DIY Network

Copper Foil Lantern Visit DIY's Craft Lab to learn how to create a copper foil lantern. From "Craft Lab" episode DCLB-153

Guest Barbara Matthiessen joins host Jennifer Perkins and demonstrates how to emboss a design into copper foil. They cut out the design on the copper and fold the copper to create a triangle lantern.

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	Guest Barbara Matthiessen utilizes embossing techniques to create metal foil lanterns.
	PDF Download the "Lantern" pattern.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Copper Lantern

Project designed by Barbara Matthiessen.

Materials:

awl
stylus
gloves
2 medium or lightweight 9" x 12" copper sheets
craft knife
scissors
butane or propane craft torch
candle
cutting mat or ruler
pattern
scrap piece of wood
masking tape

1. Measure and cut a copper sheet that is 9" x 12." Using a stylus score a line down the middle of one sheet of copper (figure A). Cut the other sheet in half using scissors.

   Note: Embossing metal sheets usually come in kits with tapping and burnishing tools. The sheets range from lightweight to heavy gauge.

2. Make a pattern for your lantern design using a sheet of paper and a pencil or design one on the computer or use clip art.

   Note: Beginners start with straight edges for the design and then you can work your way up to more intricate shapes.

3. Make three copies of your pattern and tape one on each sheet of copper (figure B). Place a few sheets of paper underneath each pattern to provide a little cushion surface while you emboss.

4. Transfer the pattern lines on the copper sheets using a stylus and remove the paper. After you have done a few lines, you need to turn the sheet over to make sure you are getting the impression that you want. If you make a mistake, you can buff it out with the flat end of the stylus (figure C), and you can start over.

   Tip: If your stylus starts to stick on the paper, take the tip and roll it on some wax paper and it will help it glide easier.

5. Once the pattern is transferred to the metal, remove the pattern and move the foil onto a wood block. Using an awl, punch holes where indicated by the dots on the pattern (figure D).

6. Wearing gloves, cut along the solid pattern lines with a craft knife only cutting the bottom and left side of the pattern.

7. Using a butane or propane craft torch, color areas of copper (figure E) by touching the flame to the copper for a few seconds. Remember the copper will continue to change after the heat has been removed. It helps to hold the copper with tongs, and do the torching on a heat resistant surface like a cookie sheet.

8. Face the two copper pieces together and fold along the side seam 1/4" in. It helps to use a scrap piece of wood to give your copper a nice folded edge. Then fold in again to create a double fold. Then open up the two sides to lay the lantern flat face down.

9. Fold in 1/4" hem along the top and bottom edges of the copper sheets. It helps to use the edge of a counter to bend the copper over. Again, use a block of wood to smooth the fold down (figure F).

10. Emboss the back side of the cut areas with a stylus to give the design more dimensions.

11. Fold the larger piece of copper on the scored center line, and double-fold the two pieces of foil together to create the triangle shape (figure G).

12. Place the finished lantern over a candle.

Note: The candle should not touch the sides of the lantern.

RESOURCES :

New Metal Foil Crafts: Simple and Inspiring Crafts to Make at Home
by Barbara Matthiessen
ISBN: 1564968987
Rockport Publishers

Copper and Foil
American Art Clay Co., Inc.
Website: www.amaco.com

GUESTS :

Barbara Matthiessen
Creative Art Diner
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