Project 3 from Semiprecious Salvage
Jen June 9th, 2008
OMG! OMG! OMG! I etched today and I am COMPLETELY stoked. Why didn’t I know how to do this before today?!?
Once I got over the fear that the muriatic acid was going to eat me from two feet away, I was able to get on with the task. It’s a lovely warm sunny day perfect for playing in the shade. I tried copper, 22gauge brass that I got for SOME reason and regular sheet metal. I did the bird (lower righthand corner) in the first batch and it changed the acid/hydrogen peroxide bath this weird rusty colour complete with puffy stuff floating on top of everything. Oh No! I’m ruining it! I thought and hauled it out and dumped it into the soda bath. Upon washing with baking soda paste and rinsing, rinsing, rinsing, I realized that, Nope! the acid was just doing what it was supposed to. (fyi - the middle sheet metal piece I left in longer on the second go round)
Another thing I found out by accident which I will try more pointedly next time, a piece of tape had wrapped around on top of the metal and of course, created a resist. (duh!) But! This could be exploited in so many wonderful ways. My original thought was as a simple border but using a combination of stencils and tape, it would create some really neat raised relief parts. FYI, I found duct tape to be more durable (and easier to grab hold of) than masking tape.
Project 3 from Semiprecious Salvage
After playing with etching for the better part of the day, I made Project 3 using a piece of my etched sheet metal, some plant roots and, I confess, an already made resin piece. I just wasn’t up for mixing a bunch of resin today. Likely the charm will change as it doesn’t quite fit the theme here. I am in LOVE with this rolled piece of metal though. Mrrrowwwrrrr!
OH! And just in case you get a serious case of etching envy, Stephanie provided a fantastic tutorial on her site.
- Art Challenge , Experiments , Mixed Media
- Comments(11)
Love all your etching experiments!! In printmaking, we also work with etching metal plates in acid, ink the plate, wipe it down and then print the image on paper. Sometimes leaving the ink on the plate after printing it looks pretty cool too!
Hey Jen,
Very cool! I’ve been wanting to do etched metal for a good while now, just haven’t had the time (or supplies). I did some etching in college & have wanted to add etched metal to my boxes. Hopefully before too much longer..
I posted your entry for my MadRat Mania Challenge on my blog tonight. It’s the 1st time I’ve had a little free time to think for the past several days. Thanks for joining in!
I have Stephanie’s book too and have also been frightened of the acid. Seeing all of your wonderful work, I might have to give it a go.
These are amazing. You should mount them for framing or glue a doohicky on them so that someone could hang them. I would love to have one.
heya jen!
way great pieces here…i am always inspired by your fearlessness!
I TAGGED YOU my dear!
xoxo
d
Did my first brass etchings recently, I encourage you to keep trying -
The results are worth it. I put a safety list for etching on my blog,
if you are interested in things to do to protect and safeguard while
using the muriatic acid.
Nice work!
LLYYNN
z-llyynn.blogspot.com
You go Jen,always into something new. I never tried etching in all my classes of printmaking. We were all such ditzes I guess they had a fear of us around acid.
Jen, I just found your blog and I am loving your work! What talent! I learned about etching from taking a clas from Keith Lo Bue. I am still kinda leary about the stuff! LOL I really love the look of the etched metal but I hate that smell! I will be following you on your journey now. I have Stephanies book too. Isn’t it great? Happy creating!
I’ve been itching to etch, but like you, was a little worried about playing with acid. Now I feel better about it, have it here, and will try it soon. Thank you, thank you for proving to me it’s safe-lol. Will have to go see Stephanie’s tutorial, too.
Sure can’t tell that these were first attempts, you’ve got it!
Your etching looks awesome! I’ve been etching for awhile now and LOVE it. Keep it up.
BTW I’m new to reading your blog and will be back soon.
Carolyn Mallin
Wow! These are so cool. I don’t know that I’m brave enough to etch - but the affects are definately worth it.