Embossed Copper Workshop Photos

This workshop was great fun and as you'll see, the results are creative and varied. Our homework is to finish the two embossed copper covers and bring them to the July workshop where Dolores Guffey will be helping us assemble a book using the covers. Look for the upcoming post regarding her workshop. The photos below will give you an idea of the processes we used for the covers.

Tracing paper is used to copy a design.

The design is then taped to the copper and embossed.

Once the major features are created, further embossing can be done.

Paper stumps are used for larger areas.

Heat is applied for a mottled look.

Inks are applied to highlight recessed areas.

A finished product!

 

Embossed Copper Book Cover

JUNE WORKSHOP

with Bonnie Julien

Instead of paper, let’s play with metal for a change. Working with pieces of 36 gauge copper foil we will create a design for front and back book covers using a ball tip stylus for dry embossing. Finishing techniques will include using a butane torch to bring out colors in the copper and using acrylic ink to add more dimension and color to the design. At the end of the workshop you will have completed covers for a book to be bound at the July workshop that will be taught by Dolores Guffey.

You will need to bring the following materials:

• Ball tip stylus – available at Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabric, & Ellis Art & Engineering for about $4 or less if you use coupons.

• Cushion at least 8” square. A mouse pad or Fun Foam at least 1/4" thick.

• Illustration board. 2 pieces cut 4 1/2" x 5 3/4" grain direction does not matter.

• Pencil

• Bone folder

• Scissors – you will be cutting soft metal

Optional materials:

• Blending stumps (a 2-piece plastic set at Michaels is $1.99 and a 5-piece set made from paper is $4.99. Bonnie will have both of these sets available for use)or some similar round tip tool to aid in pushing in/out to help define the embossed design.

• Acrylic paints or ink (Bonnie will have black, walnut ink & other colors).

• Design patterns to use for your covers (no larger than 4” x 5”. Bonnie will also have design patterns available).

• Tracing paper

An RSVP by April 30 was necessary for this workshop due to the need to order the copper from an online source. Twenty people responded and should have already received an email confirmation from Bonnie as well as an email that contains the above information. Members who are not signed up for the workshop are still welcome. It is possible that there will be limited pieces of copper available either for a smaller book or at least scrap pieces to play with so please come even if you aren’t signed up.