Metal Etching

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

No chemicals for this one!