I have played with patina, and played with patina, and played with patina. (so... you understand, I've played with patina, right?) :o) The problem is, I'm not very patient. I like to start a project, and finish it. (genetic gift from my wonderful Dad) OR, at the very least, start and finish a STEP in the process. If I sit down to make components from wire, I work until I run out of the wire at hand. If I start to hammer components, I hammer all I have filed and sanded. If I sit down to make a necklace, I do so. Earrings, I do so............. If I'm making clay beads, I make use of all the clay I have laid out in front of me........... and so on. Patina. That's a different story. You have to put patina on something and wait. .......... and wait............ and maybe put on some more..........and wait. I'm not so good at that. So I've tried many different kinds.
For my recent experiment, I had to wait. But it was a little different. I used "out of sight out of mind" on myself. :o) I read that you can make your own patina from water, salt and ammonia. OK. I gave it a shot. I didn't read the directions well, and had no ammonia, so I put some cut, sanded pieces of copper into a baggie of salt water. And put them out of sight. When I remembered and checked on them, the water was turquoise-ish blue, but the copper wasn't. OK. That didn't work. I went out and bought the ammonia. I re-read the directions (good advice for those of you who are impatient, like me..... directions are good!!!) OK. So, you are only supposed to "wet" the copper with water, pour salt on them, and put them in a sealed container with some ammonia. OK. I can do that............. then put it out of sight and forget about it.... again.
After about a month, this is what I found........
(That's the ammonia in the shot glass.) Isn't that a lovely blue??? 
that I can "hide" some away, I won't miss them. AND, they'll have time to develop. This was a pretty neat experiment for me, in more ways than one!!!!!!
Here is the rinsed, product. I still need to do some buffing, and sealing. But being a KY Wildcat fan, I think this shade of blue is just FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
8 comments:
WOW, Kelli! That is my problem with patina too! I hate the waiting part.... no patience!! You just gave me simple instructions on how to do this. I've had ammonia (lemon - hope that doesn't matter) on my counter for about three weeks now!! I would have added salt without wetting.... I just know me ;o)
Love it..... I've got lots of copper to play around with!
MaryAnn
My ammonia was lemon, too.
Beautiful Blue color! I have the same trouble with starting and stopping...don't like it!
very fun and very cool!
Good to know - maybe I can quit obsessing about those time limits on this stuff, and just see what happens. I love the deep blue!
Such a beautiful colour!
I'm playing with patinas too at the moment (seems like many are dedicating this summer to that) and have the same issue about waiting. My method was similar to yours, though differently enforced: I combine waiting for the patina with my most work intense weeks. Because I spend time away from my bead/jewellery workspace I don't go around thinking about and waiting for the patina. I just prepare it, go to work for some days, come home tired and then one day remember the jar full of components. *lol*
Still haven't tried ammonia yet -- haven't got any at home -- but that colour is really making me want to try it!
I also have not yet tried ammonia because it is really hard to find one at my side as well.Anyways I think that you provided a great suggestion for us and that is quite creative as well.And really the color was very attractive that can attract anyone.
hahaha - that's hysterical:) I love the amazing blue color you got - I might just have to give it a try (although I don't know where I'm going to stash it that neither me or my husband will find it before a month and somewhere we will find it before a year...)
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