There's a green-recycle-earth-friendly op shop between my studio and the post office... and I'm at the post office every day. Needless to say, I'm quite friendly with the op shop people.Anyhoo.... they recycle all manner of things. I think these little copper-wire thingamies come out of computers. Apparently they have a LOADS of them. The waste-not-want-not in me can't let them go to landfill or sit idle in a warehouse.
If I could knit, I'd be thinking about knitting that wire into astounding art-jewellery collar things. The plastic foundation cog-like bits look to me like they could be stacked and made into table legs. If I had time to make wearable art I'd be linking them together in some sort of awe-inspiring chainmail configuration..... the options seem limitless to me.
As it is (what with books to write, child to raise, patterns to develop etc), I'm unlikely to do any of those things.
When I find the perfect centre-piece for my little cog-like computer bit, it'll become a brooch.... but I don't need a mountain of copper-wire coggy brooches.
If you can think of a use for one - or for a mountain of them - let me know and I'll organise to get it/them to you. Let me know what you make and I'll link/post them here.
OR - I'd love to hear any inspired half-baked ideas you might have for them (like my snowflakes-hope-in-hell knitty one). Who knows - you might inspire someone who has the time to follow the idea through?
Call it a challenge to think outside the square, so to speak....
EDITED TO ADD: Thanks for the suggestions as to how to make my fortune :), but if any selling of copper is to be done, I think the op shop can use the funds for better causes than I have. It's why they were saved in the first place, but there's probably some reason why nothing has been done with them as yet.
It was put to me as a creative exercise in recycling.... so put on your creative thinking caps, peeps....!
The wire looks about the right gauge for knitting or crochet. I use 0.2mm wire for my bracelets. No suggestions for the cog though. Think it could be a good brooch with a big chunky button in the middle.
ReplyDeleteMy boys are attracted to these and have them even out of washing machines, and they bring ones like this home from after school care when they demolish things for fun and scientific merit. I usually find them (surpisingly heavy) in the bottom of the washing machine.
ReplyDeletenot sure but i wish i had some. of course they would sit in my craft room for a year or two until i figured out something wonderful to make from them and then i would be short just a couple and could not get anymore! the story of my crafty life. they do look like fun.
ReplyDeleteIs it actual copper wire? If so it's worth a small fortune. Bugger knitting with it, sell it and go on a holiday!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.smh.com.au/business/hold-the-phone-what-to-do-with-all-this-copper-wire-20100325-qzz1.html
I think if you put something in the center, and a string/attachment on one of the arms, I think they would make great Christmas ornaments. You could use them as gift tags as well.
ReplyDeleteThey look like great earrings to me. Also strung together to make a 70's style belt. Cherrie
ReplyDeleteActually you might be a ble to make a fortue selling the copper to a recycling centre. Cherrie
ReplyDeleteReal copper wire is worth a fortune. Buy it all up and sell it!
ReplyDeleteI reckon that I could use some Nikki - I do want to give crocheting with wire a go, and maybe they could be some sort of groovy embellishment on a bag...
ReplyDeleteI see a brooch immediately... and then a pendant.
ReplyDeleteDress in black and become a Ninja! It looks like those thingies that ninjas throw. Not saying you should throw it at anyone, just saying you should have a dress up day. :)
ReplyDeleteDoes it have any sharp sticky out bits? Becasue if it doesn't, I could use some - I am in the middle of making some messenger bags for boys with a robot print fabric and these things would look great either as a big button type feature on the flap or as o-rings for the strap.
ReplyDeleteDiana
Diana - I'm not sure if they'd be suitale for kids bags as they are. (If they were set in resin and used as button, they'd be perfect for a robot bag). Not that they're particularly sharp, but they would scratch if they were on a strap or if boys (as boys do) swung the bag and collided with someone (or themselves).
ReplyDeleteCould you buy lots of them and sell them for their copper, and give the money to your favorite charity if you feel bad about keeping the money for yourself?
ReplyDeleteI would use the wire to thread through buttons to create necklaces and bracelets. But then I'm in lurve with buttons!
ReplyDeleteCurious! Another thought was a coaster, but it's probably a bit small... :)
ReplyDeleteMy first thought was a chandelier - with beads strung through the middle of them. Also hand-made jump rings...
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
see....i see a flower attached to a bag, only with something added to the center. it is oddly fascinating.
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm actually seeing it as a possible embroidery thread holder. Or perhaps something like wool weaved alternately around each arm starting from the centre and working out could be an interesting effect. YoYo or large self cover button for the centre?? The hanger for a childs mobile??
ReplyDeleteThey look like just the thing to make steampunk jewelry out of. How about earrings, or a necklace with some gears added. Broaches are good too. A belt?
ReplyDelete