I have been teaching art in the Sauk Prairie School District for 22 years using a variety of media. I have found in my Object Design classes that copper is an inexpensive and easy material for the students to work with. It can be etched, enameled and holds various patinas. Due to the lack of space and funding, I have focused on cold connections, meaning attaching the different components together using wire and/or rivets. Another new medium I have been investigating is Precious Metal CopprClay ™ . This new medium is molded, fired twice in an activated coconut carbon and tumble polished. It also can be enameled and soldered. My inspiration comes from organic items found in nature. I combine base metal with stones, resin and fused glass to produce a piece of jewelry.
