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Copper is an elegant metal that has been used extensively throughout history in the arts. In mythology, it was associated with the goddess Aphrodite because of it's lustrous beauty. Weathering of copper from a bright shiny metal to a mature green patina is one of its unique qualities that make it a perfect material for making garden markers and stakes. It is soft and pliable, easy to cut and shape into whimsical ornaments for the garden.
Materials:
30 gauge (10ml) copper sheets
Copper/metal rods
Solder
Flux
Tools:
Vice
Tin snips
Needle nose pliers
Rawhide or rubber mallet
Metal scribe or awl
Propane torch
Large nail
Wood block
Masonite or hard wood for work surface
Directions:
1. Print out template design from our Facebook page (click here) or other origami source.
2. Cut out ornament.
3. Trace image onto copper sheet with metal scribe or awl.
4. Cut ornament with tin snips. (For garden markers, at this stage inscribe, stamp or write with permanent marker name of plant on a flat area of ornament.)
5. Fold into 3-D shape at dotted lines.
6. Bend top of metal rod to attach to ornament.
7. Solder rod to ornament by painting flux onto the road and bottom of ornament at the point of attachment. Holding the rod in place, heat the copper ornament and rod with the propane torch then place solder onto the heated metal and it will flow onto the copper through the flux. Hold in place until cool.
Special Thanks:
Julie Blount
Blount Boats
Warren, RI
julie@blountboats.com
Basic Copper
1809 W. Main St. #244
Carbondale, IL 62901
1-618-684-2784
www.basiccopper.com
Crown Roll Leaf
91 Illinois Avenue
Paterson, NJ. 07503
800-631-3831
Crescent Bronze
3321 Country Road A
Oshkosh, WI 54901
1-800-445-6810