Chromed copper is one of my favorite “raw materials“. In addition to giving two very different sides to work with, the chromed side can be left nice and shiny… or converted into a beautiful blue. Add a twist and a bead or two for embellishment and a very mundane piece of pipe becomes an accessory and a conversation piece like these copper earrings.
To make these earrings, a piece of chromed copper pipe was first cut open and flattened. The blue version was then heat treated. Heat treating makes the copper considerably easier to bend but too much or too little heat messes with the color.
Flattened pieces were marked and cut to a shape that looks a bit like a boot with a pointed toe. After smoothing all edges, the little coils were formed and then the beads on copper pins were added.
I have been handcrafting upcycled jewelry for the Habitat ReStore for years. In 2016 I opened my own Etsy store Reclassified Treasure where many of my pieces ultimately find new homes.
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