It’s been a reflective time… words of clichéd wisdom sifted through cards and speeches, and the simultaneous looking forward/ looking back that naturally happens during moments like these.  And a time of gift giving.  Trying to find the perfect – something – that sums up all the love, pride, and admiration of a lifetime, while still being smaller than a breadbox.  

While the Young One is quite adept at dropping hints, (come to think of it, she’s quite adept at dropping lots of things) my dad has always been a bit more challenging when it comes to presents.  His hobbies are selling stuff on eBay and taking trips to see his grandkids.  What do you give the person who is getting rid of everything??

I’m a big believer in making it personal — if I can’t think of what to get, I try to give something that celebrates a memory, or creates a new one.  So I dug through the family photos and found this great picture of my dad and my daughter.  I printed it on etched zinc, and lined the back with thick wool felt and a snazzy label and turned it into a coaster.  I knew he’d love the photo, and if there’s one thing that is part of my dad’s routine, it’s a cup of coffee — and the age-old joke about only two kinds of coffee, black and ruined.  I think he liked it, or maybe he just got a little something in his eye.

Father’s Day Gifts

Father’s Day is approaching, and if you just so happen to be looking for a custom gift that celebrates a memory while still being smaller than a breadbox, let me know if a metal photo coaster would fit the bill.  Just send me your favorite picture of your dad/ kids/ dog by June 10th and I’ll email you an invoice and do the rest.  Cost is $35 including shipping (within the U.S.)  I’ll make the coaster, you can make the coffee — so long as it’s black, just like it should be.   Click here to Contact Us

 

The Burning Question

And now to answer the burning question that is on at least some of our minds — what is the Young One up to next?  

Take care, and have a great week :)

Chris

When I was young, I had an aunt whom I adored.  She had such a lovely aesthetic to her life.  Every detail was thoughtful and full of intention.  I remember visiting her house as a child — the umbrella stand filled with peacock feathers, the music box that played Edelweiss, the carved wooden beads shaped like animals, the black and white photos of antique teacups and black patent leather shoes.  It was like opening a treasure chest from another time and place.  

I wanted to be like her when I grew up.  She died suddenly, unexpectedly — a mixture of tragedy and disappointment.  I never knew her as an adult.  But there are things that will always remind me of her — ginko leaves are one of them.  She used to press them between the pages of old books, and over time the leaf would become as faded and brittle as the pages that contained it.

Ginko Leaf Mini Art with easel ~ $25  (click image for info)

The above mini art was inspired by those leaves, and was originally created for “art card of the month” subscribers.  But once I got the image into my head I couldn’t shake it — it quickly turned into a series, and snuck itself between wholesale orders and commissions (a new idea is the guilty pleasure of a working artist!)  I’m sure there will be more to come, but in the meantime I am so pleased to share these with you:

   
metallic print, 5×7 inches ~ $9       Copper Leaves on Red, 5×7 inches ~ $75  
(click on images for info)

Falling Leaves, 9×24 inches ~ $385  
 

I am particularly proud of the last piece; it is quite stunning in person although it doesn’t cooperate with the camera terribly well.  The background is full of swirls of deep teal blue that glow in the most lovely way.

The above pieces are all currently available for purchase, if they resonate with you as well.  

Here is to fueling your soul ~ to the bits of life that inspire you, and the ripples you create~

Chris

Hello all!

First of all, thank you to those of you who gave feedback on the copper recipe card idea!  It was incredibly helpful to hear your thoughts and comments.  One question several people asked was what if the recipe card had writing on both sides ~ no worries!  I have a solution below.  I’ll admit it hadn’t occurred to me because, well, I come from a less “culinarily adept” family than many of you apparently do (sorry Mom!).  Our recipes barely filled one side, let alone two.  But I digress…

I promised you more info as Mother’s Day got closer, so here you go:

Copper & zinc recipe cards

The recipe cards are available on either copper, or zinc (left & right, above).  They are a metal version of your favorite family recipe, complete with the beloved smudges, spills, and stains.  They measure 3×5 inches, the same as a standard recipe card.  You can choose the mini easel display (above), or have your recipe matted (shown below).  A single metal card is matted to fit an 8×10 frame; two cards (or the front and back of your recipe!) are matted to 11×14 inches.  Copper cards are mounted on a cream background; zinc cards are mounted on pale blue.

   

Please email me a scan or photo of your recipe by May 1st for delivery before Mother’s Day!  

Although I will tweaks things in Photoshop, please check that the scan or image is in focus, and fairly readable to start with.  (A tip: place the recipe card on a light sheet of paper and photograph a few inches wider than the card itself.  It helps to avoid distortion, and balances the lightness.)  Want me to do it for you?  Email me and I’ll give you my mailing address.  I’ll scan your recipe card for you, and will return it with your finished artwork.

Prices:
Copper or zinc recipe card with mini easel ~ $35
Matted single recipe card, copper or zinc 8×10 ~ $45
Matted double recipe card, copper or zinc 11×14 ~ $75

Shipping for recipe cards with mini easel ~ $2
Shipping for matted pieces ~ $5

To purchase: just email your image, and artwork choice to chris (at) copperleafstudios.net.  I’ll email you an invoice once I’ve received your file.

A favor to ask:
If you know anyone who might be interested a metal recipe card, please consider passing this on to a friend!  

As always, take care, and have a wonderful week :)

Chris

The long version:

I buy metal in full sheets, and have it cut into the sizes I most commonly use.  There are always bits and pieces left over at the end (the fractions, if you will).  Usually just slivers, but sometimes bigger pieces that I stack neatly until I find the perfect use for them.  I often have a random assortment, so they usually end up as part of a larger collage (like the Letterpress piece).

But right now I have a lot of 3×5 inch pieces.  And it dawned on me that 3×5 is the size of an index card.  And index cards are used to write recipes.  And what sweeter way to capture the memory of your mother or grandmother than preserving her handwritten and butter-stained recipe card in a permanent form?

An etched metal recipe card ~ in mom’s own handwriting

So that’s the idea.  Your recipe, word for word, stain for beloved stain, preserved in the original handwriting on copper or zinc and displayed on a mini easel.  I know it’s early.  Mother’s Day isn’t for like a month.  But if you celebrate Easter, you’re likely flipping through those sentimental favorites to find recipes to prepare for the holiday.  Once you’re done cooking and baking, set the card aside and email me a scan or a photo.

* If you want to get a jump on it early, email me your image before April 1st and I’ll offer you a discount in exchange for a sample photo of the finished piece.  You’ll be able to preview before you purchase. *

Want to wait until later?  No problem ~ stay tuned!  I’ll be back in touch with more info as it gets closer.

Take care, and hug your loved ones ~

Chris

Bougainville

I’ll admit; before this project, I hadn’t heard of Bougainville Island.  Once part of Papua New Guinea, it is located in the Solomon Islands chain.  It is home to lush jungles, numerous bird and floral species, and abundant marine life.  There are six volcanos, including Bagana — which is said to spew “friendly” molten lava 24/7.  (Unless it’s made of chocolate, I don’t know what “friendly molten lava” is, but I’ll bet it’s spectacular.)  The mineral-rich island once housed a large Australian mine, but disputes over the mine’s destructive financial, environmental, and social impacts led to its closing, and a long and painful battle for Bougainville’s political independence.  If you have a bit of free time, The Coconut Revolution is a fascinating documentary on the resolve and resourcefulness of the indigenous people in what has been called “the world’s first successful eco-revolution”.  I’m not sure what it’s status is today, but I hope it is in a more peaceful place.
I was asked to create a copper map of Bougainville and the nearby islands, including a topographical layer, and text labeling the major points of interest.  Here is my version, start to finish:

creating the pattern & graphics layout

I wanted the copper and the text to form a balance — both spatially, with the diagonal island shapes balanced by the larger writing in the corners, and in terms of the strong linear quality of both the topographical layer and the font.  The smaller bits of writing were designed to wrap around the islands and fit within the background squares comfortably.

    
stacks of etched zinc                                  printing the text

I etched the zinc to give it a texture, then experimented with the colors on the text.  I wanted the text to be subtle, so that it didn’t overwhelm the artwork.  (Think “antique map” versus “child’s coloring book”.)  The image below shows one and two layers of color, in reverse order.  I like the cloudy look of the light blue — not right for this piece, but something I want to experiment with in the future.

color tests

For this piece, I went with a darker tone to create a striking copper on deep blue combination.  The writing is visible when the sunlight strikes it, but otherwise forms a more subtle background texture.  I remember one of my favorite artists Maya Lin talking about how she designed the Vietnam Memorial so that when it rained, the names disappeared.  The concept of shifting visibility is fascinating to me.  In this piece, I wanted the words to be a discovery — something that encourages you to come up close and read and touch, or to catch in a glimpse when the light hits it just right.

Bougainville Island detail

topographical layer

I have always had a crush on letterpress.  Smooth metal shapes with deeply carved letters, coated with the gray patina of time.  In my mind’s eye they are the size of children’s blocks, and just as tactile.  But I’ve never used them in artwork.  In real life they are often tiny, and clunky, and while they can be beautiful in other artists’ hands, they are awkward at best in mine.

But then I discovered a beautiful Art Deco set in the vintage shop “Call Me Clever” (callmeclever.etsy.com).  I fell in love with the letters, and the way they were grouped together in a topsy turvy manner.  The image glued itself to my brain, and when I went back, the letterpress had sold and just the image remained.  I contacted Shawn the shop owner and asked if he would allow me to do something artistic with his photo.  I didn’t know what.  (Sometimes it’s best to not think about that til you get permission, lest your creative heart be broken ;) )  He was very kind and agreeable, and I’m thrilled to share with you the results of our collaboration:

“Letterpress” mini easel art

I focused on a small section of the picture, and shuffled the blocks a bit to fill out the space.  Then I used Photoshop to adjust the contrast and brightness of each letter & background so that the overall image felt balanced.  That image was then fused onto etched and tarnished zinc so that the smoky silver tone of the metal mimicked the look of the letterpress.  This little piece became February’s art card.  (I have a few left over ~ click the image above for more info)

Je T’aime
I wanted to create a larger piece as well ~ something that really pulled together a variety of inspiration into one piece… the key from last year’s Valentine’s Day card… the cut out metal letters I’ve been making… familiar elements, presented in a new way.

blocking out sections

the finished piece

Quick Peek: COSE Awards

Hello all!  Thought I’d give you a quick peek at one of the projects I just wrapped up — a set of four awards given to outgoing members of the COSE Board of Directors (above).  I’ve made awards for COSE in the past, including the ones below:

   

The challenge was to make something that felt consistent with previous years, but had a fresh design.  So I added the red color and photo transfered words related to business & entrepreneurialism.  (For those of you unfamiliar, COSE is an organization that advocates for & assists small businesses.)  I’m really pleased with the design!  The color is beautifully rich and deep, and the combination of the red & copper was quite striking.  And, as anyone who has ever befriended an artist knows, the current project is always the favorite ;)

Life will give you lemons, if you’re lucky…

In other news, I bought a lemon tree!  This has nothing to do with art or copper or anything else, other than it makes me smile.  January has been cold and wet and downright icky, and I decided it was perfectly rational to combat all the crappiness by mail ordering a citrus tree.  I like to think of it as making lemonade the “slow food” way.  After being crammed into a box and drop-kicked onto my doorstep, it is now living happily in my kitchen.  It is almost up to my shoulder ~ although around here we measure things in “nieces”.  (Almost Abby height, btw.)  Supposedly it will fruit sometime in the spring.  Will keep you posted!
Take care, and have a great week!

Chris

January Stillness

Hello all, and Happy New Year~

The rush of the holidays is now over, and the houses are covered with a blanket of snow. The world lacks color right now. The little pleasures of life are smells and tastes, rather than sights. Outside the smell of crisp, cool air is quickly replaced by the sweet sap of burning firewood and the spice of a warm cup of tea. The days are short and the darkness long. It is a time of stillness, of rest, of recovery.

Here at Copper Leaf Studios it is a time of planning and organizing, of dull administrative necessities, and of full body exhaustion, no longer content to be ignored. The holiday season builds to a frenzy I cannot fathom at any other point of the year, and sometime during the week between Christmas and New Years the cup gets depleted. (Somewhere around this time emails are answered “You don’t need it til February? Oh thank GOD.”)

But the stillness doesn’t last for long. The hot little embers of ideas start to spark, and pretty soon a warm excitement fills the air. Downtime will do that to you. It is a precious commodity, indeed.

This will be a year of excitement, and challenge, and wonder. It will be a year of long-term projects, and major installations. Of trying new techniques and streamlining others. It will be a year to create the single largest piece I have ever made — 28 feet! — until someone surprises me by wanting something even larger. A year for dreaming big! And to doing big, because it is not enough to dream. And for taking a deep breath, to exhale the tired and worried and anxious and to breathe in the fresh scent of possibility.

Here’s to 2013 ~ and to sharing the journey.

Until next time,

Chris

This is a special edition newsletter!  This is the time of year when lots of exciting decisions are made about finding just the right thing for just the right person.  So I put together a fun little guide to help you brainstorm!  Many of the items are mine, and others are from wonderful artists whose work I know and love.  The items below are handmade, hand crafted, designed with love, by individual artists.  They are divided into several categories, and each image is a link to where you can purchase or see more — just click on the picture!  The whole collection will be also be HERE AT PINTEREST, where I’ll be updating it with even more lovely items over the next few weeks.  So once you’ve had your fill of turkey and pumpkin pie, after the guests have gone and the calm has arrived, wrap yourself in a blanket, grab a cup of tea and a laptop, and enjoy!

If you like this guide, please forward it to a friend!

~Chris

Holiday-Themed Items

Copper Leaf Studios copper maple leaf ornament ~ $18
Copper Leaf Studios Christmas tree mini art with easel ~ $25
Copper Leaf Studios ice blue snowflake mini art with easel ~ $25

For Her

Sweet Pea in Winter hazelnut body butter ~ $6
ValerieTyler Designs peridot earrings ~ $36
Copper Leaf Studios sweet pea jewelry box ~ $50

For Him

The Flannel Dog black coffee soap ~ $5
Stonz sterling key ring ~ $40
Copper Leaf Studios custom metal map ~ from $50

Hostess Gifts

Copper Leaf Studios red key mini art with easel ~ $25
Sweet Pea in Winter cranberry & orange glycerine soap ~ $5 ea
zJayne set of 3 snowflake lavender sachet  $14

Coworkers

Copper Leaf Studios custom business card holder ~ $35
Copper Leaf Studios Terminal Tower pencil box ~ $65
Copper Leaf Studios Guardian metallic print ~ $20

For the Home

Copper Leaf Studios custom metal letter ~ from $40
Copper Leaf Studios Blue Landscape ~ $150
Copper Leaf Studios Split Sun $750

Cleveland Museum of Art

Surreal.  That’s how it felt when I got a call from the Cleveland Museum of Art asking if I would be interested in having some of my work on display.  (“why yes, that would be lovely!”  er, how does one respond to that sort of question, exactly?)  The CMA has always been a source of pride around here, but this premier art museum also just happened to recently undergo a $350 million expansion, which has given it even more attention and grandeur as of late.

The centerpiece of the renovation?  The Ames Family Atrium, a stunning five-story space that connects the “old” and “new” museums with one grand glass structure designed by NY architect Rafael Vinoly.  And within that space — bamboo gardens, a massive performance area, the Provenance Cafe (under the guidance of chef Douglas Katz), and the brand new Museum Store, which will now showcase local artists and exclusive merchandise.

“We’d like to feature your work at the debut in October.”  “Sure,” I stammer in my professional voice.  “That would be fine.  Can you email me your consignment agreement?”  “If it’s okay with you, we’d prefer to purchase the work outright.”  <choke> Yeah, that’s good too.  Sixteen pieces, my friends.  Not that I kiss and tell.

The manager and I played phone tag on the day that I dropped off the work.  It occurred to me as I was stopped at the front door by security that we had never really clarified where we were to meet.  I was informed upon entering that they don’t let so much as an envelope in the front doors, let alone a chica stacked with boxes.  But a little walkie talking and I was led into a massive glass room covered in brown kraft paper.  ”We had to cover the walls because so many people were peering inside,” he tells me.

I asked if there would be any sort of opening — yes, he tells me the date… he may as well have said “a little shindig, nothing fancy”.  The weather was lousy; parking was horrible.  We almost didn’t make it.  I had no idea the reason why we couldn’t find a place to park was because half of Northeast Ohio was inside celebrating.  Performances included Taiko drummers, Indian dancers, giant puppeteers, stilt-walkers… over 40 different cultural performances.  It was like Parade the Circle indoors.

We made a beeline for the shop.  ”I wanna see your work,” Alan insisted, dismissing the African drummers — “they’ll still be here.”  We walked through the whole shop twice, not there.  I tried to be diplomatic, but there was a twinge of disappointment.  It wasn’t until we gave up and went outside that we realized it was featured in the display window.  

Okay, yeah, I’m beaming like a little kid.  Still.  As a young writer, Neil Gaiman said he was given one piece of advice: “You should enjoy this.”  And that, my friends, is just what I shall do.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me, and have a great week :)

Chris