Artisan-Crafted Recycled Copper Sinks Raise the Bar for 2010

I’m not sure which is more beautiful – these artisan-crafted, hand-hammered copper sinks or the story of how they came to be.

Naomi Neilson Howard, the founder of California-based Native Trails, caught the fever for blending cultural differences, stunning style and age-old tradition while traveling around Mexico with her family. Later, she partnered with artisans in central Mexico to draw up plans for sustainable design, like these gorgeous copper sinks.

The craftsmen’s art form, community and environmental consciousness take precedence over the climb to success. And Naomi believes that’s exactly what led to Native Trail’s well-established business. The company aligns closely with its artisans and their families, participating in events like weddings and baptisms and offering loans to help them advance their trade. Naomi donates time and money to the community where she works and even provides incentives, like paid days off for her employees to volunteer as well.

Most amazing of all? The products themselves are as beautiful as Naomi’s story.

Kitchen Kapers

Farmhouse in Antique                                                 Bistro in Brushed Nickel

Bath Medleys   

Eclipse in Brushed Nickel                                                       Small Round in Natural

Maestro Bajo in Tempered

Some of the sinks, like this heavy 15-gauge Maestro Vessel, undergo up to 40,000 strikes of the hammer.

How the Sinks are Made

To craft the artisan copper sinks, metal is melted down from recycled copper pipe and wire and rolled into sheets. When shaping and hammering, the copper is heated constantly to keep it formable until the desired appearance is realized. Choices for the finish include antique, brushed nickel and natural.

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