Etching 1: Sketch-N-Etch!

During this comprehensive and hands-on technical virtual class, students will have the exciting opportunity to explore etching techniques applicable to copper, brass, and even sterling silver. This Etching 1 class will focus primarily on the immersive process of bath submersion using ferric salt and ferric nitrate solutions.

Through detailed prerecorded content, we will dive into essential preparation steps to ensure successful etching, crucial safety procedures, as well as an array of etching resist methods—from simple marker applications to more advanced photo-transferring images—allowing for a variety of creative methods.

If time permits, discussion on integrating your newly etched designs into cohesive pieces or possibilities. By the end of the class, students will walk away with a thorough understanding of how to set up their own etching workspace at home, including the necessary safety measures, preparation routines, and processes to achieve quality results. 

There will be a Virtual Open Studio Hour on January 24 (11AM-12PM EST) for extra discussion, troubleshooting, and advice.
 

This class is the first of a two-part series. You can take one or both! If you want more, be sure to join us for the second class, Etching 2: It's Electric-Etching! which focuses teaching electro-etching on copper, brass, and sterling silver! 

 

For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page.

Meet the instructor

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Lauren Anabela Beaudoin is a Salvadoran born metalsmith, craft educator and sole proprietor of Creative Dexterity. After taking their first metalsmithing class as a teen, Lauren knew this was a passion she wanted to pursue. This led her to the Massachusetts College of Art and Design where they earned her BFA in metals. Lauren has been featured in Macworld Magazine, Bella Armoire Jewelry and in the book Retrash.

Her latest series explores the trope Memento Mori, and WRDPLY which explores multiple meaning words in various contexts and symbolism.

As a craft educator Lauren has taught various youth and adult jewelry/metalsmithing courses throughout Massachusetts. She currently resides in Western Massachusetts where she is an active studio artist. For more information about her work, visit her website at creativedexterity.com and/or follow them on Instagram (@creativedexterity).

 

View upcoming classes with Lauren Beaudoin

Materials & Tools

The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can view the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is encouraged but not required. 

Raw Materials/Consumables:

Etching Materials:

  • 1 x craft vinyl roll - 6ft wide or over (Amazon)
  • 1 x Tape: Electrical (Amazon) and/or Duct tape (HomeDepot)
  • 1 x permanent paint pens (Amazon, Craftsmart Black, DecoColor Black)
  • 1 x layout fluid (Amazon)
  • 1 x nail polish (Target)
  • Hotplate, pancake griddle, iron, t-shirt press (for Photo Transferring)
  • 1 x styrofoam block(s) (Amazon)
  • 1 x sponge (HomeDepot)
  • 1 x glass container (Target)
  • (Optional) 1 x Leak-Proof Sip Water Bottle, 24 oz (Amazon)
  • 2 x foam brush - 2" (Michaels)
  • 1 x measuring cup - 500ml (Amazon)
  • 1 x digital scale - grams (Amazon)
  • 4.75ml x ferric chloride (Amazon)
  • 500g x ferric nitrate (ScienceCompany)
  • 50g/0.25cups Citric Acid (Amazon)
  • 1 x 1gal Distilled Water - Grocery or Pharmacy (CVS)
  • 1 x Acetone
  • 1 x Denatured Alcohol
  • 1 x Degreaser, or Metal Cleaning Products, or Pumice, etc. (SFeldmanHousewares)

Basic Hand Tools:

Basic Home Studio:

Other/Miscellaneous Items:

  • Hard work surface
  • Well ventilated area: fan and open window or ventilation system
  • Safety Glasses/Goggles
  • pencil, sharpie (black), notebook
  • Rags/towels
  • Scotch-Brite/Scouring Pads (Amazon)
  • Scissors (regular), craft scissors, punch stamps or various sized vinyl silhouette stickers
  • Paper Towels
  • Q-tips
  • 1-2 Foot Ruler
  • 1 x X-Acto Knife with cutting mat (optional)
  • Drill Bits various sizes (up to 2.4 mm or 3/32 bit)
  • Eco Adhesive Remover - like Citrasolv (Amazon)
  • N95 Respirator
  • Disposable Gloves
  • Plastic Dish Pan and/or small take out containers (Target)
Virtual Course
Tuition
$135.00
Instructor
Lauren Beaudoin
Level
All Levels
Pre-requisites
No experience needed
Location
Virtual - Eastern Time Zone
Length
  • 2 days
Schedule
  • January 17, 2026
    Saturday
    11:00am – 2:00pm
  • January 24, 2026
    Saturday
    11:00am – 12:00pm
Class Dates
  • January 17, 2026
  • January 24, 2026
Related Classes
Etching 2: It’s Electric-Etching!
Etching in a Day
 

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