We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tennysen Werttemberger a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tennysen, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
When I hit a creativity block, I usually switch gears and cook something. Cooking and welding feel surprisingly similar to me — both are hands-on, sensory, and a little bit chaotic in the best way. Stepping into the kitchen resets my brain, and by the time I’m done chopping or stirring, I’m already thinking about metal again. The break helps me come back to my projects with fresh eyes and a new spark of inspiration.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I run TLC Welds, where I turn scrap metal into custom art pieces with personality. I love taking forgotten, rusty, or oddly shaped pieces and giving them a new life — from animals and insects to functional pieces with flair. Welding lets me mix precision with creativity, and every project feels like solving a little puzzle: how to make metal come alive.
What makes my work special is the story behind each piece. I don’t start with shiny new materials; I start with whatever I can find — old tools, gears, car parts, and random scraps — and I build something completely original from them. I want people to look at my art and say, “I can’t believe that used to be a __.”
Right now, I’m focusing on growing my presence online, especially sharing behind-the-scenes videos of my process. People really connect with seeing how a pile of metal turns into a giraffe, a butterfly, or a giant bee climbing into a flower. I’ve also been doing more custom commissions, which are always exciting because every client brings a different vision.
My motto for TLC Welds is “From Forgotten to Fabulous,” and that really sums up what I love most — giving discarded things a second chance and transforming them into something beautiful.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three things that helped me the most were: curiosity, patience, and the guts to try weird ideas without overthinking them.
Curiosity is honestly what started everything. I looked at a pile of random metal one day and thought, “Hm… what if I welded this into something cute instead of throwing it away?” If you’re just starting out, follow that feeling. Pick something up, turn it around a few times, and let your brain be weird about it. That’s where the fun begins.
Patience… well, that one showed up because welding forces you to have it. Nothing humbles you faster than metal that refuses to listen, paint that drips, or a tack weld that says “nah.” My advice: don’t fight the chaos. Take a breath, fix the mistake, maybe grab a snack, then keep going.
And the biggest one is being brave enough to experiment — even if the idea sounds like, “Okay hear me out…” Half my favorite pieces started with a ridiculous thought and turned into something awesome. Beginners: please play. Try the silly idea. Worst case, you learned something. Best case, you accidentally invent something cool.
If you stay curious, stay (mostly) patient, and say yes to your “what if” ideas, you’ll surprise yourself with how fast you grow.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Honestly, the person who’s helped me the most is my husband, Tyler. He’s the one who actually taught me how to weld in the first place, and he’s been cheering me on ever since. Whenever I’m frustrated or stuck, he’s right there hyping me up, helping me problem-solve, and reminding me that I can absolutely do this. He believes in me even when I’m convinced the metal is out to get me. Having someone who teaches you the skills and supports your wild creative ideas makes a huge difference, and I wouldn’t be on this path without him.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Tlcwelds.com
- Instagram: @tlc_welds
- Facebook: Tennysen Werttemberger
Image Credits
Tennysen Werttemberger
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