November 11, 2020

Exactly eight months ago today, one day after his birthday, Joe and I drove 18 miles to the grocery store, did our shopping, drove 18 miles home. I haven't ventured beyond the end of our driveway since then, and Joe has twice driven 1/4 mile up the road and back - just to keep the car running. 

Yes, tomorrow will mark the beginning of our ninth month under voluntary "house arrest." 

The reason for our isolation needs no explanation, but this must be said: We have been "thrown in the briar patch." There's no place on earth either of us would rather be than right here, nobody we'd rather be with than each other and, of course, The Cat.

Speaking of The Cat, here's an example of one of the many projects that have kept us hopping since March 11th ... and promise to keep on making us hop.

The Nine Lives of a Copper Cat

Yes, it's true. Our Copper Cat Brooch does indeed have nine lives, non-traditional though they may be. This cute kitty goes through 9 stages of existence - from rough concept sketch to finished work of wearable art.

Life # 1. The idea is rendered in pencil on graph paper. This is our original drawing - with erasures and changes visible.

The First Life of the Copper Cat Brooch 
 
Life # 2. A piece, usually a scrap, of industrial sheet copper
is selected and thoroughly cleaned, the template
is positioned on, traced and hand cut with shears.

The Second Life of the Copper Cat Brooch 
 
Life # 3. After filing and buffing removes any burrs or rough edges, our newborn kitten pounces on the flatiron anvil.

The Third Life of the Copper Cat Brooch 
 
Life # 4. And gets a pounding. Hand formed wire
patterns and nails create the stamped features and
details; hammers add a primitive, rustic texture.

The Fourth Life of the Copper Cat Brooch
The Fourth Life of the Copper Cat Brooch 
 
Life # 5. Steel wool brings extra shine and smoothness.

The Fifth Life of the Copper Cat Brooch 
 
Life # 6. A hinged metal pin back is positioned
and secured with nontoxic, eco-friendly solder.

The Sixth Life of the Copper Cat Brooch 
 
Life # 7.  A flame bath adds a colorful palette and patina.

The Seventh Life of the Copper Cat Brooch 
 
Life # 8. The final inspection ...
 
The Eighth Life of the Copper Cat Brooch 
 
Life # 9. Ready to be adopted!

The Ninth Life of the Copper Cat Brooch 
 
 
May all your Cats' lives be happy, 
and may they make you happy too!

Hand Forged Copper Cat Brooch Wearable Art
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To see the brooch in our shop, please click this image. 
 
To explore our Rough Magic Creations shop, this one.
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And now, until next time, be safe, we well, be thankful!

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