Metal tooling is a form of relief sculpture that has been present in the arts for centuries. South American artisans press designs into soft metals to create jewelry and ornamental items.

Tooling with copper foil is an economical and easy way to introduce metal working into the classroom. Students discover how to work both sides of the metal to create raised or embossed lines and textures. Introduce simple page-binding techniques, and students have a lovely, hard-cover book to use for notes, sketches, journaling, scrapbooking or photos.

Grade Levels

5–12

Preparation

• Using heavy-duty scissors, cut 6" and 4" high pieces off the 12" wide roll of Tooling Foil. Each student should receive one 6" and one 4" piece.

• Cut paper to 4" x 9" sheets, fold in half

   

Procedure

1. Take 6" piece of foil, silver side up, center 4" × 5" board pieces. Equal space should be given top, bottom and center. (see Illustration 1). Use wooden stylus to trace around board and set board aside.

    

2. The area you just marked will be the covers of the book. You may emboss the entire area or mark off a border, as in the example above. Place the magazines or newspapers beneath and begin embossing with the wooden stylus. You may trace a pattern or freehand. You can work from the front or the back side - or both! NOTE: Any lettering must done from the front side (gold or copper), otherwise it will be reversed. Take care not to use too much pressure or you will puncture the foil.

    

3. Place the boards on the back side of the foil again. Use the ruler to determine the center between the two panels and mark a fold line. Use the scissors to snip a diagonal line from the corner of the foil to the corner of the board (see Illustration 2) This will make wrapping the foil easier.

    

4. Beginning with the sides, wrap the foil over the board. Next, wrap the top and bottom. Use the flat end of the wood stylus to press the foil against the board.

    

5. Take the 4" high piece of foil and trim it down to fit over the board area. Glue in place on either side. See example below. This area may be embossed, too, or used as another page in the book.

    

6. Using care to keep edges aligned, fold the paper. Lay the open sheets over the open cover and center. Determine a place about 1" from the top and the bottom on the fold to place binding holes. Use push pin, nail or awl to pierce through all the paper and the foil (see illustration 3).

    

7. Hold the piece of copper wire against the pages for reference and bend it at the binding holes. Insert the wire through the front side of the book, through the pages, then bend down to secure (see Illustration 4 - it should look like a giant staple!)

    

    

National Standards

Content Standard #1 — Understanding and applying media, techniques and processes

5-8

• Students intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of their experiences and ideas.

9-12

• Students apply media, techniques and processes with sufficient skill, confidence and sensitivity that their intentions are carried out in their artworks.

Content Standard #6 — Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines

5-8

• Students compare the characteristics of works in two or more art forms that share similar subject matter, historical periods or cultural context.

9-12

• Students compare the materials, technologies, media and processes of the visual arts with those of other arts disciplines as they are used in creation and types of analysis.

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