The Artistry of Native Trails

At Native Trails, each piece we create is a one-of-a-kind functional work of art, crafted by hand from sustainable materials such as recycled copper, reclaimed wood, and bamboo; each piece reflects the unique style and technique of the artisan who so skillfully created it.

Given a close look, these pieces’ journeys can be seen in their details; the copper sinks contain the nicks, patina, and marks of nature’s kiln; the reclaimed wood vanities display their test of time through distinct color, character, and durability.

Copper Artistry

Skilled coppersmiths combine centuries of tradition with contemporary design to create one-of-a-kind functional works of art. Using age-old techniques passed down through generations, a typical sink or tub takes several days and many thousands of hammer strikes to perfect.

1. The process begins with the melting down of reclaimed copper (electrical wiring, pipes, etc.), which is then rolled into large sheets by our copper artisans.
2. Over an open forge, the sheet is heated continuously, keeping the copper malleable throughout the shaping process.
3. With a variety of hammers and tools (often handmade as well), the copper craftsman uses up to 30,000 hammer strikes, thoughtfully transforming each sheet into the desired form, perhaps a deep, round sink bowl or a wide, square mirror frame.
4. The craftsman’s relentless and detailed work reveals a final product with a unique character and the distinct texture of hammer marks.