Sheet metal and copper surplus

I recently came into a ton of flat copper wire, and Im pluging away at it slowly. Ive made a variety of bangles, rings, bezels for gems, even some small and very large vases from pure copper. Some of which made it into the galleries

Ive added copper accents to the line of eternal roses Ive been working on for Valentines. I think my next tool investment will likely be a rolling mill so I can flatten some pieces, and maybe further flatten some of my copper to create wider thinner pieces.

So far Im enjoying the look of the metal flowers, but it has me thinking Im sure I can use a similar technique and material to make pieces that are more ‘fashion forward’ with a rolling mill I could probably use some of this copper to custom fabricate some dragon scales for adding to my existing chainmaille designs. I know ‘scalemaille’ is not in any way traditional armor, but there is a subset of fantasy and roleplay types that simply cannot get enough of it. Buying pre-fab scales is totally possible, but with shipping, and questionable contents and ethics, I feel like making the scales myself will be both more reliable, as well as ensuring I get exactly what I want. I guess I like the control factor of making my own supplies where ever possible, but also love the full process of creating something new.

I will be spending some time researching techniques for manipulating copper. I know less than nothing about the melting point of copper, casting copper, or even basic milling of copper. What I have learned so far is my skin doesnt absolutely hate copper, but it definitely hates the solder Im currently using (a ring doesnt stain my finger anywhere except the solder joint which turns my finger green in moments. So Ive bought several different types of solder, and some copper braising rods to see if I cant find a combination that doesnt immediately discolour my skin, its a tall order.

Hopefully Ill have some updates on my copper knowledge and skills soon. But in the meantime watch out for the stainless steel Euro 4 in 1 coif that is nearing completion and ahould be arriving in the gallery shortly!