Arizona did not send a polite little postcard into the future. It sent copper.
Desert Lace Studio in Jerome was selected to create Arizona’s official copper ingot for the America250 Time Capsule, the national project commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Each state contributed a meaningful artifact to be preserved for future generations, and Arizona’s choice feels exactly right: sturdy, storied, and impossible to mistake for anywhere else.
The handcrafted copper ingot represents the Grand Canyon State’s mining history, pioneering spirit, and long-running relationship with one of its most iconic materials. Created at Desert Lace Studio using traditional techniques, the piece transforms raw Arizona copper into a symbol built to outlast trends, timelines, and probably several future versions of whatever replaces smartphones.
The design adds another layer of local pride. The ingot’s striking artwork was created by Riley Hammett, a 17-year-old Arizona artist whose design was chosen through a statewide competition. Her work captures the spirit of Arizona through history, pride, and craftsmanship, giving the official artifact a next-generation signature before it headed into a very long nap.
“This project represents far more than a piece of copper,” says John Maeder of Desert Lace Studio. “It tells Arizona’s story through art, craftsmanship and the vision of a talented young artist. Being entrusted with creating the state’s official contribution is an incredible honor and one we will always cherish.”
The ingot was hand-carried from Arizona to Philadelphia, where it was presented during the America250 ceremony before becoming part of Arizona’s official contribution to the national time capsule. The capsule has been sealed and was scheduled for burial at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, where it is set to remain until 2276.
Desert Lace Studio is also giving Arizonans and collectors a way to hold onto the moment without waiting two and a half centuries. The studio is offering official reproduction ingots inspired by the America250 original, including an Arizona State Flag edition, designs honoring the iconic Five Cs of Arizona, and complete collector’s sets featuring the available designs.
Each reproduction is crafted with the same attention to detail and respect for state history that shaped the official time capsule ingot. The result is part keepsake, part art object, and part reminder that Arizona’s story has always been forged by land, labor, creativity, and a flair for making the desert feel legendary.
Because when the nation asked every state to send something meaningful into the future, Arizona understood the assignment. It sent something made to last.
Insider Takeaways
- Desert Lace Studio in Jerome created Arizona’s official copper ingot for the America250 Time Capsule. The national project commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States and preserves contributions for future generations.
- Arizona’s ingot honors the state’s mining history, pioneering spirit, and copper legacy.
- The design was created by 17-year-old Arizona artist Riley Hammett through a statewide design competition.
- The ingot was hand-carried from Arizona to Philadelphia and included in the officially sealed national time capsule.
- Desert Lace Studio is offering reproduction ingots, including Arizona State Flag, Five Cs, and collector’s set editions.
To learn more, visit az250.desertlace.com.
