Copper is one of the easiest metals to work, and whether polished to a bright shine or antiqued, copper has a rich red hue that always makes an art project stand out. Copper sheet opens the door to many creative possibilities, including floral embossing, a form of partially three-dimensional copper craft. With thin copper sheet, several simple tools and your creativity, you can easily enjoy the process and resulting beauty of creating embossed copper art.
Buying Copper Sheets
Purchase copper embossing sheets from craft and metal supply stores. If there is a store located near you, visit for a hands-on experience. You also have the option of ordering supplies through print or online catalogs.
About Sheet Copper
Copper sheets are available in various thicknesses, and measured by gauge size. Gauge sizes range from thick 8-gauge plate metal to 30-gauge medium sheet metal. Copper needed for hand-embossing falls into the thin sheet and foils category, and comes in gauges ranging from 36 to 40 and higher. Thin, square copper sheets are commonly available in packs of several. The thinnest foils are also available in rolls. Select medium-thin copper sheet, as it has enough give for easy hand-detailing, but also stays firm enough to hold its form.
Copper Embossing Tools
Experiment with a variety of plastic or wood embossing tools to find the best method that works for you. You can also use wooden stamps to press designs into the copper. Obtain carbon paper to transfer designs onto copper. Use a stack of newspapers as a work surface because the paper will allow the copper to bend. Firm foam works well, too.
The Design Process
Draw your floral design with strong lines. Next, use carbon paper to transfer the design onto the surface of the copper. You will be working primarily on the back of the copper sheet, creating concave shapes that appear as convex forms on the front of the copper. Remember that impressions applied to the back of the copper sheet will appear inverted on the front. This is especially important if you plan to incorporate letters or numbers into your design.
Trace your transferred artwork with an embossing tool, working slowly to raise the contours of your design. Check the front of the copper sheet frequently to monitor your results. Use a copper embossing tool with a soft edge to form the basic shapes of your design. Use an embossing tool with a pointed edge for detailed work. When you've completed embossing the back of the copper sheet, turn the sheet over and use a pointed tool to finish any last details.
Copper Finishes
There are several ways to finish embossed copper. A clear coat of varnish will protect the deep red shine of the copper. However, you may also opt to leave the metal unsealed, which results in a rich, dark reddish-brown tone over time. Give copper art a faux antique or weathered look with a pre-made liquid patina in dark brown or the blue-green shades of verdigris. The process is as simple as soaking the copper in the patina until the desired result is achieved.
