Nature-Inspired Copper Jewelry: How It’s Made

Gale Dashner Schadewald Copper Jewelry Artist

Drawing Inspiration from Nature’s Beauty

Nature has always been where I feel most at home. It’s where I find ideas, clear my mind, and notice the little details that often become part of my work. Inspiration can come from almost anywhere. A weathered piece of bark, the veins in a leaf, or an overlooked insect can all become the starting point for a new design.

Every piece begins with an idea. I create the artwork in Adobe Illustrator before transferring it onto a sheet of copper using a heat-transfer process. From there, I etch the metal with acid. The acid removes the exposed copper, leaving behind raised textures and details that become part of the finished design.

Shaped by Fire and Hand

After etching, I hand-file and sand each piece to create smooth, comfortable edges. I then anneal the copper, using fire to soften the metal so it can be formed by hand.

Once the shaping is complete, I bring the design to life with a combination of traditional metalsmithing techniques and my own coloring methods. These finishes add depth and highlight the textures created during the etching process. Finally, I apply a protective sealer to help preserve the finish over time.

Every piece passes through my hands many times before it’s finished.

Made for Those Who Feel at Home Outdoors

I don’t make jewelry to follow trends. I make it for people who feel a connection to the natural world.

These designs are for the ones who take the scenic route, stop to admire an interesting rock, or wander a trail just to see where it leads. They’re for people who find beauty in weathered wood, winding rivers, and things that aren’t perfectly polished.

Nature isn’t perfect. That’s part of what makes it beautiful. I hope each piece carries a little of that same feeling.

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