You could end up with a piece of the Cathedral in your home or garden.

More than $1 million is still needed to complete necessary repairs to the roof of the landmark building in Hamilton and a creative method to raise some of the funds has been devised.

The old copper roofing is being given away to members of the community to fashion into items which will then be returned to the church and auctioned off in a benefit slated for the autumn. Proceeds of the auction will be shared equally between the artists and the Cathedral's 'Raise the Roof' fund.

Project spokesperson Erika Krupp pointed out that the copper is thin enough to be pliable.

"It is 16 gauge and completely bendable," she said. " People who are not comfortable trying to sculpt it may want to paint right on it. I've looked at the underside and it has beautiful hues of orange, red and yellow."

Anglican Bishop Ewan Ratteray said: "We are excited about this creative initiative as it literally bring the Cathedral out into the community. We are inviting people to share their creative talents in a unique way by breathing new life into a piece of history. Who knows what people will be inspired to create. I have heard some talk of sculptures, paintings even lanterns and garden decorations, there is no limit to people's imaginations."

New copper shingles have replaced the old weathered copper roofing at the Anglican Cathedral. The work is expected to cost $1.25 million but electrical wiring costing an additional $350,000 and stonework at a further $250,000 is also needed. The two Roofle raffles, combined with personal and corporate donations, have raised three quarters of the $1.25 million needed for the copper roofing work.

Organisers of the 'Raise the Roof: A celebration in Art' have not set a target amount to be raised through this effort. Those interested in participating need to contact the Cathedral office at 292-4033. The copper will be available until June 7.

The new copper roof is expected to preserve the historic Bermuda building for another 60 to 80 years.