ArtFire

The quarto pin is a small, elegant, three-dimensional pin calling to mind books, leaves of paper, and origami, without being directly representational (like our Book Pins). They are created by folding two pieces of thin copper sheet once, then beginning a second fold, leaving them with a curled shape. The two pieces are set next to each other and attached to a nickel pin back. The coloring of the pieces arises from heating the copper to make it malleable after the first fold, and is a natural effect. Colors range from reds and oranges to browns. Most can be worn either way up. Pins are sealed with acrylic fixative to preserve the color and keep it from affecting clothes.

While experimenting with possibilities of multiply folded copper sheet, I found myself wanting to stop early in the process, before much had been done, because the designs looked great only half-folded. I started making symmetrical pairs of these once-creased, once-loosely-folded pieces, so that I could offer them as earrings. Only recently (months later) did I realize how well they would work with those symmetrical pairs put together into a single, bookmatched unit.

Copper, nickel pin back

Every one is different, and it would be impossible to repeat any design or pattern of coloration precisely, so I have numbered the images. Please include a note as to which one you would like. As they are sold, I will try to remove them as promptly as possible and replace them with new ones. Every pin is signed and dated on the back with an engraver.