DIY Copper Screen Art: Wow Your Guests!

By Ireen Lizewski, artist, green fashionista, and creator of LoveIreen.com

Happy Green Friday! This week I bring to you another DIY project tutorial, inspired by one of my favorite stores – Anthropolgie.

What You Will Need.

Recycled Magazines

Iridescent Paint (Gold/Copper/Opal, etc.)

Paintbrush

Kraft Paper or Recycled Wrapping Paper

Glue

Stapler + Staples

Copper Flashing – .003″ (3 Mil)

Stainless Steel Flashing – .002″

White Vinegar

Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape

How It’s Done.

Step 1. Choose several colorful, full-page photos from any old magazine and glue the pages to kraft paper (or with Christmas just around the corner- use recycled wrapping paper) to add some weight to the magazine pages.

Step 2. Lightly cover the magazine pages with varying shades of iridescent paint. The magazine photos should still be somewhat visible through the paint.

Step 3. Cut the copper and stainless steel flashing (both can be found online or at home improvement stores) and the painted magazine pages to any desired shape or size. I chose a uniform, 1″ x 4″ rectangle shape, but a different look can created by using squares, triangles, circles, etc.

Step 4. If desired, age the copper pieces with vinegar. For this project, I experimented a little and created four different copper effects. Here’s how:

Effect 1. Reserve a portion of the cut copper pieces to be used without any aging.

Effect 2. Place copper pieces in a glass jar, coat lightly with vinegar, and allow to darken for several hours to achieve a rich, bronze patina.

Effect 3. Place copper pieces on a baking sheet, pour a small amount vinegar on top, and allow the pieces to air-dry to achieve “patina-spotting.”

Effect 4. Place copper pieces on a dish towel, pour vinegar on top, and allow to dry completely to create a unique, turquoise effect on the bottom of the copper.

Step 5. Staple the copper, stainless steel, and painted magazine scraps together in varying patterns until the desired screen size is reached.

Step 6. Attach to the wall directly with double-sided foam mounting tape.

Step 7. Enjoy.

Love, ~ I