Yesterday, I featured a project from Elle Decor’s new book, Style and Substance, that showcased several of the amazing lamps designed and created by Christopher Spitzmiller.  Today, I want to introduce you to Chris Spitzmiller, the man behind the gorgeous gourd lamps and show you the process that goes into these hand-made beauties.

Though I have been buying Chris’s lamps for quite some time, I had the pleasure earlier this year of visiting the studio where they are made and seeing exactly how the Spitzmiller artisans turn a piece of clay into a fantastic and vibrant lamp.  The shelves of the business office are lined with beautiful eye candy that includes a multitude of styles and colors of Christopher Spitzmiller lamps.  I was literally like a kid in a candy shop in this room.  I want one (or two) of every style and color, so somebody tell my husband we need a bigger house!

Behind the rows of lamps in the business office is where all the magic happens.  One step through the door into the factory and there are many talented artisans hard at work creating the Spitzmiller designs.  I loved seeing the potter’s wheel in motion.  I am in awe of the pottery making process.

Once the lamps are thrown on the potters wheel, they await their next step on the shelves in the factory.

All of the firing is done right on site.  Multiple steps are involved to take a lamp from white to one of the many vibrant hues you find in Chris’s designs.

Next, the finished vases are ready to be illuminated.  Each Spitzmiller lamp has a hand detailed base in either gilt, lacquer, or mahogany.  These bases are finished in the studio right next to the wiring department so that the lamps can be efficiently wired, assembled and ready to ship.

In just a few short weeks, Christopher Spitzmiller and his team can go from clay to these gorgeous blue Romano lamps.  I have a whole new appreciation for the process and it makes me love all my Spitzmiller lamps even more.

To see some of the Christopher Spitzmiller lamps from the pages of Elle Decor, visit my Amazon recommendations and order a copy of the new Elle Decor book, Style and Substance.

To enter to win an autographed copy by Margaret Russell, send an email with your contact information to me at tobifairley@gmail.com with the subject line “Elle Decor Giveaway”.  Only one entry per person please. The drawing will be held tomorrow at noon CST.