From Nature to Copper: The Art of Creating Botanical Keepsakes

Written By Dennis Ray

We demonstrate the various steps involved in encasing natural cuttings in copper. Working with hand tools bending and exposing natural leaf material below the surface of select pieces helps attendees to understand our unique art.

An area next to our main tent is used to demonstrate the rapid aging or patina application providing wonderful natural color and protection to the base copper. Attendees may gather round, watch and even have their keepsake from the show embellished to suit.

We pay particular attention to the younger folks, changing the description of our craft to match the level of comprehension and challenging them to pay attention in their art and science classes.

Don & Edith Ann Ray
Nature's Creations
The Ray Family

Dennis Ray

I create unique natural botanical jewelry designs using artistic copper electroforming techniques. Even after encasing the natural cutting in copper it remains safe inside the work. I developed my application of this art form as a high school science project and it has been my passion for several decades. Creating special projects from historic trees or winery grape leaves is especially motivating. Nature is amazing and I am very lucky to work with it in my American Craft.

https://www.leafpin.com
Next

Natural Copper Electroforming Artists