable price.  Here are some of my favorites:

Shown respectively... Sylvania, Utilitech and Philips.  Each work just about as well as each other and almost as well as clear incandescent bulbs.  Due to the built in heat sink the LED bulb does not do quite as good of a job illuminating in a all directions, or 360º.  Nonetheless, when two bulbs are used it is quite difficult to see the difference.  Most will not notice a difference.  I look for it.  

When you purchase dimable LED bulbs be sure to purchase the appropriate dimmer as existing dimmers switches likely do not control LED bulbs well.  Ask at the store which dimmer to use or check with the manufacturer for specifics. Sticking with a reputable brand such as Lutron or Leviton is a good idea.  The Ecosmart bulb, which is one of my favorites and readily available at Home Depot recommends using Lutron models CTCL-153PDH, MACL-153M, PD-6WCL,DV-600P or Leviton's models: 6674, 6672, 6631,6633. These quality dimmers will likely work all the bulbs, but do confirm this to avoid disappointing results.