Copper Bracelets & Earrings

I love to work with recycled copper. To use the wire, I first need to strip the plastic coating off of the wire, then I clean the wire with sandpaper.  After this I will wrap the wire on wooden dowels to make the links that I need. Then take the wrapped wire off of the dowel so that I can cut it into jump-rings, join the rings together to make a bracelet and set of earrings.
Then to the soldering board I go to solder the jump-rings together, then to the pickle dish.  After the pickle, it is off to the bench to file, sand and clean the copper.  I will start with 320 sandpaper all the way up to 800.
Then this is one of my favorite things to do, "Texture".  I will use different types of hammers and metal stamps to make put the texture into the metal.  When this is done it is off to the tumbler for a few hours to work harden the copper.  This will harden the metal so it won't bend and twist when wearing it.
The last step that I like to do, is add a patina.  This adds a smooth vintage look to the copper.    
Stay tuned for more post on my future projects.  Take care- Stay safe- Be Kind.