I’ve started creating copper hedgehogs and other wildlife jewellery designs using Art Clay Copper. I love the warmth of the copper and it works really well with Rose Gold findings. Maybe I should change my name to Little Copper Hedgehog!
I create tiny copper hedgehogs, red squirrels, birds and other nature-inspired designs in the copper clay and use embeddable copper findings for the hanging loops. Just like my silver clay work, each piece is entirely sculpted by hand – working under a magnifying lens to ensure I can create beautiful intricate details.
Firing copper clay
After drying for 24 hours, the copper clay creations are fired in my jewellery kiln at a super hot 970 degrees for several hours. I have been firing them in coconut carbon to avoid having to quench each piece as soon as the firing ends. You can watch a video on this process below.
The warmth of the copper is really suited to creating red squirrels and gives people a choice of colour if their skin tone doesn’t suit silver.
I’m able to create most of my silver designs in copper but I am more limited in the gemstones I can use, due to the much higher firing temperature of the copper.
You will find my latest copper wildlife jewellery creations in my online shop.
Little Silver Hedgehog 