Metal Embossing: Fired Copper Plaque

Sharing a a gift / décor idea using one of my favorite techniques that looks a lot harder than it is:heat fired  embossed copper.

For this project you will need:

• Embossable copper (you can find at art supply stores, Michaels, JoAnn etc.)
• Die or image to trace
• Heat source ( pencil torch, micro torch, something w/ a flame)
• Wood plaques
• Paper scraps
• Mod Podge
• Washi Tape
• Stamps, colored pencils, ink
• Embellishments

First step is to prepare the plaques. I have a roll of this masking paper in my stash that I use in a number of projects. It’s thin, accepts Mod Podge and/or paints easily and most of all is cheap. Look for it in the paint aisle of your HW store. Measure to fit your plaque, cut to size and then crinkle to give it texture before applying.

You now have a canvas you can play with. I used some paper scraps, inks and washi tape to make my background.

I used a Memory Box die to cut the oak leaves. Run through a die cutter ( I used a Cuttlebug). TIP: If you don’t have a die cutter, print out an image that you want, lay it on top of the metal sheet ( put a magazine or rubber mat under the metal) trace on top of the image with a stylus and then cut with scissors.

Once you have your shape you can use a stylus to draw lines, details etc into it. I just did this freehand.

Using your pencil torch ( you can find these at the hardware store) apply flame to your copper pieces. USE LONG TWEEZERS NOT YOUR FINGERS TO HOLD METAL! Here’s a video that shows the basic process.

If you have a gas stove you can also hold the metal over a lit burner.  The thinner the sheets, the faster the process so watch closely until you get the effect you want. If you don't want to play with fire, you can skip this part and/or use a different metal.

Since I like to age things, I dry brushed my finished metal pieces with black craft paint and then wiped off just to dull them a little. Once done, glue to your prepared plaque with a strong adhesive ( I used Liquid Fusion) and embellish.  I used scrap velvet ribbon tied in a simple bow and some pinecones I found on a walk.

Now that you’ve made a lovely gift, the presentation should match don’t you think? I used a stamp with acorns and oak leaves on the envelope for the card and the gift tag and stippled inks on the envelope.  I also used some of the masking paper and scap paper from the plaque for the tag.

Here are some other metal embossing projects you might like:

Embossed Metal Snowflake Tile

Embossed Metal Christmas Ornaments

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Don't Know Whether To Use It Or Eat It

I don't think it's a blogging no-no to blog about things you learn about in newsletters you subscribe to so if it is, well I didn't know (but there's a share button so I think it's OK) . Anyway, I subscribe to the FaveCrafts newsletter and guess what they had featured in the one I got today? This, that's what!

CHOCOLATE BODY SCRUB

And it's edible! Wouldn't this make a fun gift ( if it gets out of your kitchen)? I knew I saved those pasta sauce jars ( hangs head in shame for using pre-made sauce SOMETIMES) for a reason!

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup cocoa nibs
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened
• cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup jojoba oil
• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• 2 tablespoons vitamin E oil

Steps:

1. Use a food processor or blender to grind the oats into a powder.
    
2. Add the cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, salt, almond oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil.
    
3. Hit pulse a few times to blend.
    
4. Store in a glass or plastic jar, and scoop out for use with a spoon or a seashell.
    
5. Massage the scrub into skin, then rinse with warm water.