Braille inspired copper bookmark

Did I tell you I will be making more Braille inspired projects?

How about a Braille bookmarks? It's made of copper sheet, hand stamped to create Braille. This one says" Only you can control your future. Dr Seuss"  

I then heat patina the piece to create some color. I also use a unique method to create a pattern. In addition to beautiful, I think is also functional.

What do you think?

Braille inspired copper necklace

It's been years ago when I visited my cousin in MA. His girl friend, MJ, was a teacher for the school of the blind. She talked how different to teach the blinds and she shared braille cards to me. I love touching it as the card is so soft with "dimple" on it.

As I was sitting in my studio, going through my books for some inspiration, I found this card. My heart jumped as I have been thinking about designing a piece from it and now this is my chance.

The necklace is make of 3/8" wide copper sheet. The length varies depending on the characters. Picture shown is "Abigail" and "Gaby". Abigail is about 2 3/8" long. I think I should not go longer than that or otherwise it will poke someone. I can do patina or natural finish.

I have some more ideas for Braille inspired piece...
and of course, braille inspired classes is coming up soon. If you would like me to teach at your school, please contact me conny(at)bigib(dot)com

Broomfield Library stamped metal bookmark class was a blast!

Stamped metal bookmark at Broomfield Library was a blast! The class was full and there was a waiting list. Children ages 10-18 were in the room, pounding, designing, coloring and having fun.
The goal for this event is to explore something new....! I showed the children a little background on copper, safety rules and the tools. After the demo, they can pick and choose what they want to do for a project

One did a letter stamping, one did engraving, even one stamped a dragon on the piece. Yes, it was a bit noisy but it's fun. I will be teaching more classes in Broomfield, CO area. If you would like me to teach at your school, please contact me.

2013 Schedule

Can't get enough art?
Here are Bigib, LLC 2013 schedule.
Please check back as the schedule will be update once the program is confirmed.

April 20, 2013 - Stamped Metal Bookmarks - Broomfield Library

July 9, 2013, 1-2:30: Stamped Metal Bookmars - Westminster Parks and Recs
July 16, 2013, 1-2:30: Bubble wands or garden stakes - Westminster Parks and Recs
July  23, 2013, 1-2:30: Make your own dog tags - Westminster Parks and Recs
July 30, 2013, 2-4: Design a bridge and demolish it! - Westminter Parks and Recs

Aug 7, 2013, 2-4: Design your dream room - Westminster Parks and Recs
Aug 13, 2013, 2-4: Design your tree house - Westminster Parks and Recs

Classes at Westminster Parks and Recs in Summer 2013

Let's have fun....!
Conny Karman will be teaching both metal and architectural design classes for tween at Westminster Parks and Recs. Detailed information can be found at Westminster Children Teen Art Program

You will have a chance to learn the basics of design and use your creativity to design your own. At this session, you will have the opportunity to make your own bubble wands, garden stakes, dog tags, stamped bookmarks.

Hope to see you then...

Youth activities, Broomfield Library April 20, 2013

Cut, stamp, file and fire shiny, metallic copper pieces into your own works of poetic art.  Come explore your inner creativity and do a project in metal stamping.  Students will have a chance to visualize, create and stamp their own copper bookmark with their favorite poetic phrase or quote.  Instructors will teach stamping and hammering techniques, cutting and filing copper, drawing on copper using colored pencils and permanent markers and if time permits, firing copper to create a myriad of fused colors.  Students will have the opportunity to use engraving tools, cutters, files, scissors, hammers and stamps to complete their bookmark charm.  If you have a hammer at home, please bring it along with you. "

Hope to see you then....

Hand made pendant for my mother in law

It is now known in the family that I have a new skill in jewelry making. One day, when I was in my in laws' house,  my father in law showed me a box. I didn't know what it was, but he said I could have anything I like from that box. When I opened it, I found little boxes, big boxes filled with cabochon... There is no specific information as what the cabochon is. Knowing how the family works, I could bet these are handed from generations.

I felt like a kid in a playground. I was so excited choosing from the shape, size, color, texture.
I found this purple color cab, which I think it's very interesting. I decided to make it as a pendant. It is going to be a gift for my mother in law for her 50th anniversary.

Details is what differentiate my design to others. I decided to I cut out a star on the back. In addition to that, I put dots around the perimeter and do a satin finish. I really like how it turned out.
Wouldn't you agree?

To learn more about my pieces, please visit bigib.etsy.com