A little repair project stretches out

Remember the copper trellis that I revitalized a couple of years ago by adding the mesh panels?

Well, the temporary connectors (plastic zip ties) have degraded in the sunlight and have started breaking. The result is curling panels and an overall shabby look.

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I knew this day was coming and I've had a permanent fix in mind. First though, a wider look shows that the problem is not too visible:

Still, it needs to be fixed now, before the clematis fills out and gets in the way too much.

The remaining zip ties are fairly strong, but won't last must longer:

My idea for the permanent connectors...

...copper wire (of course)!

The problem is that it's just too shiny compared to the seasoned pipe, so I decided to give them the miracle gro treatment. I made a really strong solution and let the parts soak for a few hours -- I actually went overnight.

When they came out they were very shiny, all oxidation removed:

That's the exact opposite effect to what I wanted! Not to worry, as chemistry is at work already. I let the parts sit around for another night, and they got the cool blue look!

They blend with the existing copper quite nicely:

The blue comes off somewhat though:

Want to see a photo of the completed project?

You can't!

I didn't make enough connectors the first time, so I had to make a second batch. Then when installing those I realized I still would not have enough and had to make a third batch! Those have just been pulled out of the solution so I'll be able to install them tomorrow.

I should have counted better the first time, instead this simple project had dragged out to take almost a week. Sigh.

Anybody else have little projects that you just can't seem to finish, or take way more time than they should?

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