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Copper Leaf Earrings

by Zoraida.
(Patchogue, New York USA)

These simple earrings are my first attempt at working with copper sheet (36 gauge).

I didn’t think they were good enough to display but I do like the way they turned out, so here they are.

To create them, I cut a section of copper sheet and drew some leaves on it with a regular pen.

I then cut out the leaves with my brand new shears and filed and sanded around the edges to eliminate the sharp edges.

I should have used some kind of gloves, but I didn’t have any and was anxious to get started.

I punched holes at the top of each leaf with a small hole punching thing I’ve had for years and used to make holes in coins.

Next, I decided which side of the leaves would be the front, slightly folded them in that direction then reopened them to create a crease down the center.

From the back of the leaves I worked a pencil point to rub between the veins in the leaves to make them puff out and create some texture.

Finally, I twisted the leaves a little at various points to make them look more realistic.

I attached a 20 gauge copper wire about 2″ long with a small loop through the hole in the leaf.

I added a bead for weight and color (the leaf is very light weight which gives them nice movement).

The wire was then shaped to form the earwire, hammered a little, and the ends rounded with a file.

So here they are. I hope someone else likes them too.

Zoraida
Zoraida Jewelry

Comments:

I thought they were real leaves!
by: Rena

Wonderful craftsmanship – I thought they were actual leaves plated with copper.

Thank you so much for sharing the techniques you used in working the copper sheet to create these stunning leaves!

The black beads are a perfect counterpoint.

Copper Leaf Earrings
by: Dita

This is fabulous!. I love it. I am so inspired now to work with copper sheets- haven’t got the gut yet, But you inspired me. May give it a try. Thanks for sharing. Dita

From: http://www.alankarshilpa.etsy.com
http://www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com
http://www.bead-z-mommys-business.com

Thank you Rena and Dita
by: Zoraida

Thank you Rena for your encouraging comments. I’m flattered that you thought the leaves are real.

Thank you Dita for your compliment. Copper sheet is easy to use in the thin gauges and inexpensive. Just be careful cutting and working
with the sheet. The edges are quite sharp. Good luck with it.

Copper Leaf
by: Michelle Buettner

These are gorgeous! Wonderful work! I love the way you textured them – Rena’s right – they look real!

Inspiring!
by: Patti

What a lovely design and truly amazing for a first-time sheet metal piece!

Awesome
by: LaSirene Designs

These were your FIRST attempt? Gorgeous! Like Rena I thought they were real as well. Excellent technique and workmanship. Can’t wait to see more!

KUDOS!
by: Selma

Well done again Zoraida. I agree with Rena they look like real leaves – Keep up the good work – gloves or no gloves!

Beautiful!
by: Lisa

I love leaves, and these are no exception! What an inspiring project…just gorgeous!

Great Work!
by: Rita Juhlin

Love the color combo, black and copper. You did good kid! These would sell!!!

Loved the look!
by: Julie

Zoraida,
Thank you for sharing the cooper leafs. Loved the way you made them look so real.

awesome copper leaves
by: the jewelry lady

very nice job! i would never have thought they were your first try. how do you cut your metal. i am just getting into metal and bought 28 gauge, tried cutting with snips but they left serated edges. I am now thinking about getting a band saw but dont know if it will work with the very thin sheets like your 38 gauge. were you able to cut this with metal cuting scissors?

thanks for sharing. i would love to try these myself.

Thank you Jewelry Lady
by: zoraida

Thank you for the great comments. I was actually able to cut this copper sheet with regular scissors. Since the leaves are small and the sheet was so thin, I didn’t want to use big clunky shears. I had better control with scissors.

I worked the cut leaf with nylon jaw pliers until it was stiff before adding details.

I’ve made others that had serrated edges which actually added to the life-like appearance of the leaf. In that case, I used a fine needle file all around while holding the leaf very close to the edge. Eventually, the edges lost the sharp, points.

I constantly pull on the leaf with my nylon jaw pliers until it is really stiff.

Now I like to oxidize my leaves with LOS after I add the veins and then brush them with steel wool for highlights and finally coat them with something like clear nail polish.

I’ve never used a saw so I can’t advice you on that.

Good luck with your leaves!

WOW
by: Anonymous

Absolutely Fabulous !
You hit a grand slam with that effort …