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Blue Heart
by Zujus
Recycled Copper Butterfly for V-Day
step 1Materials
Your imagination is needed for some supplies unless you have the same type things available at your place.
1. Copper wire in various gauges. I used electrical wire, that salvaged when my employer opened a new place, for the main pieces. I then used solid core speaker wire, along with some teflon coated electrical wire aquired from the new store as well. How much you need depends on the size you want. Draw it out first like I will explain so you can get a general idea.
2. Various hand tools like pliers, wire cutters, razor knife (for stripping long pieces of wire) a vise helps as well.
3. Metal files. I put a small area of filing on the support in order to mask imperfections on it. So pick which files you need, but at least use one to file down the copper edges after cutting it.
4. 4-5 standard socket light bulbs. Use whatever wattage/size you want, but by using a standard socket you have tons of options.
5. Soldering gun and accompanying accessories. Flux is a must when doing thick copper wire.
6. A base stand. I used an old candlestick. You can use lamp bases, copper tubing, PVC or anything similar.
7. The support pole. I used a very old drapery rod. Good old fashioned steel that was HARD to bend in to shape. Again copper tubing or something similar is good. Keep in mind it will support 4-5 bulbs full of water.
8. A means to connect the pole to the base. I used the insides of an old trophy. Seems that long screw was just perfect. I topped it off with the butt-end of a knife sharpener handle.
9. Paper, pencil, pen or marker.
10. Steel wool and some fine grit sandpaper. For cleaning up soldered areas on the copper.
11. OPTIONAL - Rocaille Beads. I used these for the inside of the wings. I strung them on speaker wire to support them and hold the angles.
12. MUST HAVE - An open mind and imagination!
This is my first big project with copper wire, as well as a soldering gun. So prior experience in these areas is not really needed.
1. Copper wire in various gauges. I used electrical wire, that salvaged when my employer opened a new place, for the main pieces. I then used solid core speaker wire, along with some teflon coated electrical wire aquired from the new store as well. How much you need depends on the size you want. Draw it out first like I will explain so you can get a general idea.
2. Various hand tools like pliers, wire cutters, razor knife (for stripping long pieces of wire) a vise helps as well.
3. Metal files. I put a small area of filing on the support in order to mask imperfections on it. So pick which files you need, but at least use one to file down the copper edges after cutting it.
4. 4-5 standard socket light bulbs. Use whatever wattage/size you want, but by using a standard socket you have tons of options.
5. Soldering gun and accompanying accessories. Flux is a must when doing thick copper wire.
6. A base stand. I used an old candlestick. You can use lamp bases, copper tubing, PVC or anything similar.
7. The support pole. I used a very old drapery rod. Good old fashioned steel that was HARD to bend in to shape. Again copper tubing or something similar is good. Keep in mind it will support 4-5 bulbs full of water.
8. A means to connect the pole to the base. I used the insides of an old trophy. Seems that long screw was just perfect. I topped it off with the butt-end of a knife sharpener handle.
9. Paper, pencil, pen or marker.
10. Steel wool and some fine grit sandpaper. For cleaning up soldered areas on the copper.
11. OPTIONAL - Rocaille Beads. I used these for the inside of the wings. I strung them on speaker wire to support them and hold the angles.
12. MUST HAVE - An open mind and imagination!
This is my first big project with copper wire, as well as a soldering gun. So prior experience in these areas is not really needed.
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