Depending on the size of your copper T’naa’s, you will need a variety of tools show above…You Can never have too many tools….!
I would go into defining what a copper T’naa is however, my time is truly booked and I want to post this sooner than later because there are so many additional posts to post right now I am back-logged! I haven’t been able to keep up with myself!
If you don’t know what Copper T’naa’s are, I suggest you do a little research on line.
Donald Gregory’s small copper T’naa patterns with small photos of actual life-size T’naa’s
Local Juneau Tlingit artist, Donald Gregory was gracious enough to teach me how to make these small copper “gems!” So precious are our tiny pieces of metal that I take the learning of making these things to heart. I asked Donald if he would teach me because I want to someday make a button robe with nothing but T’naa’s adorning the robe…it’s a lot of work, though so worth bringing the vision of what is imagined into this tangible form!
various sizes of hand files, a hole punch and a small hand-drill
As most artists know, having the right equipment and right tools makes the experience of whatever it is you are creating, worth your while!
A variety of hammers for making copper T’naa’s
A variety of cutting devices for making copper T’naa’s
A variety of sizes of (?)…I swear I don’t remember what these are called…!
electric dremel, cutting and guage tools
hahaha! Lol. — I don’t remember what these are called either…but they are used to score the vertical and horizontal lines within each copper
The following are a sequence of photos to demonstrate the process of making the copper T’naa’s. I envision you will use these images as a tool to help guide your work in making the T’naa’s. Though as usual, the best way to learn anything is directly from it’s maker!
Choose the right size pattern
Using Sharpie marker, draw your T’naa directly onto the copper
With metal cutters, cut the shape of your T’naa
score
Bend 1st score before scoring second score
gently pound the copper into a shape using your base block
Using “that” tool begin repouse, lightly tapping to begin making concave top
First use the scoring tool to create the dent where you want your earring loop hole, then use small hand-drill to drill the hole
Using hand file, file down the rough edges of your T’naa