Thursday, February 26, 2009

Copper

I have found a new medium to work with and that's copper. It's wonderful, it's soft, has a delightful rust color and will patina to shades of green. Having spent almost 4 years building a house, I've collected many of copper wire strings, it's expensive and I knew in the near future I'd be working some craft with it.


To create with copper wire it is recommended to use gloves for a better grip, pliers (especially needle nose), wire cutters, and several dowels up to the size of a broomstick, used for curling.



Copper wire comes in gauges 4 to 26, the smaller the number the thicker the wire. Clearly, if you are crafting a plant hook (weight holding) you will need the thicker wire and better tools to shape with as it's also harder to bend.




My projects are in the experiment stage and they have evolved off the "top of my head", I did not know what I was going to do until I did it, I'm happy with the results!







Visit Life in the Fast Lane for this free project pattern on how to make Gazing Globes. C&G Design







13 comments:

tina said...

It is something I love! I too use copper in the garden. Have a question, can you think of a creative way to make plant labels that will last, look decorative, and are unique with the copper? Might be a great seller if you did. I am getting ready to work the subject myself soon.

Dawn said...

Aw, you spoiled it. That's my current project, they are done except the "sign" part of it. Yep, more things like that on Ebay and not Etsy. Simple ones, mine aren't. We already do windchimes but I saw suncatchers along the way....

Kathleen said...

I have learned so much by reading your blog, and enjoying your friendship. I continue to be amazed at your talent. Can't wait to see the "sign". I am in hot anticipation of gardening! Hopefully the weather will be like the wicked witch...melting, melting.....Hugs, XO Kathleen

Dawn said...

Kathleen, I enjoy your post too and your friendship. You are too funny! At first I thought I read wicked witch wrong! Ha! Ha! Teehee!

Skeeter said...

Those are neat ideas to use up the left overs from house building! I bet you bought more at the hardware store then left overs. lol Ah, I would have after making those cute things...

Jean Merriman said...

Very clever, your talents amaze me. I love the duck, how neat that will be in a garden. Now you need a couple of baby duck to follow mamma duck. I still have my wind chimes hanging out front that your hubby made for me many years ago and I love them.

Anonymous said...

I am in agreement with Jean. I LOVE that duck. Will there be others to follow?. On Etsy, maybe.
Your are sooo talented. I am envious.

Protector of Vintage said...

Wow, your work is amazing. I like Jean's idea about having some little ducklings out there. I didn't know you sold items on ebay, too.

KatCollects said...

How fun, I can't wait to see what all you create! I hope you are having a beautiful day.
Kathy

kari and kijsa said...

Can't wait to see more of your projects!! Love the copper!
blessings,
kari & kijsa

Skeeter said...

Jean, Great idea! Dawn you need some baby duckies to follow mommy around the yard....

Dawn said...

I actually didn't do the photo projects but I'm more than willing to figure out the Duckie, I think the head would be challenging and hard.
I should of mentioned that, they are items for sale on the net and the duck is my favorite.

Anonymous said...

Love the copper duck! Keep up the great work!