Comments on: Copper Wire Working Tips for Polymer Clay Jewelry Making Projects

By: Phaedrakat

Phaedrakat — Wed, 12 May 2010 05:28:12 +0000

@Barbara: Hi Barbara, actually, according to Ken's research (where the tip originally came from,) you leave your copper in the solution for about 5 minutes, then remove it (but DO NOT rinse.) Lay it on something non-absorbent, but out in the open (like on top of some plastic wrap, or a styrofoam tray, perhaps.) Here's the original comment by Ken: Using Vinegar to Patina Copper Hope it works for you! I'm gonna give it a try myself next week, when I get the rest of my tools back. Good luck!

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 12 May 2010 04:55:39 +0000

Hi Cindy
I am trying to patina some copper, I have had it sitting in straight white vinger and salt for a couple of hours. Am I doing someting wrong , it is wire that I striped and is large very hard to work with. The only thing that is happening is the wire is getting brighter, which can be good. but that is not what I want. Any suggestion.

Dont post much but love reading
Thanks Barb

By: Andrei

Andrei — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:36:43 +0000

Very nice work, Cindy! I really like the fact that it has an earthy feeling to the jewelry. I’ll take this as an inspiration on my future project. Thanks!

By: Cindy Lietz@Studio by Sculpey Antiquing Medium

Cindy Lietz@Studio by Sculpey Antiquing Medium — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:37:51 +0000

Hi Cheryl! If by ‘stranded wire’ you mean, several wires twisted together, than yes. You just have to strip off the plastic coating on the outside and untwist the wires. You can get lots of wire this way. For the projects I used 14 Gauge wire but you can use 12, 14, 16, or 18 gauge if you want with a slightly different look. Smaller wire can be stripped and used for other projects. Basically, any copper wire you can get your hands on is good!

By: Cheryl Hodges

Cheryl Hodges — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:30:32 +0000

Hi Cindy

I was just talking to my husband about the copper wire. I want to try making the hammered copper findings. He told me they only have the stranded wire at work that has to be stripped. Can I use stranded wire? What guage? Do I have to use solid wire that is not in strands?

Thanks
Cheryl

By: Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Color Recipes - Cat Eyes

Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Color Recipes - Cat Eyes — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 23:22:22 +0000

@Ken: I have used salt sprinkled on a cut lemon to polish some copper pots I have, so I always thought it would only clean it. Though I should have realized that with a chemical reaction like that, it is not that surprising that if giving some time, a nice patina would develop! Even if it wasn’t your idea, I am pleased you thought to share it with us!

@Zarah: You can get a proper Chasing Hammer at lots of different places. They are under ten bucks. Polymer Clay Express sells them as well as a bunch of other people. Just Google it to find some alternate sources.

@aims: I prefer copper and silver over gold as well. Really like aged bronze and Niobium too! Hurry up and get that sewing done so you can get to your polymer clay! I bet you’re going crazy wanting to get to it!

By: aims

aims — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:14:08 +0000

I love the look of copper jewelry. It has such a richness and goes so well with a different set of colours.

I’m not a ‘gold’ gal – always focusing on silver – and copper just has such a different look.

I went out and loaded up on some copper wire to give it a try.

However – as I wrote you earlier – I’m still in the midst of that sewing project and unfortunately jewelry making HAS to wait. Drats!! I’m so looking forward to it!

Thanks for all these inspirational blog posts Cindy. I’m enjoying them and learning lots each morning with my coffee – and from the comments too!

By: Zarah

Zarah — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:51:16 +0000

Saw at the video preview about the hammered copper findings, well done! The antiquing surface work looks great, so old :) Like a finding from the stone age :P Any good ideas for a proper hammer? I’ve already got some prepared items to use it on. / byZarah.com

By: Ken H.

Ken H. — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:44:23 +0000

Thanks Cindy for the complement but I can’t really fully claim the vinegar idea as my own, I thought I remembered something from my HS Chemistry days, about vinegar, lemon juice being mild acids and thought they might work, did a little research online and found what appeared to be a site for Science Fair experiments, that’s where I got the salt from added to the white vinegar. Just like Jamie though I remember my grandmother talking about using vinegar or lemon juice as a cleaner.