Copper is one of the best metals for beginning artists to work with. In sheets, copper is easy to cut and shape into figures or three-dimensional wall art hangings. Making copper art can be a satisfying, relaxing hobby or even a profitable business at craft fairs and flea markets. When you're ready to tackle something more complex, copper can be used to make advanced sculptures as well. Learning to work with copper artistically can be fulfilling if you have the patience and desire to experiment.
Instructions
1. Place a piece of copper on a flat surface. Use a size appropriate to the size of wall hanging you want to make. Consider starting with a smaller piece first, such as a 5"x6". Use a pencil to draw a design on your copper. If you aren't good at drawing, you can purchase a stencil to use for your design.
2. Use metal sheers to cut one side of the outline of your design so the picture you've drawn can be folded out for a three-dimensional appearance. The three-dimensional cut-outs can be trees, people or flowers. Avoid too many details when you're working with copper art. Simple designs work best.
3. Use a flat chisel or metal point chisel to add texture to the background left behind when you pulled your cut-outs away. This background copper will become part of the art. Be careful not to punch too hard when you're applying your textures because copper can easily be punched through.
4. Place your 3D copper picture onto a wood background. Hammer it in place with four nails. Use the smallest nails you can find to keep them as invisible as possible. If you want to add a little acrylic paint to your copper 3D picture to finish it, feel free to do so. Acrylic goes onto copper well. Use the paint selectively so you don't detract from the copper aspect of the design.
