About VIVIAN Customs LLC
HI! My name is Ian
I started out working in commercial construction for 13 years, followed by 10 years as a engine overhaul mechanic for a pipeline company before starting Vivian Customs. Built-ins, trim and moulding has been a long time hobby of mine, and in pursuit of a dream, my wife Amy and I started our own company in the summer of 2022.
Carpenter meets Mechanic
Another major interest I have is in aviation- especially engines. I have built 4 of these 9 cylinder radial engines- one of which is on display at the War Eagles Air Museum in Santa Teresa NM. I have big plans to build more engines of all different types- starting with a 9 cylinder rotary. Click or tap the picture to see some videos and pictures of the engines being built.
Walnut engagement ring box with ribbon made from wood
I wanted to take a more hands on approach to proposing to my wife. Seven hands to be exact. You see, we each have been married before, and as a result we have kids from our previous marriages. I thought it would be a beautiful way to symbolize the unity of our blended family by having each of the kids contribute silver into one crucible, melt it down and cast two rings at the same time with one pour of the molten metal. I then machined and refined the cast rings on the lathe to a brilliant shine, built a little walnut box with purple heart and maple ribbons... and popped the question to her with all the kids to witness. Click or tap the picture to see more about making the rings and box.
Hand made waving American Flags
All wood workers have given making the American flag a try, I am no exception. It truly is a fun project, and has varying degrees of difficulty depending on how creative and involved you want to be and the end results can be really quite beautiful satisfying. Click or tap the picture to see more flags and the process.