Project by Elaine Woodhouse.Materials
wooden photo box
Stampworks fish background stamp #KM0278J
36-gauge copper foil
embossing mat
butane micro-torch
stainless steel forceps clamp
StazOn black solvent ink pad
embossing stylus
steel scissors
Steps:1. Remove glass from photo frame box. Cut copper to fit insert.
2. Using black solvent ink, stamp image on copper (figure A).
3. Place metal on embossing mat and outline images with a metal embossing stylus (figure B).
4. Turn metal over (with image now facing the mat) (figure C) and "stretch" some of the outlined shapes by "coloring" in the shapes using the stylus (figure D).
5. Turn metal over again, this time placing the image on the table. Use the stylus to re-outline the "stretched" areas. This flattens the metal around the shapes and gives your work a more finished look (figure E).
6. Repeat until the design is completed. When the image has been embossed, use forceps clamp to hold metal while applying heat with a butane torch. The heat will patina the copper (figure F). In this project, only the fish were heated.
7. Allow metal to cool before inserting into frame (figure G).
Tips:
Use an embossing stylus with a larger size tip. This will speed up the embossing process and produce a smoother finish on the copper.
Always use 100 percent solid copper, not copper-colored tin). Make sure the gauge you are using fits the project.
Coloring the copper takes only a few seconds. Avoid over-heating. The copper will turn orange, red, blue and then purple. Stop then. When overheated, it will turn silver.
Do not be afraid to apply pressure onto the surface of the copper.
To add additional color, use permanent markers after heating.
Achieve additional texture by rolling a pounce wheel over the surface of the copper.
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/HGTV/2003/12/21/cds1539_guest1_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/HGTV/2003/12/21/cds1539_1tape_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/HGTV/2003/12/21/cds1539_1a_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/HGTV/2003/12/21/cds1539_1b_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/HGTV/2003/12/21/cds1539_1c_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/HGTV/2003/12/21/cds1539_1d_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/HGTV/2003/12/21/cds1539_1e_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/HGTV/2003/12/21/cds1539_1f_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/HGTV/2003/12/21/cds1539_1g_e.jpg",350,450))
