CTT-Beginning-End

Marco hammering copper using "old world" technique. It looks easy. It isn't. Most start hammering when they are children. It is a definite art in and of itself, precise in depth and pattern. It is each craftsman's "signature".

Before the copper goes into the fire to set the patina colors, it is fitted to the wooden substrate.

This is the natural recycled copper that has not been fired. The colors in Mexican copper, which make it so beautiful, are created by the impurities (1% zinc) in the recycled copper. The impurities do not affect the natural antiseptic qualities of copper.

Marco is removing the imperfections in the copper lamina and finishing up with a light sanding.

The copper lamina is now ready for the fire.

Before going into the fire, the copper lamina has to be removed from the wood substrate.

The fire is starting to heat up.

The copper lamina is placed over the fire as it begins to heat up.

There are three men working together, moving the lamina around so that it heats evenly.

The man in the center back is the true expert in affixing the patina through control of the fire and timing.

His name is Angel. He has been working with copper since he was 16 years old. He is about 35 now. He is not sure.

The copper is quite hot.

When the copper is removed from the fire, it is covered in soot.

The ash is wiped off when the lamina cools to reveal the patina colors.

Water splashed on the copper lamina gives a better idea of the final coloration when the wax is applied. The wax sets and brings out the colors.

FYI, this is what the back looks like

This is the tinted wax that is applied to set the copper lamina colors.

The tinted wax has been applied and wiped off in one area to give more of an idea of whether the patina was acceptable. It is a "go".

And here is your table top in the "raw". Now it has to be thick glued to the substrate, waxed and polished.

Anna's creation... ALL DONE!