Hand forging of copper involves a lot of heat and hammering. After going over the surface numerous times with high heat torches and different hammers, the desired shape and texture is achieved. We combine techniques and tools from both wrought iron and jewelry traditions to create designs of an interesting organic quality as well as a high refinement and delicacy. Many of our tools and techiniques are developed by the artist, Gregg Hessel, who is inspired by traditional techniques of metalworking as well as the desire to invent metalworking techniques fro the future.

Hessel's designs are produced in his studio about 30 miles north of San Francisco by several apprectices, each having many years of metalworking experience. Every piece is hand wrought, having its own eccentricities which adds to the beauty as well as the value. All are engraved on the underside of the base with the title of the design and are stamped with the Hessel Studios stamp. Hessle's designs look beautiful singly, paired, or in a grouping of different heights. We highly recommend using beeswax tapers as they have a slightly sticky surface that works well with our tapered openings.

The polished surface is maintained by using a good quality non-abrasive polishing compound with a soft cloth. Copper will darken to a warm, rich color over time. Many people love to see the change and value this patina. Polishing compound will remove the patina, but it can be maintained by buffing with a soft dry cloth to keep the surface clean. To remove dripped candle was, hold the area with the wax under the hottest tap water until the was is soft enough to be wiped away with a soft cloth. Remove all moisture from the surface of the metal; water can spot and discolor copper. Never use anything sharp or abrasive on copper to remove wax.

Enjoy!

Gregg Hessel, Hand Forged Copper