There are still so many tricks to try out from my fold forming workshop in July. Today I used two of them on a fold form copper cuff, both finishing techniques. I had forgotten all about a trick that Dave, a fellow classmate, showed me about color. Color is usually pretty random when copper is hit with a torch; you never know what blacks, golds, blues, greens, reds, or golds might show up. But when you see the colors you're after, dunk the piece in water right away. It preserves the color nicely! You'll have to trust me; this photo doesn't even come close to showing all the color nuance you'd see in person. There is so much depth the camera doesn't capture...but here you go: As for preserving color long-term, there is a second tip -- spray with clear automotive paint. The idea of car paint comes straight from master goldsmith Charles Lewton-Brain. Just think about the temperature extremes and daily punishment your car's paint job is created to withstand. It's pure genius to use the same thing to protect the patina on your copper. Should I be keeping my secrets? LOL. And here are a couple of fun pendants from this week... Finally, a quick appeal for help. My daughter Lindsay's volunteer group StandUp For Kids (mission: ending the cycle of youth homelessness in D.C.) is in the running for some much needed donations through Deals for Deeds. If they get the most votes, the group gets a percentage of the sales for deals similar to groupon. Please help Lindsay and the kids by going here and voting for StandUp For Kids. StandUp is totally run by volunteers in DC, so all of the money they make will go toward the kids.
1 Comment
Joelle
11/19/2013 07:10:33 am
Hello,
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Sue Lacy WiredThis began as a hobbyist's blog. Over time it became a quest to support & connect metalsmiths around the globe who use foldforming techniques in their work. See how it all turned out: www.foldforming.org Archives
July 2016
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