Copper is a heavy, chemical element found naturally in the earth and has a ‘soft’ hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, (talc is #1 as softest and hardest diamond is #10). Copper is almost indestructible and as such, artifacts and relics showing its’ use throughout the ages have survived, allowing modern man to track the development of civilization through more than 10,000 years! 

Easily found in abundance, pre-historic man discovered the malleability of copper and used it to form simple weapons, tools and talismans. Some of coppers’ other historic roles include: being formed into statues and all forms of ritual and/or decorative art; used in the construction and protection of dwellings as roofs, gates and plumbing; shaped into eating and drinking vessels and utensils; used in thin sheets as a painter’s canvas and to protect the underside of ships from algae and parasites; used as trade barter and currency; and of course for personal and often functional ornamentation, copper and its early alloys of bronze and brass have been made into pieces of jewelry. (The following samples are from Morocco and can be seen at Epcot.)

The main property of copper that associates it with healing, is that copper is ‘biostatic’.  This means that bacteria will not grow on its’ surface. The ‘ancients’ realized this feature and made drinking vessels of copper to drink water from as a healing method.  Modern man uses copper in garden sprays to dispel mildew and other bacteria from plants. Copper tubing is used in air conditioning units to prevent the spread of bacteria. Copper-impregnated fabrics have many uses as socks, uniforms and underwear for the sports industry; gauze bandages, wound products and textiles used in healthcare such as gowns, masks, towels, etc; household pillowcases, mattresses and carpeting; and for military and industrial clothing. Did you know that some hospitals use copper doorknobs to prevent the spread of germs? I realize now that what I though were just gorgeous older elevators, they were actually made using copper and brass as disease resistant decor! (This example is found in a bulding on Liberty Ave in Pittsburg, PA.)

Copper is very important to the human body too. We all consume copper in the form of vegetable, nuts, dried beads, seafood and (thank goodness) chocolate! Copper is also present in the air we breathe and in the water we drink. A copper deficiency in a humans diet can be associated with many stomach diseases, chronic diarrhea and premature birth, as well as high cholesterol levels. So enjoy your chocolate desert!

I’ll bet you have more copper in your personal home than you think (I know I do). One of coppers alloys is brass. Look around your home. Do you see brass andirons and tools near your fireplace or woodstove? How about any brass lamps, bells, a Grandfather or antique clock, a brass bed frame, silver plated flatware or tea set?  Ok, now how about the construction of your home. Did you know that an average single-family house in the United States contains more than 400 pounds of copper? Think about the builder’s hardware, plumber’s brass fittings and goods and the electrical wire. Now look at all of your electronic devices (computers, game players, stereo) and regular appliances like the heat pump or furnace and AC unit, stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer, etc.  Amazing when you think about this, isn’t it. (And I’m not even going to detail all of ways that copper is used within the transportation industry!)

Native or natural copper is a lovely pinkish color, however most of what we are familiar with has a reddish/orange/brown tone due to the fact that when copper is exposed to oxygen it develops a layer of tarnish. Copper also forms within several other minerals like chalcopyrite (fools gold), covellite, malachite and azurite. Copper is also the responsible color pigment for the mineral turquoise. Most copper findings produced today are polished, and most copper jewelry is coated with a lacquer both of which are temporary protection from tarnish. Copper will eventually turn a human’s skin green due to the reaction of the copper with the chemicals present in the human body.

 This is a photo I took of a basket of malachite in various forms. The specimens in the center show copper inclusions.

All of the pictures included in this article are from my private collection. The following picture is of a piece of ‘flow’ from a copper mine in Arizona. When it was given to me, it was explained that as copper is smelted to remove all impurities, all types of ore emerge, such as silver, gold and platinum. Taken in the morning sunlight, this piece clearly shows all of those metals!

This copper ‘drip’ is part of my outdoors collection as it weighs about 5 pounds and has very sharp edges. It is a solidified ‘drip’ from a smelting vat. The ’sheet’  and freeform mass are just more of my copper collection.

The only serious way to release deadly chemicals such as arsenic from copper is by heating it. Therefore all copper cookware is coated with a protective shield and anyone who uses any type of heat when working with copper needs to work in an area with adequate ventilation as well as wear personal protection such as a respirator. My husband is a boilermaker who is occasionally in situations where deadly fumes are present; such as repairs in the copper mines of the SW United States, and all workers there are required to wear respiratory protection. 

 All of the above information and facts are scientifically proven and true. Now let’s look at some healing theories associated with copper.

Many different cultures through the ages have used copper as a healing agent. Most of these cures were based on the fact that copper is biostatic or an antibacterial material. Second only to silver, copper is the best conductor of both heat and electricity therefore it is presumable that it would also help to conduct the flow of oxygen, energy, blood and other bodily fluids. 

Many people swear by the use of copper as an assistant with arthritic pain, however there is no scientific proof of this to date.

Based on scientific facts, it can be concluded that copper is a very important part of the human body and without it our entire circulatory and digestive systems suffer, and that copper peptides assist in cell regeneration that quickens wound healing.

I leave the rest up to your own individual judgment.

‘Stay Twisted!’

Dale/Cougar 

I’ve presented the title to this article as a quote because it has been my email  ‘signature line’ for more than a year, to answer to the question I am most often asked:

“Where does your inspiration come from?”

This is the most frequently asked and can be the most frustrating question for almost all artists in every medium, (be they authors or writers, painters, sculptors, actors, architects, chefs, clothing designers, etc.).  The various reasons can include that those who admire our work for whatever reason, would like to know if their thoughts align with those of the artist, or to have more of a story/explanation for the way an artist created and then named a certain work.

An artists’ inspiration does come from every ‘Where’ and every ‘Thing’!  Many artisans, whom I have the honor to know and to work with, take photographs of objects, people, and landscapes; every ‘Thing’ that catches their eye.  They carry a small digital camera or a cell phone camera every ‘Where’ they go, so a possible inspiration for future works is rarely lost. 

Resulting Pendant: 'Agate Butterfly'

Butterfly Pendant Inspiration

Some folks always have a small sketch book within reach for the same reasons, as often a simple rendering of the lines within an architectural structure or the way a tree branches that needs to be drawn to be remembered.  One freelance writer friend frequently begins his stories at the end and works backwards, while listening to a certain type of music, and another starts her adventures in the middle and then fills in the details on each side, (similar to laying out a stone and some corresponding beads for a piece and then figuring out how to make them all come together). 

Humm . . . pendant frame?

Occasionally, raw emotion is the total reason for a design and by using whatever shapes and colors the artist visualizes as their mind-set, he or she combines all of the ingredients with their art form, resulting in a physical release.  Then there are the folks to whom I personally refer as ‘scientific artists’.  These individuals actually ‘see’ their designs within written mathematical formulas and the like, transferring them into physical works of art!

Maybe Earrings?

Many years ago, I worked as an advertising artist and one of my resources was a collection of  ’cut-books’.  These were published volumes that contained a selection of black and white line drawings which an artist could use for free, to help speed up certain jobs.  Using this idea/inspiration within my jewelry training sessions, I cover the simple ways of creating your own inspirational ‘cut book’.  First purchase an inexpensive photo album and then browse through the variety of catalogues received in your mail, and cut out every ‘Thing’ that you find interesting.  (These items may include nick-knacks, prints of framed pictures or posters, the pattern of a piece of clothing, a colorful vegetable dish, etc).  Another idea is to ask a local salon to save all of their old magazines for you!  These can include many typical subject choices, such as fashion, wedding, and prom, but also wildlife and sports titles, where you will find ‘Things’ you may not have considered ‘inspirational’ before!  Put all of these pictures into that photo album, in a random order, (upside down, sideways), creating collage pages.  When your brain hits ‘artists’ block’, prepare your favorite beverage, relax and open your ‘cut book’.  Look through it from the front first, then turn it upside-down and look at it again!  You will be amazed at what can ‘happen’ within your designs.  (I do have to warn you though, often a design idea that you ‘think’ you are going to make sometimes develops a mind-of-it’s-own during the creation process, and when completed looks nothing like your original plan!)

A page from my 'Cut-book'

The ‘inspiration’ for this article comes from Wire-Sculpture’s ‘Inspired Druzy’ wire jewelry design contest, for which I currently judged the $1800 Grand Prize.  What an amazing chore!  ‘Amazing’, because the required 150-300 word essays, (describing where the contestant obtained ‘their’ inspiration for the design they created), and the appropriate ‘titles/names’ of each piece, (that ties the written inspiration into each artists’ piece), are wonderful.  ‘Chore’, because these pieces have got to be some of the most creative I’ve seen in a while and I had a most difficult time deciding which would win one of the largest prizes ever offered in an Internet wire jewelry design contest! 

 The Official Judging Process

 The requirements to enter this contest were basically simple.  Each participant was required to send both a front and a back picture of each design they wished to submit, accompanied by a 150-300 word essay that described the inspiration for their design, along with an appropriate title.  The only required purchase was for the participant to have bought their Druzy cabochon from Wire-Sculpture, (where prices run from just $17 to $48 depending on the size).  My judging was based on 100 total points; 30 for originality, 30 for creativity and 40 points for the ‘inspiration’ that combines each design with its’ essay and name.

(I do have to mention that several folks did not send a picture of the backside of their design, which was needed to properly judge the creativity of the techniques executed, and that a ‘formal’ essay was not required,  just the artists’ thoughts that transmitted into their piece.)

When YOU view all of these amazing pieces, please take the time to read the accompanying essay to discover if you can ’see’ through that particular artists’ eyes!  From the spectacular and calm ocean and water themes, (including delightful Pond Scum), to foods,  music, stars and star ships, odes to beloved pets, vacation memories and pieces that were from the artists’  heart of hearts, you will enjoy every piece more with their story and then realize just how very difficult my decision was.

We  invite you all to please participate in the Popular Vote.   Just click  http://www.wire-sculpture.com/pages/druzy_submission.html    and vote for your favorite!  (Voting ends on September 10, 2009.)

I’d also like to take this opportunity to publicly thank each and every wire artist who participated in this contest.  My goal was to encourage you to ‘think outside of your box’, enabling you to see your designs in a different way, resulting in more creativity for YOU and hopefully better sales at your upcoming festivals and shows.

Of course, these are just a few of the ways many artisans answer that age-old question.  I am sure that many of you have your own personal techniques, and I invite you to comment on this post and share them with our ‘Wonderfully Wired World’!

 Here’s wishing all of you Great Inspirations, (as for me, I’m already thinking of our next contest theme!)

Stay ‘Twisted’!

Dale/Cougar

As a wire-jewelry instructor I travel all over the United States, quite often arriving at my destination the evening before a class.  These days, for a weekend of workshops I enjoy driving no more than a maximum of 12 hours one-way, so I fly a lot.  If I show up and my tools don’t, (because they were in a ‘lost’ piece of luggage), I’m almost devastated!  Therefore I carry most of my tools and jewelry-making supplies on the plane with me.  (I can always buy an extra outfit of clothing and personals if needed, but without my tools I am handicapped. )

When packing my carry-on, I do have to take its weight limit into consideration, by checking with whichever airline I’m using for a particular trip.  Just for this purpose, I have invested in a great bag with hard sides and really good wheels that is within the size requirements for all airlines.  Due to the size of some planes, often I have to check my bag plane-side while boarding, but I can also pick it up plane-side when I land, so my most important supplies are never really in a location to be opened without my knowledge!

To be able to pass through airport security easily, the way finished jewelry, tools and supplies are packed is extremely important!  I use a foot-long, heavy plastic pencil box with a sturdy snap-lock, (found at most office supply stores), to stack all of my hand tools in, making sure that my cutters have a plastic cap on them, and that they are on top of all of my other tools.  Also included in this box are a fool-long ruler, heavy emery board, marker, pin vise and a roll of tape, with a cushion-style mouse pad folded in the top to keep everything in place, (as well as being my favorite work-surface).  None of the included hand tools is more than seven inches long, and I do not carry scissors.  (Just for possible proof that I know what I am doing, I also print out and carry a copy of the TSA ‘tool rules’ with me.)   http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#7

When I go through security, I open this pencil box, exposing all of the tools inside, and place it into its own tub to go through the x-ray machine.  (Only once did a TSA agent remove one of the longest pliers and measure them, my Swanstrom flat-nose, only 6-1/8 inches!)

Traveling Toolbox

Because I totally believe that if one is totally prepared nothing will happen, I also carry a large, shark-skin, USPS Priority mailing envelope, self-addressed to my home, with prepaid postage on it, just in case I ever have something ‘not’ get through!

The items that I cannot take ona plane include my stainless steel ring mandrel, any power drills/screwdrivers, any mallet  or hammer and my favorite ‘ring-making’ knife.  These items I put into a large zip-loc bag, tape my business card inside with them and pack, under my pillow and on top of my clothes, in my checked luggage.   (If I am flying to a location for a long-term workshop, I find it easier to ship these items ahead of me.)

Tools in Checked Luggage

Packing my finished jewelry samples takes a bit more time, as I place each item including individual earrings, into its own small zip-loc bag and then put all of the baggies into another snap-loc, heavy plastic box.  My optivisors travel nicely wrapped in tissue paper in yet another box, with my digital camera nestled within the optivisors; while all of my sterling, argentium and 14kgf wire coils are in labeled manila envelopes, in one two-gallon zip-loc bag.  Loose gemstones, cabs, beads and findings are group-bagged and placed into a small, lock lid plastic container, which goes into a zip-loc bag, (just in-case).

Now for the fun!  Playing ‘Tetris’ with all of these boxes and my main carry-on.  Actually, packing all of my supplies in individual containers makes this job very easy, (as well as knowing ‘what is where’ when I need to unpack for classes).  Obviously the heavier supplies go across the bottom, the optivisor box near the top of the carry-on, and the bag of wire coils goes on top of everything else, just under the zipped cover!  In this way, when going through x-ray the coils are easily seen.  (I also pack the charger for my laptop in this bag.)

My second carry-on is usually my laptop and its case, which is also where I carry the above mentioned self-addressed, prepaid postage bag with a sheet of bubble wrap inside, my date book, cell phone and wall-charger, gum and wallet.  (If you have ever been seriously delayed in an airport, you will want your wall charger with you!  Who needs a hair brush?)

I go through security, in this order: I take my laptop out of its case and it goes into a plastic tub, http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/simplifying_laptop_bag_procedures.shtm

My boots and ‘quart-sized’ zip-loc go into another, http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm my opened toolbox into another, then the laptop case and finally my main carry-on.  When sending my things through in this order, I usually pass through the metal detector as my main bag is going through the x-ray machine, and if the TSA agent has any questions about the contents of my main bag, I am right there to request a Private Screening area, before they begin to open it in public.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1847.shtm It is your right to request a private screening!

Once I have successfully passed through security, I put my quart-sized zip-loc and my tool box into my main carry-on and continue schlepping on to the gate.

Yes, I have had to have many, MANY private screenings!  Whenever I fly out of Philly, I just plan extra time for one.  Out of a group of eight returning from a vacation to Thailand, whom do you think got pulled by US customs and had every single item removed from every single bag??  Yup, it was me.

Because I do spend a lot of time in airports, I often wonder just what some people were thinking as they dressed for their travels, as I have seen some really unusual ‘fashion statements’.  My advice is not only to dress comfortably, but also think about getting through security easily and not looking like a ‘mark’ to any unscrupulous individuals.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/screening_experience.shtm

All of this being said, I recommend that you always check for carry-on weight guidelines with whatever airline you are using, and that you be very familiar with all of the current TSA rules, before you leave for the airport!

Travel safe and ‘Stay Twisted’!   Dale/Cougar

Hello Wire-Artists !

I’d like to take this opportunity to respond to the many comments we have received from you through our ‘Tips of the Day’, regarding the fact that Wire-Sculpture is returning to the basics of the original site: Wire!

Yes, we will still be answering questions about gemstones, rocks, tumbling, cleaning techniques, show and sales tips, beads on wire, pricing, and anything that pertains to the many facets and various styles of wire jewelry design.

However, over the years “Wire”-Sculpture had begun to branch out into the huge arena of ‘jewelry-making’. As most of you know, there are many fabulous sites on the Internet today, hosted by experts in each individual aspect of the jewelry-making world, such as soldering; PMC; casting; watch-repairing; skills for the silversmith and goldsmith; and beading (both seed bead art and stringing), to name just a few. But, there is not one site dedicated to the Wire-Jewelry Artist, providing the supplies, resources, information and education for those interested and involved in wire jewelry design.

As the name implies, “Wire”-Sculpture was originally the one site I am speaking of and it is back to being this important resource that we are returning, to fill the needs of the Wire-Artist Jeweler.

I do appreciate your comments, and constructive critic. (You may already have noticed that many of our ‘jewelry-making’ supplies are on clearance right now, to make room for our awesome, NEW, Wire-Jewelry Designer Supplies!)

Stay ‘Twisted’!
Cougar

It’s time for us to face the music and admit our guilt. Let’s face it, over the past 3-4 months our tips have been, well, below average. When I say below average, I mean really below , like at the bottom of the Marianas Trench 35,838 feet below sea level! That’s how bad some of our tips have been recently.

We’ve known this for awhile now and have discussed many ways that this could be remedied. See, the problem was, we have many people here with the company that do wire working, but nobody that was considered an “expert” in the field. So while many of the tips had valid information in them, occasionally one would slip through the cracks that wasn’t quite up to par.

So, after putting our heads together we thought that the best way to combat the problem would be to get some wire jewelry experts on board with us.

If you haven’t noticed already, our tips have become much better than they used to be in recent days. Dale “Cougar” Armstrong is the first of many wire worker experts that will be assisting us in providing tips that are richer in content and more precise in their answers! If you don’t know who Dale is you can read a short bio here.