Copper Cuffs - Variations on a Theme

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Copper Cuffs - Variations on a Theme

by zoraida
(patchogue, ny)

It's amazing how many variations you can come up with using a single, relatively simple, design.

I have recently become obsessed with making hammered cuffs out of copper sheet. I can't get enough of them!

I've made them wide, narrow, added beads, combined metals, oxidized them, left them bright and shiny, punched holes in them and now I'm adding different colored patinas.

I've just finished making a cuff for a lady with the wrist size of a Barbie Doll and I suddenly realized how many variations I had already created. Perhaps I should promote these as custom orders. I'm already doing just that!

I know I'll be coming up with more variations (etching, enamel, painting on them, dangle beads from them.....) but I'm keeping one of each for myself! That is, until someone buys it off my wrist.

zoraida
Art-Z Jewelry blog
Zoraida on Artfire
Zoraida on Handmade Artists' Shop

Comments for
Copper Cuffs - Variations on a Theme

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So much rustic gorgeousness!
by: Rena

I can see how these would be addictive to make - and to wear! Fantastic variations in design and color. I love all things rustic, and these are wonderful.

Thank you so much for sharing them here!

Gorgeous
by: Irene

As Rena said, it's easy to see how making these would become addictive. They are gorgeous and there's ao many variations!

Simply great!
by: Joan

I love all the variations you've come with so far, especially the one in the 3rd picture!

Thank you
by: zoraida

Thanks Rena, Irene and Joan!

I'm thinking of new designs for these cuffs right now.

The beaded cuff in the 3rd photo sold recently at a Gem & Mineral Show. I'll have to make something similar.

WOW!!!
by: Angie S

Way to go!! These are all amazing and really seem to be letting your creatvity run free! Keep running! And thanks for sharing!

Love your metalwork!
by: Cass

Do you create the patina with a paint on product or a chemical reaction or what? Absolutely beautiful cuffs.

Thank you Angie and Cass
by: zoraida

I create the patina with a product called Gilders' Paste. It's a wax and comes in 28 colors. It's in a tin like shoe polish. After it dries, I seal it with either clear nail polish or a spray, glossy fixative.

I've just made another cuff using blues, greens and purple and listed it on my http://handmadeartistsshop.com/shop/zoraida. Take a look. It's so much fun.

A question...
by: Tamara

Zoraida, I love your jewellery! The color of the copper, the artistry of the swirls and curves you use, and the beautiful colors you combine with the copper, all so inspiring! I've been thinking of using copper in my designs (I haven't as of yet), but I've been concerned about it turning peoples' skin green. Have you had any problem with that?

Thanky you Tamara
by: zoraida

Thank you Tamara! I love working with copper. It's so malleable and I think the color blends beautiful with almost all stones.

I haven't received any complaints about green skin (yet). I do seal every item with an acrylic fixative and perhaps that helps.

Thank You
by: Tamara

Thanks for responding to my question, Zoraida. I'll keep the sealing in mind. I didn't used to have any desire to use copper, but seeing beautiful work like yours has caused me to want to include it. I'm seeing how versatile and lovely it really is!

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