Guess where Mike got hired as a new manager?
Guess what Radio Shack stocks that he can get for 30% off?
Ferric Chloride.
Do you know what you can use Ferric Chloride for?
Metal etching.
Uh huh.
I used this tutorial by Sandra Noble Goss to etch pieces of copper, brass, bronze and nickel silver.
These are sheets of etched metal that I have plans for. They are not finished yet but I was so excited I had to share them in all their raw beauty.
I found that starting a load of laundry and placing the closed container of etching solution with the taped metal inside on top of the washing machine would agitate the container quite a bit. This sped up the etching process which otherwise took several hours.
I am really into plagues right now. So I am imagining pierced, wire stitched focal points for bracelets. Maybe paired with leather? I have some charms and pendants listed in the shop if you would like your own etched metal pieces.
I was just blog hopping and found Art Bead Scene has a really cool faux etching technique on their blog, too;
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2010/01/faux-etched-metal.html
I was just blog hopping and found Art Bead Scene has a really cool faux etching technique on their blog, too;
http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2010/01/faux-etched-metal.html
No chemicals for this one!
so awesome! i have one radio shack that gets it near me - and i love to etch too... i am definitely going to watch the tutorial, am sure there are lots of tips i can pick up... and how smart, to use the agitating motion of the washer to your benefit! going to try that one, mamacita!
ReplyDeleteShiiiiiiiiny.
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ReplyDeleteHow great to have a Radio Shack discount! You pieces are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteCopper etching is still on my list...I am going to do the peroxide and muriatic mix, but have not done it yet. You are inspiring me! Your etchings are super!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to have found your blog...your work is all so amazing! And your new etched pieces are really GREAT! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the washing machine tip, I plan to try etching this year. And thanks for the Artbead link thats a cool tip as well.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks again for your lovely comments on my blog.
I love the look of etched metal, I will have to visit Radio Shack today.
ReplyDeleteSweet! I loved to etch but have not done it in several years. I will have to head out to Radio Shack to pick up supplies! Love your pieces.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, congrats to Mike on the new job! I bet that is a relief. Secondly, awesome etchings! I had no idea how that was done. Amazing! You are really going to be able to add some interesting elements to your work with this technique. Looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteLOLOOOLOOOO love the idea of using the washing machine! Multi-tasking at it's best
ReplyDeletecheers
Greer
That is so awesome Shannon! I can't help but think of Willie Nelson and that song, "On the Road Again"...what a beautiful one at that!
ReplyDeleteEtching is wonderful, I totally agree. I just has a giveaway contest for a necklace that had etching. I love the look. Will look for wonderful pieces you make from the etched pieces. Take care, Riki
ReplyDeleteI love etching! We tried it for the first time this summer and I was hooked.
ReplyDeleteLove the washing maching trick!
Hi Shannon - Such great work, combinations of materials and design. Very nice indeed. And just a quick thanks for the 'link love'. Really appreciated.
ReplyDeleteall the best!
SO happy for you both, lovely directions!
ReplyDeleteOh, these are wonderful! Now I want to try. =)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the inspiration!
So you can do laundry and make jewlery at the same time! You do realize that you've just found the holy grail for crafters...congratulations Indiana Jones!
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon. Am so thrilled that you visited my blog today and your encouraging comments have made my day... thank you! I've become a big admirer of your work after falling in love with your gorgeous copper leaves in "Belle Armoire Jewelry". Goodness, looks like I'm going to get inspired to try metal etching now too lol!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs xx
oooooooooooooooooooooo you are soooo lucky !!!! I love what you have done so far. Thanks for the tutorial posts too. Your blog is great.
ReplyDeleteHi. I just learned a new trick that speeds up etching time tremendously. In Melissa Manley's new book "Jewelry Lab" she recommends adding ester c to extend the etchant's life and to rejuvenate it. I was pretty sure that ester c and vitamin c were the same and since I only had on hand vitamin c pills, I decided to try crushing a few up. I mixed them in with my ferric chloride as well as my homemade etchant (peroxide & HCL). I almost over etched them! Usually I heat my etchant to speed up the process. On this day I did not and it still cut my time in 1/2. Thanks, Melissa. (ps. I'm a jewelry magazine and book junkie. "Jewelry Lab" is hands down, the best book I own. This is the first post I've ever made to a blog, so I don't know the etiquette. Excuse me if this is not cool.) I also enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing! Kat
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