Potato Chip Warning

Potato chips are dangerous to your health and I know all of you have sworn off all the really tasty foods for the new year. But, you can also antique copper with potato chips and we show you how easy it is.  Be sure to watch today's Taco Tuesday with your kids as this would be a cool experiment to do with them.

We start out with the middle top piece of metal and turn them into beautiful aged pieces shown on the sides.

The heart I made after I antiqued the metal and formed it around a piece of StampBord. Thought I would make it into a pin. It was a little harder to emboss with the antiquing already done but doing a simple shape like the heart worked out well. Then I just puffed it out and filled in the back with wood filler. When you do this technique, cut lots of copper and just have lots of layers in the container, it's silly to do just a few pieces when you could do around ten pieces and have them ready when you need them for a project.

So, to see how easy this process is, watch the video and let us know what you think, and post a comment here on the blog. The winner will get a 3' roll of pure copper from us to play with on their own. You gotta supply your own potato chips! We also have another experiment that Megan donated to. She is always telling me how you just need to "pee" on the copper metal. Well, she did and it's still soaking in the "pee bath" and it hasn't changed at all. That's been a week. I think the potato chips are easier. The winner will be chosen on Friday. 

We've got some cool new classes on the website Sawing 101 and Cool Canvas so check out those descriptions. As soon as the new stuff gets here I'll have some samples to show. I'm sitting at the door like a dog on a bone waiting for big trucks to pull up with stuff. As soon as it's here, we'll let everyone know about it. Happy first Tuesday of 2010!

P.S. It took about 3 hours for the copper to change. For the video we let it "soak" overnight. You can also keep using the chips as they firm up after they've dried out from the water misting.

Comments

[Rachel Katzenellenbogen]

I love this technique. It's easy and looks amazing. Thank you so much for the video.

[Nancy Crissinger]

You two just crack me up! Thank you for a much-needed morning laugh after a drive in to work with so many who apparently don't remember we get snow every year! (lol) I think I'm glad the "pee" method didn't work so well - potato chips are much more fun to work with. ;o)

[Kim in Cincy]

Very cool! Glad you were willing to do the experiment. If your other seven followers send you any more experiments, you should save them until Halloween and do a mad scientist video!!!!

[Tiffany Robbins]

Patina copper must be all the rage now days. I'm seeing it everywhere. The company my husband works for just built these multimillion $$$$$$ homes and they all have patina copper on them. The cable show "She's Crafty" did the same technique. Your samples were better though!
Now what will I do? Maybe a planter? Can't wait to see the ideas that the 8 viewers will post:)

[Carol G.]

I've never bought the salt and vinegar potato chips before. Guess I'm going to have to buy some now.
Thanks for sharing this fantastic new technique.
Looking forward to seeing the "new" products.

One of your "8" watchers.

[Nancy from Florida]

I loved the mad scientist video and that you two are willing to risk life and limb in the pursuit of art. I can't wait to try it! "We" (all 9 of us since I am sure you added another fan with this technique) would love to see antiqued copper in a finished piece.

[kendra]

Very cool technique! Can't wait to see the results from the pee. Such a waste to just flush that down the toilet when it could be used for crafty goodness.

[Elaine]

Love the verdigris look of the copper. Usually it has to be left out in the weather to go that colour...but no...just buy salt and vinegar crisps!!

[Cathy Wegner]

Really cool technique and easy! Thanks for being such trail blazers!

[Elaine Allen]

Ladies -

Wonderful (and funny) video with lots of wonderful information. Who knew potato chips could be so crafty? Now I have an excuse to keep them in the house!!! Think I'll pass on the pee, I mean I pass pee, but I'll . . . oh you know what I mean!

Elaine Allen

[irma Borja]

It really looks nice and is save way to antique the cooper even de kids as you says can do it qith us is so nice to involve them in our proyects! Thanks a lot.

[Rebecca G.]

WOW! That is a FANTASTIC technique! I'm off to buy some potato chips now! Thanks, ladies, for all of your hard work, dedication and generosity. I have learned SO MUCH from your videos!!

[Debby]

What a cool effect. I love those potato chips. They come in a brown bag here if you want the name brand kind and they are killer addictive if you open the bag. Thanks for being the mad scientists with this one. Love the inspiration. Can't wait to see what is new.

[Doreen McKort]

Loved the video. What a great technique with a cool outcome....NOT THE PEE METHOD!! I do however, applaud Megan for her daring experiments for the craft world. (She must be so much fun at parties!!!LOLOL!) Thanks again , ladies.

[Carol J. Johnson]

Okay... I am a pack rat but I don't think I will be saving pee for my art.
I will, however, grab the kid's potato chips to try this. Way cool!
Thanks ladies,
Carol J.

[SherylH]

This is one of the best videos you have done -- and I am so glad that Megan's pee experiment didn't work! The salt/vinegar technique looks like a great way to antique copper. How long did you need to leave the copper in the chip layer -- few minutes, couple of hours?

[Janet B]

Very cool. Love your senses of humor!

[LollyChops]

Awesome video and the results are so cool! YAY to Nancy for suggesting it!

[Joyce]

Viewer # 10 here. Forget the pee technique. Yukky poo! This has been a technique I've been wanting to try but haven't had the time. I have 62 others waiting in the wings and will just send them to you two to try. You did ask..... Now, I can save you some postage. Just pick me and bring my copper to the GrapeVine Convention this weekend. See you there!

[Linda Coppolino]

Thanks for the demo! I've read several articles on the subject but have yet to try it.

Here are some others that I've read:
- ammonia & salt
- place copper on a bed of pine needles, leaves or wood shavings (this will create patterns), pour on a mixture of ammonia, white vinegar and sea salt
- liver of sulfur
After the bath, rinse the copper with a mixture of water/baking soda to neutralize it, to stop the process. Coat with lacquer or varnish.

I've tried Jax Green Patina on your copper - interesting effect, but not as dramatic as your experiment.

Thanks again!

[Wendy Southin]

Thanks can't wait to try this patina technique. Keep the ideas coming.

[BarbaraG]

I see you two are starting the new year being more goofy and hilarious than ever. Next time Disney has a sale on Goofy t-shirts I'll have to get you a couple! I just about peed laughing! Too bad I didn't have any copper handy.
I have a stupid question; you've probably already answered, but I'm too lazy to start the video over again. How long do you leave the copper pieces in the closed container with the potato chips? I love this technique and the results are spectacular!
Barb

[Christine R]

That turns out so cool! It will be great for making things look like antiques. I'm going to do this. Thanks guys.

[Darlene Plotinski]

Great idea! I'm so glad Megan's pee idea didn't work because I am bigger fan of "patina" than "peetina"!

[Cynthia Hawkins]

Thanks for another fun video. This is a good
non-toxic way to antique copper. Also, thanks for a successful experiment,and showing us what may be happening to our insides when ingesting these foods. (Crafting with potato chips is safer and healthier than eating them.):-)

[peggy mcdevitt]

Your starting off the year right, pee and potato chips, great fun and I learned a lot. Its going to be another great year of Taco Tuesdays. Are you going to sell a canvas with a niche in it, oh boy, gotta have one. Enjoy Peggy in snowy cold Ohio

[Holly McMannes]

Cheryl and Megan, you two are so funny and I love watching you two work together. Love the Patina technique, but I don't think I'll try the peeing technique. What a great ideal of experimenting with Salt and Vinegar potato chips. Can't wait to see what is next. From one of your 10 viewers, Happy New Year.
Holly from Nebraska

[Kim-FL]

I am new to your videos (as well as to metal art) but I have to say I love watching you guys you are too freakin funny!!!! Megan thank you for taking art to the next level (but I am glad it did not work)! Forget your new years resolution please don't change a thing you guys are a great team!

[Robin Myers]

So I was wandering if you could just soak the copper in pickle juice!?!? Love you ladies! Looking forward to a interesting new year of videos!

[jenn h]

Love the video..I think I want to cover a pot to put outside with that method. Can't wait to see what the new product is. Eating a taco just for you:)

[jane]

You can also stamp on the copper with a rubber stamp that has been "inked" with Vaseline. Then place the copper in a bath of Liver of Sulphur, and the uninked porion will turn black. Rinse the copper with water and wipe dry.

[jane]

Sorry. That was "portion", not "porion". You know, the uninked part.

[Linda Cain]

AMAZING!!!!!!!!
Love it!

Linda

[Paula]

You two are just plain silly and I would love to try out your experiment on some copper!

[Maxine Hanks]

Loved the video!! Sounds as though Jane has done a bit of patina'ing'. You can also use Copper or Black patina solution sold on stained glass websites or at a craft store that sell stained glass.

I love the heart embossed cooper, so cool to make into a pin.

[Marsha]

I love the look of old copper, and to be able to reproduce sort of that patina is really a cool idea. Especially since it does not involve lots of money or time. Thanks Nancy, Cheryl, and Megan.

[Norma Miller]

I love working with copper (southwestern look you know) I make Birthday cards and now they will all have a new look. I can't wait to get started. The video was great and I think that even I a beginner can handle it. If I get a great one, I'll send a photo. With me it takes a lot of practice so all of my friends get something out of my trials.

[jacki]

excellent video! who would have thought potato chips could create such an effect on copper? i'm a fritos girl myself - maybe i'll have to give those a try, too. thanks!

[Jeanette]

Wow! Love this idea! Turned out sooo cool, y'all crack me up...lol keep up the great videos, plz!

[Lynn Stevens]

Maybe Megan needs to drink vinegar and eat potato chips before she pees on the copper ! LOL
You two are a riot. I'm one of your 8 viewers! Great idea seriously.

[edie]

S&V potato chips are my addiction! Here's a legit reason to bring them into the house.... thankS! I love verdegris!

edie

[sandie]

WOW ... what a fab idea & great technique!!!
Love it, love it, LOVE IT!!!!
Cheers sandie from down under xxx

[Joanne]

OMG...your videos are just too much fun! I love this technique - the affect is just amazing. How to laugh at the pee technique - who would have thought!

[Char- D]

I would love to win the copper and try some other experiments as well. This one looks really great. Thanks for the info.

["Woxanne"]

Salt and vinegar potato chips sure smell better than liver of sulfur!!!

[Susan M]

Verrry cool technique -- and more 'organic' than some of the commercial patina chemicals you can buy. Of course, Megan's technique is the most organic...but not if it doesn't work!
Thanks for sharing!
Susan

[Sarah]

This is the best use of chips ever. Lay's will wonder about the surge in Salt and Vinegar sales.
When I buy copper from you I will be careful that the description does not include the letters "APO" (already peed on)!

[Staci]

Really Cool! I love that aged look now off to play!

[Tamikko Gordin]

I was just looking at liquid patina in Michaels and it's soooo expensive for a tiny little bottle of chemical that you need to do in fresh air. This is the best idea evah!
You guys are so hilarious. I can't imagine a Tues. without you. Well, I had to wait until Wed. to watch you without the kids bugging me :)

[laurie hunt]

Excellent experiment and results ladies. I love it. Megan, Megan, I think you did yourself a disservice. Do you really think the people at Ranger U are going to want you there if you start marking your territory like a common alley cat? Please, tread lightly, much is at stake!
viewer number 6