clear irons website launch

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll remember my great friend, Eric Larson. 

Eric and I met at the U of I and where he was getting his dual major in Industrial Design and Metals. He was even in one of the Metals classes I taught as a grad student and we both enrolled in one of the best classes I ever took in school, that covered welding (in the Agriculture Department). But we've been great friends ever since school and he is probably one of the people who I know directly that "really gets it" when it comes to work ethic, design, making, functional objects, etc. He's always been someone who I respect greatly for his talent, his heart, and his ability to learn. As some of you may know, he and I worked together for the first couple years when I first moved to Milwaukee as we both built some hot rod VW's and some Single Cab VW trucks. Over the years we have worked on several side projects and I can't even count the number of times that we got together to make something. I don't know what it is exactly, but Eric is a joy to work with. I can honestly say that I have had some of my most productive moments when we've been working together. As I said, "he just gets it". 

Well anyway, Eric has worked in the Industrial Design field ever since graduation, and he has learned the ropes by working several years for DiMonte Group and growing in his design skills, Solidworks skills, and working as project manager for several big name clients. He has really developed into a great business man as well as continuing to grow as a designer and maker. I was stoked a few years ago when he said that he was going to make the leap and start his own business called Clear Irons. Eric has been killing it lately with his new business and consistent work with Paratech as well as wheelchair design work for ADI. 

Eric recently hired a super talented guy (Robby Sachs) and they've been working on the new website as well as rolling out a line of products that you can purchase from their store. Eric recently launched the new website and he has several things happening over there that my blog readers will be interested in. You have to go check out the great work they have for sale in addition to their design and prototype work.  Also, bookmark the site as you'll want to be sure and follow their work as they are utilizing CAM software to run their beautiful Haas CNC milling machine to make new tooling and prototypes. Make sure to follow Eric and Robby on Instagram as I know they will have frequent updates there.

Eric's been busting his tail to make the business happen so I'm thrilled to see the progress he's making. I haven't seen him as much as I used to, as life has just been speeding out of control for us both. I miss working with Eric out at the Seward Speed Shop or on The Farm; we most definitely miss Eric's family too, as his Mom and Dad have always been special to my immediate family. I miss our super awesome conversations and working together, but I love that I can always keep tabs on what Eric's up to and how he's using his skills to make a difference. Super inspiring to see him "making his way" too; I'm so proud to be able to call him a friend. Now go check out his site and buy a cool hand-stictched wallet or sketchbook cover

sandra larson

It is with great sadness that I write this post. My friend Eric, who I have written about many, many, times on this blog, posted on Facebook this past week that his mother had passed away. Jill gasped as she read Eric's post while standing at the dining room table and we were both moved to tears at the thought of this horrific news. I have not talked to Eric in quite some time (probably longer than usual) and I wasn't aware that Sandy was in poor condition. I was truly caught off guard by this and feel awful that I did not return a recent call from Eric. Jill and I have thought of Eric and his family many times this week since hearing the news and our prayers go out to them.

Since meeting Eric and becoming friends, he has become family to Jill and I in some form or another.  We first met Eric's parents after moving up to Milwaukee and I would spend time out at their farm when we would work on hot rod VW's and trucks at Adam's shop or in Eric's parent's barn during weekends. Noah even went out a few times with me and Eric's parents were always so good to us. Sandy would always bring me dr. pepper and pizza from our favorite Pecatonica pizza place. She always saw to every need and was more than willing to go out of her way to make sure I was taken care of. There were even a few times when I would go out and work on my own, without Eric, and she still made sure I was taken care of. I never like to be an inconvenience to anyone, and Sandy knew that, so after a while she made sure not to ask me if I needed anything and would just show up with food.

I don't believe I have ever seen a mother and son who had a relationship like Sandy and Eric. Jill has always said that she hopes Noah has the kind of relationship with her, that Eric had with Sandy. Eric always spoke with such admiration for his mother and I understood why when I met her for the first time. Eric's creativity comes from Sandy for sure. Sandy always had art supplies about the house and projects that she was working on. I so enjoyed seeing the drawings that Eric and Sandy would pass back and forth that Eric documented on one of his blogs. Eric's free spirited nature and love for original thought is definitely due to Sandy's influence.

Eric...your Mom was truly a special person and one of a kind in my eyes. Tonight Jill and I find ourselves thinking about her incredible hospitality and giant heart. I always thought that there was no one more positive and kindhearted as my Grandma Blair, but when I met your Mom I realized that you had the most amazing role model and "bright light" shining in your life. She made me realize the positive and direct impact that a parent can have on their children and I felt like I was able to know you better through knowing her. I know that her spirit lives inside of you. I hope you know how proud she was of you and your accomplishments. She always seemed to shine brighter when you were around. I know that this is a difficult time but please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and we are sending much love and thinking about all of the great memories that we shared with you and your parents at the farm.

SANDRA JEANNE LARSON, 64 LOVING WIFE, MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER PECATONICA - Sandra Jeanne Larson, 64, of Pecatonica, IL died at 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2014, in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, MO and Lymphoma. She was born Feb. 1, 1950, in Chicago, IL; the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Victoria (Barminski) Shogren. Sandra graduated from Aquinas High School, Class of 1968; attended Dominick's College in St. Charles, IL for 2 years then transferred to University of Illinois and became part of Larry's life in 1971, and graduated with high honors in 1973, with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Painting. She was an accomplished artist with many pieces of work in various local shows. She married Lawrence M. Larson in Chicago, IL on April 6, 1974. Member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Pecatonica and served as co-chair of the funeral luncheon committee for many years. Sandra also volunteered for various community events. Survivors include husband, Larry Larson of Pecatonica, IL; sons, Andrew (Katherine) Larson of Pecatonica, IL, Eric (Inna) Larson of Chicago, IL; granddaughter, Ava Mae and Alexandra Jeanne; brothers, Richard (Carol) Shogren of Carsonville, Michigan, William (Eileen) Shogren of Winnebago, IL; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents. Prayers to be recited at 10 a.m. Monday, October 13, 2014, in McCorkle Funeral Home - Countryman Chapel, 529 Washington St., with a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary Catholic Church, 126 West 5th Street, Pecatonica, IL, with Msgr. Robert Sweeney officiating. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, with a scripture service at 7 p.m. Memorials may be given to the OSF St. Anthony Hospital Foundation for the Center for Cancer Care, 5666 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, and St. Mary Catholic Church, 126 West 5th Street, Pecatonica, IL 61063.