Soldering Shell Bottles

A couple of months ago my mom taught my sister and I how to make shell bottles using the soldering technique.   Here is a picture of a little shell bottle I made--

You see my mom might be the crafty-est person I know!  Before Pinterest and Etsy there was "The Happy Patch!"  My mom owned her own craft business called "The Happy Patch" and sold her crafts all over. 

Here is a picture of my mama! :)  She is now a kindergarten and first grade teacher.  Still crafting away- teaching after-school art class to kids and going to painting classes as a student herself to learn more.  

Anyone can make these shell bottles, you just need the supplies!

  

First, you need some cool old glass bottles and some shells.

Second, you need some copper tape and with the tape you will secure the shell to the bottle completely around the top opening.

Becky, my sister, with her taped down shell bottle.

Next you need a clean small paint brush to apply flux on top of the copper tape.

Then you will solder on top of the copper tape.  Be careful- the solder is hot!  Once you have finished soldering, clean with a non ammonia cleaner to get all the excess flux residue off.  

Then apply with a small clean paint brush the patina. The patina is acid so be careful! The patina will quickly turn the solder to an antique colored black...And you are done!  Now find a place to display your new shell bottle!

 

Here is a collection of the shell bottles my mom has made!