A blow dryer used to be one of the tools of the trade for David Broussard, but the former Dallas hairstylist now uses a blow torch to produce unique crosses and gift items through a process he calls "flame-painting."

Sold by Christian and church retailers as well as general market stores, Jeweled Steel items--primarily crosses--are handmade and signed by Broussard, who does with steel what a jeweler does with stones. Using only the heat from the torch, he polishes and textures the steel, revealing various colors for a one-of-a-kind design.

Besides a line of more than 30 designs of gift crosses, jewelry and other products, Broussard works on commissioned wall hangings and free-standing sculptures. Available through his Web site, Broussard's products are also carried by approximately 35 Christian and church stores.

Broussard noted that more than 50 mainstream stores carry Jeweled Steel products. "Most of the crosses I sell are at secular stores, which are mainly gift shops," he said. "I am not surprised by the fact that secular stores outsell Christian stores when it comes to my crosses.

"The greatest challenge I have is competing with the stuff from China," Broussard added. "In China, slave labor is very cheap, and I'm competing with their goods."

Read more in the June issue of Inspirational Gift Trends, a supplement to Christian Retailing magazine.

• Prev
• Next