Copper art can take the form of sculpture or formed panels.
Copper artwork is something the beginner to metalworking can try, as the metal is easier to work with than others. Three-dimensional copper wall hangings made from copper sheets or sculpted wire tubing for garden art are common projects and not terribly difficult to attempt. Whatever the type of copper art you choose, the results will be a personally created piece of art with a not-too-difficult process to create it.
Instructions
Copper Sheet Art
1. Choose a design for your artwork. You can make a three-dimensional wall hanging from a copper sheet by forming a design into the metal in three dimensional cuts and grooves. Draw your design or choose a premade template from one you've seen that you want to re-create.
2. Put on heavy gloves. Cut the sheet of copper with the metal snipping shears. Cut the sheet to the outer shape of your design. Make any other cuts necessary such as cut out areas or shaped edges.
3. Work the metal sheet by tapping a chisel, wood dowel, wood blocks or other blunt and pointed tools into the metal to form three-dimensional shapes. Tap lightly at first to adjust to the pressure needed to form the copper; it is a soft metal and bends relatively easy.
4. Attach the three-dimensional copper art to a wood frame or wood panel as a backing with copper nails and a hammer.
Copper Tubing Sculpture
5. Select a sculpture design for the copper tubing. An animal formed from shaped tubing, a pyramid from straight pipe or a variety of other variations are available choices. Draw a sketch or select a design and calculate the dimensions needed for the pieces.
6. Measure the dimensions of the tubing and mark the lengths on the pipe. Cut the tubing to your measurements with the tubing cutter.
7. Bend the copper tubing using a pipe bender, or simply by hand. Do not crimp or crease the tubing unless that is part of the design.
8. Heat the ends of the tubing where you want fittings attached with the propane torch. Touch the solder to the pipe, then attach the fittings while still hot. Fit all the pieces together to complete the sculpture. Attach a piece of tubing as a pick to stand the sculpture in the garden if necessary.
