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As always, I need a new tool!  Hammers.  I have one hammer that has been the old standby for many many years.  But for wire working, not so good!  LOOK AT THESE!



And What a Bargain!  I can't wait till they come in!  Has anyone else tried these yet?  If so, Please tell me what you thought of them!

COPPER -- YOUR OWN PERSONAL PATINA

COPPER --- TO PATINA OR NOT TO PATINA -- THAT IS THE QUESTION!

As I work more and more with copper and think about presenting my jewelry for sale, I am faced with a dilemma. Should I offer my customers beautiful shiny copper jewelry knowing that it will only be shiny for a day or so once they have it? Will they understand that the first time they wear it, it will begin to dull? What will they think?

I came by this dilemma when I made a copper bracelet for myself. To be honest with you, after the third time I wore it, I was disappointed. It began to fade and look very old. But -- Was this a BAD thing? NO!

I continued to wear it day after day. It got darker and darker. Suddenly I began to get compliments on it. Now I was skeptical. Were they just complimenting it because they didn't know what else to say or did they truly like it. So I asked them! And the conclusion was that they truly loved it! Oh how happy I was to hear that! It elated me to know that the end result was not only acceptable but beautiful! As time went on, it stabilized with its darkened tone. I love it! I wear it nearly all the time. It's part of my everyday jewelry attire.

Then I had an epiphany!!! 

This is my OWN PERSONAL PATINA!

So I began to study copper, it's properties and it's true structure. I learned that copper changes when it comes in contact with air, skin, or any surface and in any environment.

So, What does this mean for you, my customer, purchasing a beautiful shiny copper piece of jewelry? Well, I'll tell you!

Following my "epiphany", I realized that I should give you the chance to create  YOUR OWN PERSONAL PATINA!

That's right. 

You got it! 

YOUR OWN PERSONAL PATINA! 

How can you do that, you may ask?

Here is the secret to creating

YOUR OWN PERSONAL PATINA.

WEAR IT!

It's that simple.

When you purchase a piece of raw copper jewelry from me, it will most likely have been kept in a plastic airtight bag until you see it. From that point on, as you wear it, the exposure to your skin, your environment, your storage choice, dictates how the copper will acquire
YOUR OWN PERSONAL PATINA! 

Your skin is different from everybody else. Your pH level is unique and that has an effect on the living copper. Your environment is unique to your surroundings. The very air you breathe is different than mine, and therefore will effect your copper differently than it would effect mine. Your storage choice will also effect your copper. If you keep it in an airtight container, it will patina slower than if you keep it out on the dressing table.

All these factors contribute to 

YOUR OWN PERSONAL PATINA!

So why would I cheat you out of the very thing that makes your copper jewelry unique to you?

I want you to know that I can create a patina on copper that will have an antiqued tone, or even a verdigris (greenish) tone or a gamut of other tones. But why would I do that? So that you will not purchase something that looks one way when you buy it and changes the minute you begin to wear it. Yes, I'll create pieces with patina for those who like these effects, but give raw living copper a try!

Like me, you may not love every stage along the way, 

but give it time and it will be just perfect for you 

as you create  

YOUR OWN PERSONAL PATINA!

A Few Of My Latest Creations

Take a look at this 2 in 2 chain maille anklet. I made the brass jump rings myself!



Here is my first attempt at wire wrapping! I enjoyed making it and hope to expand my abilities to make wire wrapped jewelry. I have great inspirations from so many on the internet, in books, from tutorials, etc. I can't wait to get started on more!



Here is a simple 1 in 1 anklet. I made the brass and stainless steel jump rings. I really love chain maille and I believe I'll make the bulk of my jewelry in chain maille.



This is a byzantine bracelet made from handmade stainless steel rings. The AR isn't just right, but I love it!



My favorite bracelet! Copper and brass Byzantine weave. The AR of these rings are a bit better than the previous one. The units are more visible.

I have been seeing these types of earrings and also the same in pendants blossoming up all over the web. I was able to "concoct" a way to make them. I made a few and they were not very good. Then I reconfigured the top connection and VIOLA! There is a tutorial for them on YOUTUBE as well, but I could not get the top portion to stay well put and the threads were showing too much on the top. Thanks to all the inspiration out there, I've managed to make some very nice earrings.

Here are two samples:

Hannah Lamb: Handmade Tools

Hannah Lamb: Handmade Tools     


You have GOT TO SEE THIS!!!!!!  If you know me at all, you know I love nature and crafts from nature.  Well, this blows everything I've ever done out of the water!

Hope United in Giving, "HUG", is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization my mother created in 1998.  

I serve on the Board of Directors and am the Executive Vice President.  I also perform the duties of Director of Research and  Development, Director of Advertisment, Promotions and Marketing, Director of Business Planning.  

I designed and published the website (Hope United In Giving) and the blog ("HUG" BLOG).