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We worked together on Printed Circuit Boards, which are constructed of copper clad laminate, so I knew I wanted to include a bit of copper in this frame. I just didn't know how I was going to do it.

I experimented with copper sheets and epoxy and wasn't happy with the results.

The next experiments I tried were with some 1/4" wide copper foil that I had in my stash of stained glass supplies. I worked with stained glass on this Entertainment Center project and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I wanted to give the copper some color to help it sand out from the mahogany, which has a similar red-ish tint. Here I saw another opportunity to personalize the frame. The SDSU school colors are yellow and blue. The recipe for blue patina on copper is easy-peasy, so after an overnight patina process, the copper was ready to apply.

After I applied the copper and sprayed on a quick coat of lacquer to lock in the patina, I did my favorite happy dance. This is one of those times when I amaze even myself!

Next step will be to take this frame down the street for matte and glass.

This is really a project that must be seen to truly appreciate. The buttery smooth grain of the mahogany catches you eye and the subtle colors in the patina draw you in for a close look.

David J. Ulschmid