In the small lakeside town of Santa Clara del Cobre, Mexico, copper is more than a material—it is a way of life. For generations, families here have shaped copper by hand, passing down knowledge that cannot be learned from machines or textbooks. Among these artisans is Juan Carlos Hernandez, a master coppersmith whose work reflects both deep tradition and thoughtful evolution. His handcrafted copper bathtubs, range hoods, sinks, mirror frames, and zinc hoods are created using time-honored techniques that give each piece warmth, character, and lasting presence.

What sets Juan Carlos apart is not only his technical skill, but his understanding of how copper lives inside a home. Every curve, hammer mark, and seam is shaped with real use in mind. His work is not decorative metalwork—it is functional art designed to age gracefully, respond to light, and develop a patina that tells a story over time.

Santa Clara del Cobre: The Heart of Mexican Copper Craft

Santa Clara del Cobre has been known for copper craftsmanship since pre-Hispanic times, long before European influence reached central Mexico. The town’s name itself reflects its identity, and today the sound of hammering copper still echoes through its workshops. Juan Carlos Hernandez learned his craft in this environment, where copper is shaped by fire, hand tools, and experience rather than industrial processes.

Here, copper is heated over open flames, hammered into form, reheated, and hammered again. This cycle is repeated dozens of times, allowing the metal to remain strong while becoming fluid and expressive. The result is copper that feels alive—never flat, never sterile—and surfaces that carry subtle variations impossible to reproduce by machine.

Handcrafted Copper Range Hoods

One of Juan Carlos Hernandez’s most recognized works is his line of handcrafted copper range hoods. These pieces are built as architectural elements, not appliances. Each hood is formed from solid copper sheets, shaped by hand, and finished with carefully applied patinas that range from warm honey tones to deep aged browns.

The hammering process gives these hoods depth and texture while helping hide fingerprints and daily wear. Designed for both wall-mounted and island installations, they balance visual weight with functional ventilation, making them suitable for rustic, Spanish Colonial, transitional, and even modern kitchens. Over time, the copper naturally deepens in tone, adding character rather than showing age.

Hammered Copper Bathtubs Shaped by Fire and Time

In his workshop, Juan Carlos also produces hammered copper bathtubs using traditional forming methods that prioritize comfort as much as beauty. Each bathtub begins as flat copper sheets that are gradually shaped into deep soaking forms through repeated heating and hammering.

These bathtubs are known for their generous proportions, smooth interior contours, and thick copper walls that retain heat longer than standard materials. Whether crafted as freestanding tubs or double-slipper designs, they bring a sense of calm and permanence to bathrooms. The surface texture softens reflections and gives the tub a tactile, inviting presence that improves with age.

Copper Mirrors as Architectural Accents

Copper is not limited to kitchens and baths alone. Juan Carlos creates distinctive hammered copper mirror frames that function as architectural accents rather than simple accessories. These frames are shaped, hammered, and finished by hand, allowing the copper to frame light and reflection in a subtle, organic way.

In entryways, powder rooms, and master baths, these mirrors add warmth and visual depth. Unlike factory-made frames, each mirror carries slight variations that make it feel personal and intentional, complementing stone, plaster, wood, and tile surfaces without overpowering them.

Copper Bathroom and Kitchen Sinks

Functionality is central to Juan Carlos Hernandez’s work, especially in his copper bathroom sinks and copper kitchen sinks. These sinks are formed from heavy-gauge copper and finished with natural patinas that resist staining and develop character rather than wear.

In bathrooms, the sinks add warmth and contrast against stone or tile. In kitchens, they provide durability for daily use while remaining visually refined. Copper’s natural antimicrobial properties make it especially well suited for sinks, and the hand-hammered texture helps conceal water marks and everyday use.

Zinc Range Hoods with Old-World Character

In addition to copper, Juan Carlos also works with zinc, producing zinc range hoods that share the same hand-crafted philosophy. Though cooler in tone than copper, zinc develops its own soft patina over time, offering a quieter, more subdued aesthetic. These pieces pair beautifully with plaster walls, natural wood cabinetry, and stone surfaces.

Like his copper work, each zinc hood is shaped by hand and finished using traditional techniques, ensuring that the material ages naturally rather than appearing manufactured. The result is a refined alternative for homeowners seeking subtle elegance with artisanal depth.

Craftsmanship That Ages with Grace

What unites all of Juan Carlos Hernandez’s work is an understanding that true craftsmanship improves with time. His copper and zinc pieces are designed to evolve, developing patina and character that reflect daily life rather than resisting it. This philosophy stands in contrast to mass-produced fixtures that aim to remain unchanged.

By working in Santa Clara del Cobre and honoring traditional methods, Juan Carlos preserves a living craft while creating functional pieces for modern homes. His work connects kitchens and bathrooms to centuries of Mexican metalworking tradition, bringing authenticity, warmth, and enduring beauty into everyday spaces.