Metal and Fire Designs is a collaboration of handcrafted jewelry combining "flame painted" copper with sterling silver, brass and gold filled metals. The techniques used include oxidation with a torch, hammering, piercing, annealing, soldering, polishing and stone setting. Many of the copper pieces are "flame painted" or oxidized with a torch to obtain rich color and design, then sealed with a protective coating to prevent tarnishing or fading. Clay was drawn to working in silver and gold and was initially self-taught. Realizing that his craft was one that he loved, he then studied under notable metal smiths and jewelry designers to refine and further develop his skills. Lora learned the art of painting copper with a torch while she was still in college and developed her jewelry busines "Flaming Copper." When they met and married in the mid-1980's, they combined their talents resulting in a unique line of jewelry that blends a warmth of copper color with classic and contemporary designs in silver, copper, brass and gold filled metals. Combining "Flaming Copper," with mixed metals, they have emerged as "Metal and Fire Designs." Exhibiting nationally at art festivals prior to Covid 19, they are excited at the opportunity to participate in The Artful Elf online event!