Electroforming is a chemical/electrical process in which metal, in this case copper, is deposited onto a material that has been coated in a conductive paint. The piece is submerged in a chemical bath, hooked up to an electrical current and is plated. This is a tedious and fickle process that requires a lot of trial and error to perfect. It encases organic and otherwise fragile materials in metal forever, making them sturdy and wearable. This piece has then been given a patina to make it look like a more antique piece. These are wearable art!