ANNEALING

Copper particles are aligned in an orderly way. This makes the metal malleable. As you work the bracelet with your hammer, the particles will become disordered, making the copper brittle and harder to shape. Thanks to the wonders of science, however, when copper is heated, the particles are reordered and the metal becomes soft again. This process is called annealing. To do it, secure the bracelet in a metal vice or in a metal bowl filled with stones to hold the piece up. Light the torch and move the flame over the copper until it turns cherry red. Let it cool and it is ready to work again.