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Copper Roses

by Judy Ellis
Every so often we have customers share their experiences and their success with us. Today I'd like to share a wonderful article about Ron Stauffer. Ron is one of our WireJewerly.com customers who has found himself through artistic expression. Ron shared this special story with us and also sent us one of his beautiful roses which we fondly display for all to see and enjoy in our office - Thank you Ron!
Judy Ellis's Copper Roses - , Inspiration, Design, Copper Rose
"Boyertown man finds relief creating copper artworks"

Ron Stauffer never considered himself an artist, until now.
Growing up, Stauffer attended the Kutztown Folk Festival every year. It was always the highlight of his summer, though he never imagined himself on the other side of a vendor's table.

Now, he's found his place as an artist. This year, Stauffer proudly displays his handmade copper flowers, glass pendants, twisted wire bonsai trees, and other creations at the festival.

The Boyertown, PA resident began working with copper about a year ago, searching for something therapeutic to help manage the depression that led him to leave his job as a third-grade teacher.

"I felt useless," he recalled. But after taking a four-hour introductory ornament-making class, he said, "I was hooked."

"This keeps me occupied. It makes me feel like I am productive," Stauffer shared. He now turns to shaping copper as a creative outlet and can spend hours fully absorbed in his projects.

One of his very first creations was a flower. "I thought a rose would be cool," he said.
Judy Ellis's Copper Roses - , Inspiration, Design, copper flowers
Judy Ellis's Copper Roses - , Inspiration, Design, Copper Iris
To prepare, Stauffer examined the structure of a real rose.

He noted that the flower's head was made up of about five layers of petals, each decreasing in size.

Stauffer determined that he could create a similar effect by using five circles cut from a sheet of copper.
Judy Ellis's Copper Roses - , Inspiration, Design, Copper rose
Before shaping the different sized circles into petals, Stauffer heats them using a burner on his kitchen stove top.

Just before they get too hot, he plunges the pieces of metal into cold water.

This hardens them some, but they remain malleable enough to be shaped into petals.

Stauffer's first couple of roses did not turn out as he had hoped, but he persevered.

Stauffer gave his first successful rose to his mother, who he said is his best friend.
Judy Ellis's Copper Roses - , Inspiration, Design, copper roses
He continued gifting his work to his friends and family, and they all encouraged him to sell some of his pieces.

Now, he sells the flowers and other work under the name "Ron's Roses" on Etsy, as well as local craft shows and festivals around his area.
Judy Ellis's Copper Roses - , Inspiration, Design, Copper wall art
Judy Ellis's Copper Roses - , Inspiration, Design, Copper profiles
Judy Ellis's Copper Roses - , Inspiration, Design, Copper wire tree
Judy Ellis's Copper Roses - , Inspiration, Design, Copper wall hanging
Judy Ellis's Copper Roses - , Inspiration, Design, Copper trees
Judy Ellis's Copper Roses - , Inspiration, Design, Copper earrings
As you can see, Ron has created a host of beautiful projects from the copper sheets.

We want to thank Ron for his creative efforts and we hope that you will all be as inspired by Ron's story as we are!

Materials

Copper Sheet
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Tools

Pro Shear
SHR-544.00
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WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
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Large Rawhide Hammer 1 1/2 inch - Pack of 1
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  • Category: Inspiration
  • Technique(s): Design

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