Now that it's hip again

I'm pulling out the copper.

                                       

(Above and at left) are a few of pieces I have kicking
 around the house. I  have about 20 or so. Copper can
vary from bright & shiny (when new or polished) to the
cool aqua "verdigris" on the right. You can get the blue
 look by leaving it out in the rain, in the garage or by a            
 chemical process but "it's extra" if you buy that way..
  

                                                      turns out a large oval copper tub (above)
                                                      like the one I've  been using to keep my
                                                      outdoor hose coiled up in costs about $90
                                                      new at Plow and Hearth. I'm upcycling
                                                      mine to the new recycling bin in my office.

One of my favorities (above left) is antique container for fireplace ashes,  the one (above right) polished up  for sale on Ebay is too. I use mine as an awesome planter. I could by a much smaller one for about $50 within 21 hours... but collecting the real deal is much more rewarding.

Whether shiny bright copper is hiding behind a patina of tarnished brown is hard to know. A quick rub with a nail file should expose a glimmer of it. You can see how tarnished copper can get by comparing the finishes on the same piece above on the left and right.