Mika Design

Copper Patina Jewellery and Accessories

Working in partnership, Karen L Petrie and Michael Morrell put their skills together to create exquisite copper jewellery and accessories made from pieces of scrap copper, incorporating patina effects and individual design to each piece to create absolutely unique pieces of design.

It all began with Michael wanting to find something to do with an old copper water tank he had knocking around, and copper pipes from his heating engineer background, so he took to the good ole internet and found the beauty of copper patina. Once he got Karen involved, extensive research and experiments took place in Karens workshop to discover the effects that chemical reactions can have with copper to create amazing natural patina.

Michaelss background as a metal polisher brought fundamental skills to the table in creating MiKa Design. Initial shapes were hand drawn by Karen on paper as templates, which Michael then took to his workshop, shaped and polished them ready for the next phase of the creation.

Using what are known as fume chambers the formed and polished copper accessories are left over various periods of time to have chemical reactions using various compounds to create stunning natural patina effects. Some are put through the fume chamber process repeatedly to create deeper effects, and occasionally patterned plastic is used to create artistic shapes and unique MiKa creations. Other pieces have additional artwork added to them, with hard coloured lacquer prior to phase 3 of the MiKa design process.

Once Karen is happy with an outcome, Michael then takes pieces back to his workshop to finish them by re-polishing and lacquering them with clear hard-wearing lacquer ready for sale.
The stunning colours created with the contrast of patina and the natural glory of copper is an extraordinary combination.
The natural glory of copper is not only held within its sheer beauty and richness of colour, but also the health benefits to those who wear copper next to their skin. Health benefits such as mineral absorption – for benefits of iron and/or zinc deficiency, increase in cardiovascular health, healthier immune system, anti-ageing. Further details of the benefits of wearing copper can be found on our website.