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- Step-by-step instructions
- Helpful illustrations
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Getting Started
You can create a patina at the end of a cut piece of copper or silver wire by heating it in the flame of a torch. Simply place the end of the wire in the flame and allow the metal to melt and ball up, and then pull it from the flame when the end is shaped. This not only produces remarkable color variations, but it also helps to smooth the ends so they won’t snag and pull clothing.
If copper wire is removed from the flame at the melting point and placed directly into cold water, it develops a bright red and/or pink patina that’s permanent. If the shaped ends are air-dried instead of cooled in water, they’ll turn black. If you torch the ends of silver wire and immerse them in cold water, they’ll turn pale pink.
If you torch the ends of tin-coated wire, they’ll turn red and/or bright pink like bare copper, but remember to always do this outdoors because of the dangerous fumes released from the coating.
Skill Level
- Intermediate
Materials
- 18-gauge copper wire, 9 feet (spokes)
- 24-gauge or smaller copper wire (weaver)
- Copper jewelry clasp (finding)
- 24 medium-size copper jump rings (finding)
Tools
- Wire cutters
- Torch
- Safety glasses
- Needle-nose pliers
| Copyright © 2005 Mary Hettmansperger | Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
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