Copper Embossing
What is Copper Embossing?
The process of embossing copper is the technique of creating designs in the metal through stamping, piercing, folding or hammering. Copper is a common choice for embossing because it is malleable and not as expensive as other metals, such as gold or silver. The technique of embossing also is also called "tooling" or "repousse" (pronounced rep-o-zay). Sheets of metal with thickness of 5 mil or 36 gauge are most commonly used. Thicker sheets may be used, but they cannot be easily cut with scissors, and require greater force when hammering or stamping.
EXAMPLES:
EXAMPLES:
EXAMPLES:
EXAMPLES:
EXAMPLES:
EXAMPLES:
GETTING STARTED..
You will need to decide what you want to create. Keep in mind that intricate details are difficult to do because the process uses tools and materials that make details hard to achieve. As you saw in the examples, you can still make it interesting without too many “fine” details..
These are some simple subjects that can still be interesting!
STEP ONE:
Do a COMPLETE drawing of your chosen (and approved) subject.
Using a ruler, measure the area on your rough draft paper to be 6 inches by 5 inches.
Your drawing can be either vertical or horizontal.
Ruler, pencil, paper….
Measure 5 x 6 inches….
STEP TWO:
Start to draw! Do your best, as this will be used to complete your final project on the Copper..
Your drawing should fit within the borders of your measured area.
STEP THREE:
Once you have completed your drawing, see me for your copper. These sheets are thin and fragile, so please take care of them… YOU ONLY GET ONE!
FRONT
BACK
STEP FOUR:
Now that you have your drawing and your piece of Copper, it is time to combine the two for tracing… MAKE SURE YOU ARE ATTACHING THE COPPER TO YOUR PAPER WITH THE CORRECT SIDE!! SEE BELOW:
TAPE THE COPPER TO THE BACK OF YOUR DRAWING, MATCHING THE OUTLINE YOU MEASURED WITH THE COPPER. (SEE ME FOR HELP!)
STEP FIVE:
Preparing the Work Area
The sheet of copper metal should be cushioned on the work surface before you begin to trace it. The cushion may be made with a smagazine. The surface absorbs the impression of the metal relief as you work, and prevents ripping a hole in the copper.
Grab any magazine to use as your cushion
Your drawing with the Copper attached to the back, ready to TRACE
STEP SIX:
TRACE. But BE CAREFUL. You need to apply pressure, but not TOO MUCH pressure. The copper can rip and tear easily, and you need to avoid this.
Use a dull colored pencil (these work best)
Not too sharp, just right.
STEP SEVEN:
Using the magazine as cushion, gently press along the lines of your drawing. Make sure to turn your paper over occasionally to make sure you are applying enough pressure… but please remember… NOT TOO MUCH!
It should look like this…
STEP EIGHT:
Once you have traced everything, check the back to make certain you have all the details showing on your copper.
STEP NINE:
PLEASE SEE ME BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE!
ONCE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE O.K., YOU WILL NEED TO TRACE AGAIN (YES!) BUT THIS TIME USING A BALLPOINT PEN…SEE ME FOR DEMONSTRATION!
STEP TEN:
Time to EMBOSS!!
At this point, you will remove your original drawing from the copper. You will still need to use your magazine as a cushion.. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!
Please see me to learn how to correctly emboss your copper. I will give you a brief demonstration and the proper tool!
I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS!