Copper Crafting
by
Dolores Moffett
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About Storm Copper:
Copper crafting is easy and fun to do. Adding copper to your crafting project is an easy way to incorporate a great natural element into your project. Something as ordinary as a wooden birdhouse or birdfeeder becomes unique and glamorous when you add a cooper roof. Crafting with copper not only adds a decorative appeal but, in the case of bird houses and bird feeders it adds protection from the harsh elements, including squirrels. Not only will you be thrilled with your project, the wildlife will be curious as copper adds refracted light to your garden.
If you are considering copper crafting, an easy way to begin is with a birdhouse. I suggest useing thin copper foil (around .005" thickness) to cover the roof, allow approximately ¼ overhang on the back and sides. Allow 1 ½” overhang above the bird perch. Copper of .005 thicknesses can be easily cut with scissors. Attach the copper to the roof with brass brads. If you have another piece to add on top of the copper roof such as a finial it could be tacked or attached with a special metal adhesive.
If you prefer the copper crafting project to be a birdfeeder, purchase a ready made bird feeder from your local craft store. Cover both the roof and underneath the base with copper foil (again, Isuggest around .005" thickness). The copper covering will make the outer surface more difficult for squirrels to latch onto as well as chew. Using the .005" thick copper foil allows you to cut with scissors. Allow about a 2 inch overlay on the roof of the feeder. This will keep both birds and seeds dry. Allow approximated ¼ inch overlay and crimp copper sheet over the base with folding. Attach the copper foil with brass brads where needed.
Your copper crafting project can be made distinctive by using hammered copper sheets or by adding a chemical to hasten aging of the copper. In three hours your copper will show the beginning of the patina process. The aging chemical can be purchased at you local craft store. To add a special accent to your copper crafting project, moldings or trims can actually be covered with a very thin copper foil the consistency of aluminum foil. The thickness of this copper foil is .001" which can be simply cut into small strips with scissors and pressed over moldings and trims. The foil can be adhered to your trims by painting over with varnish.
Once you have added your copper crafting project to your garden, sit back and enjoy watching the birds use their new home and feeding station and begin to think about a new way to craft with copper.
