Copper Ornament

Hi everyone.  I'm back from my "mini" vacation to Galiano Island.  I was only gone for a short time, but I did have some messages waiting for me when I got back ... concerned on-line friends that wanted to make sure I was OK since they hadn't heard from me for a few days.  Thank you!!!  I feel loved!! :)

On to the card and I'll come back to Galiano later in the post.

My friend Bonnie is part of the Merry Monday DT and always provides such wonderful inspiration.  I've just started making Christmas cards the past few weeks, and when I saw Bonnie's gorgeous cards, I had to join in.  The card above is for the latest Merry Monday challenge - Anything Goes that runs all July long.  Thanks for inspiring Bonnie!

I mentioned previously that the craft store where I used to get my copper went out of business, so I researched and found a supplier in the U.S.  Basic Copper is based in Illinois.  They have many copper thicknesses to choose from.  I bought the 5ml ... which is what I used before.  I have to tell you that their copper was a little different that my previous copper.  It's a little more flexible, so it will take me a little time to get used to heating it.  But, for those who have asked where I get my copper (most of you are from the U.S.) ... this supplier is worth checking out.  Again 5ml copper sheets is that you want.  I can cut with my rotary cutter (although I'm sure if I did a lot it would dull the blade quickly), it cuts easily with my punches from SU! ... and I used it today with a die-cut from My Favorite Things.  I ran it back and forth a few times and it didn't completely break free, but was easy enough to push out with my hands (be careful, the copper edges are sharp).  For the small pieces, I used my scissors to cut into the outline of the die to loosen.

Stamps:  Christmas Greetings (SU!)
Paper:  White; Merry Moments DP (retired from SU!)
Ink:  Old Olive (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Christmas Ornaments die (My Favorite Things), Wreath Strip die (Cheery Lynn), copper metal sheet .005 thickness (K&S Precision Metals), butane torch, heat-proof surface, copper wire, glue, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sticky strips, pliers, wire cutters, and dimensionals


I heated the copper with my butane torch until it changed colors.  Once cooled, I die-cut the ornament and hanger.  I cut extra layers of the ornament from white and glued them onto the copper for a backing ... this made the ornament thick.

I added a strip of copper down the left side, topped with a strip of DP.  I did the same for the inside of the card, but changed it to run horizontal at the bottom.

I glued three pine branches together.  I cut a small piece of copper wire and used my pliers to form a hook to hang the ornament.  I glued the branches onto the card front and popped up the ornament for more dimension.

Here's a close-up of the ornament:

____________________

Here's some pictures from my vacation for those of you who are interested ...

Galiano Island is one of the Gulf Islands located between B.C.'s mainland and Vancouver Island.

We love the island ... and have been going there for the past five years or more.  It is one of the "quiet" islands that has been preserved for it's natural beauty.  It is also home to many talented B.C. artists.  While we were there, we visited our three favorite artist's studios.  Jer bought two glass pieces and I bought a pottery vase --- gorgeous!!!

Lots of wildlife, not much development (no chain stores of any kind, including restaurants) - it is the perfect place to rest, relax and get away from all the every-day stresses of life - ahhhhh!

I'm going to share some pictures I took while there ... if you've been following me for a while, they may look a little familiar as I did share pictures a few years ago ...

The "cabin" (2 bedroom house) is right on Active Pass ... a narrow channel between two of the islands.  Sorry the picture is so small, but I tried to capture the ships as they passed through.  There are actually three ferries in the Pass for this picture ... always something to watch!  This picture was taken from our deck.  We had the most beautiful weather when we were there!  We saw lots of seals, swallows, butterfly, deer, ravens, and dragonflies ... but no whales this time.  We've been lucky enough to see whales four times while visiting.

Here's my sweetheart, trying to relax ... but I kept calling his name until he sat up and looked at me :)

Gord and Jer ... patiently waiting for me to take the picture so they could chow-down on their yummy French Toast, Vanilla Yogurt and Plums.  You'll notice we always had binoculars close-by on the deck - lots to see!

Kunamokst is a mural mosiac done by 200 artist's from Canada, creating 231 panels.  It's an amazing piece of artistry, each individual panel a work-of-art in itself.  The mural is displayed at the Galiano Inn and Spa.  Here's a close-up ... or click on the link to check it out.

One more picture ... this is a Butterfly Bush in the backyard of our cabin (fabulous garden).  I was sitting on the back deck in the shade, admiring the garden when I noticed a large (3" across) butterfly land on the bush.  Then I noticed that there were at least eight ... probably lots more as I could only see the one side of the bush from where I was sitting.  I ran and got my camera and managed to get a good picture of one ... you'll see part of a second butterfly on the right hand side of the picture.  The colors aren't true because it was very sunny ... the butterfly was very bright yellow.