I have however had time to play around hammering copper! I started tinkering with it because I seem to be getting a touch of arthritis in some of my fingers.. which I absolutely do not want. SO I decided some copper jewellery was called for (I have heard that its good for curing/preventing arthritis).
I used one of the pretty shell buttons that I brought from the Button Lady at WonderWool Wales |
Kept it nice and simple & rustic (bit like me lol). It didnt take long for Rachael to ask me to make her a copper bracelet too (no suprises there :). I decided to make a mother & daughter set using another of the pretty shell buttons, and take some photos as I did.
After measuring a length of wire (circumference of wrist plus a little extra for the loop & hook) I bent the loop about an inch from one end. I used a slim pencil to go round. |
Using flush cuts trim off the bit marked by pliers - this is excess anyway. A quick squeeze with the pliers tucks it in nice and neat |
Pop it on the 'anvil' and give it a good hammering. This strengthens the copper wire - suprising how warm it gets when you beat it. |
Cut a piece of thinner copper wire - 4 or 5 inches. I hammered just the very centre piece. Then bent it around my pliers so it was the right shape to go through the button. |
I twisted it at the back being careful not to damage the button. |
I used my round nose pliers to make a tidy little hook.
Ideally I would of hammered it on a bracelet mandrel, which would make it stronger... but as I dont have one I make do with whats available. I bent the bangle into shape around a small china vase :)
My girlie is very happy with it.. she has just come down the stairs in her PJs (lazy Sunday morning) with it already on.
9 comments:
How beautiful!! I hope the copper works for you. Every time I see someone with one on, I ask whether they think it works for their arthritis, and they always say 'yes'! XXO-
What beautiful jewellery. Thank you for taking the time to show us the process as well as the finished product. Such an unusual shell button, I think it would have been lost on anything woolly! It complements the copper perfectly.
Becky x
Simple and chic bracelets. I may have a go with my ceremic buttons. Thanks for sharing and your sweet comments on my nuno felt dresses.
Very nice, and the pictures are fabulous. I like how you used the button, perfectly simple. I think it's sweet how your daughter wanted one too.
If this helps with arthritis, I must give it a try! Love the tutorial.
Thank you all for your lovely comments :)
Glad you like the process pics - must keep doing this xx
Hi there. Nice blog. You have shared useful information. Keep up the good work! Your blog is really interesting and provides good details. copper wire suppliers, copper wire manufacturers.
Lovely work. A wooden rolling pin makes a fine substitute for a bracelet mandrel.
Thanks for the tip Pyxee :)
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