Copper Oak Leaves

Today's challenge is "Ways to use it" (WT325) and it's all about Die-cuts.  I challenged myself to use a die-cut that I've had for ages and haven't used yet ... at least not the oak leaf (it's a set of four leaves).
 
When I think about using the leaves, I automatically think of the copper technique.  I cut out the oak leaf using my Big Shot and a copper sheet that my friend Lili gave to me.  I also punched out a medium oval from the copper sheet to use as a frame for my sentiment.  Then I heated the copper using a butane torch (I use my crème brulee torch ... it's small and easy to manage), until the copper starts to change color.  Beautiful!   Hope you like.
 

"Copper Oak Leaves"

 

 

Stamps:  Vintage Labels (SU!)

Paper:  Early Espresso (SU!); Copper cardstock

Ink:  Versamark

Accessories & Tools:  Copper metal sheet .005 thickness (K&S Precision Metals), Sizzix Leaves #2 Die-cut, butane torch, copper wire, medium oval punch, small oval punch, Sizzix Square Lattice embossing folder, Big Shot, Copper embossing powder, heat tool, sticky strips, glue dots and dimensionals

 

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I used the Sizzix die-cut and Big Shot to cut out two oak leaves from the copper sheet.  I also punched out a medium oval from the copper sheet.  I torched all the copper pieces until the colors changed.
I ran a piece of Early Espresso cardstock through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice embossing folder.  I then tore the embossed cardstock and mounted it on top of a piece of copper cardstock.

I cut three pieces of copper wire and wound them around the end of a small artist's paint brush to create a coiled look.  I used needle-nosed pliers to twist them together.  I placed the oak leaves' stems covering where the copper wire joined and glued it together using glue dots.  I added dimensionals and glue dots to the back of both leaves and mounted it onto the copper cardstock.

I punched out a small oval from Early Espresso cardstock, stamped and embossed the sentiment in copper and mounted it on the copper torched frame and adhered it to the card.