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Etching 2: It’s Electric-Etching!
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of the electro-etching process, which include: eco-electrolytes preparations, power sources options, and the application of a variety of resist materials—such as image transfer paper—to achieve precise and intricate designs. Emphasis will also be placed on safe practices to ensure a secure working environment during all stages of the etching process.
Through demo-focused content, students will not only gain detailed insights into each aspect of the electro-etching process but will also receive a comprehensive handout that serves as a valuable reference for future projects!
This is Part 2 of our series. You can take one or both! Be sure to join us for Part 1, Etching 1: Sketch-N-Etch!, which focuses on teaching methods for successfully “sketching” and then etching on copper, brass, and sterling silver using the ferric bath submersion method.
For more information about virtual courses, visit our Virtual Course FAQ page!
Meet the instructor
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).
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:
- 6"x6" x copper sheet - 20g (Parawire) or (Contenti - for larger piece)
- 6"x6" x yellow brass sheet - 20g (Parawire) or (Contenti - for larger piece)
- 3”x3” x sterling silver sheet - 20g (RioGrande)
- 1 x 20 feet Copper (Bare) Wire - 14g (Parawire)
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)
- 5 x Sheet Pack PnP Blue Image Transfer (ReactiveMetals)
- Hotplate, pancake griddle, iron, t-shirt press (for Photo Transferring)
- 2 x 1L-Small Square airtght Plastc Food Containers (Amazon or Walmart)
- 1 x variety pack of Plastic Spring Clamps (Lowes)
- Coffee Filters
- 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 - 1000ml (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 root destroyer (Lowe’s)
- 1 x 500g copper nitrate (ScienceCompany)
- 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:
- 1 x round nose pliers (RioGrande)
- 1 x chain nose pliers (RioGrande)
- 1 x flat nose pliers (RioGrande)
- 1 x snips / flush cutters (RioGrande)
- 1 x half round hand file - #2 cut (RioGrande)
- 1 x jewelers saw (RioGrande)
- 1 x pack saw blades-2/0 (RioGrande)
- 1 x burlife/bee’s wax (RioGrande)
- 1 x bench pin (RioGrande)
Basic Home Studio:
- 1 x rotary tool -flex shaft, micromotor,etc. (RioGrande)
- 1 x set of needle files - #2 cut (RioGrande)
- 1 x half round forming pliers (RioGrande)
- 1 x center punch (RioGrande)
- 1 x scribe (RioGrande)
- 1 x rawhide/plastic mallet (RioGrande)
- 1 x small steel ruler (RioGrande)
- 1 x sheet of sandpaper -220 to 600 grits (Amazon)
- 1 x calipers-optional /nice to have (Amazon)
- 1 x dividers-optional /nice to have (RioGrande)
- 1 x sanding sticks - optional /nice to have (RioGrande)
- 1 x steel burnisher (RioGrande)
Basic Soldering/Torch Set-Up:
- 1 x cross lock tweezers (RioGrande)
Additional Tools/Equipment:
- 1 x power supply for electro-etching - various options will be discussed (here's one: Amazon)
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)