[Jewelry making - Article 00048] - Re: [Orchid] Copper oxidation

[Bill Churlik]

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Fran,

    I use a lot of copper for the students to practice with at my
    school. I use a lot of copper for my own sculptural pieces and some
    jewelry. It is a wonderful metal within its limits. It is like all
    other things. You have to learn its chacteristics....what it can and
    can not do and work within those limitations. Any coating will
    eventual come or wear off, including plating. The raw metal will turn
    the skin funny colors. It will corrode in contact with dissimilar
    metals. This is the nature of the beast. 

    If the piece is really experimental, I work out my ideas in copper
    first then reproduce them in gold or silver. 

    Every metal has its characteristics and limits. The fun is in
    learning how far you can go before hitting those limitations. The
    key: learn the nature of your materials. I love seeing what I can get
    away with once I know what I can't get away with. Usually much more
    than one thinks possible. 

Bill Churlik
wechurlik AT earthlink.net
www.earthspeakarts.com
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