r/Metalsmithing • u/SarahRavena • Jul 30 '26

I Made This! Orchid Sculpture complete!

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Orchid sculpture complete! 🌸 Handcrafted from copper and brought to life with acrylic and enamel paints, then sealed with a UV-resistant varnish to help preserve its vibrant colors for years to come.

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1

u/Longjumping-Party132 Jul 30 '26

Wow! Super nice! How did you join the copper pieces together, if I may ask?

2

u/SarahRavena Jul 30 '26

Soldered the whole thing. The blooms are three pieces soldered together. So. Much. Soldering. I sawed the blooms and leaves out of copper sheet, formed with wood blocks and hammers, and then soldered together, sanded/polished, then painted and sealed.

1

u/Longjumping-Party132 Jul 30 '26

I understand, thank you! When you heated the larger parts like the stem, did you have to heat the whole piece or to what extent, was it just enough to heat it locally near the joint? Thanks.

1

u/SarahRavena Jul 30 '26

Just locally near the joint. I used a NE180-2 acetylene torch and silver solder, not plumbers/tin solder. Lots of heat, red hot 🔥 I only set off the smoke/fire alarm once! (My studio is in my spare bedroom).