For this Impression Obsession challenge, Holiday Wishes, I had a little copper left, along with the bright idea to try a few things I hadnt tried before.
Lesson number one: trying new things is good. Trying new things with a thin metal that makes paper cuts seem like a rocking good time, is not good.
Lesson Number two: using diecuts to cut images from copper makes a nice change to always using them to cut images from paper. Using intricate die cuts on copper means that you must stuff your Big Shot so full of paper shims that you must enlist help from your entire family: half to hold the machine and the other have to crank it. Not just one time, mind you, but approximately the 27 times it will take to get the cuts deep enough. This can take some time, especially when you happen to have all Y Chromosomes on the job and whose hands accidentally keep...ahem...slipping...right as the crank is at its tightest. The result is the crank rocketing back with such force that the unsuspecting ones end up with bruised knuckles and cracked wrists, much to the great hilarity of the rest of the pack. I tolerate it because-and only because-I dont have to do it.
I believe Ive already addressed-in toto-the potential liabilities of using blow torches to heat copper, starting with the trip to any craft store simply asking for a blow torch. But I have an actual positive to share today, friends.
Id been heating copper using the torch function. See, when you ignite a hand torch, you get a soft flame. Then you engage the torch which will turn your copper silver (called scaling-caused when you overheat metal) and you bypass all the warm colors. This time, I just used the soft flame, not the torch. Took a few minutes but worth it. Totally pleased.
And, for the record, you can emboss copper! Which I did before heating. And hence, my Holiday Wish for you.
Joy.
AND for the Spirit of Christmas to fill Your home and your hearts! (As well as your eggnog and to keep it full of another type of joy. Heh heh)
Merry Happy Chanukah Christmas!
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2019 GMT Views: 188
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