What supplies and materials did you use?
I am having so much fun experimenting with metal etching. This process is a great way to express your creativity and transfer this creativity into wearable art. The primary materials used were jade beads, copper, stringing material, and copper findings. There is also copper etching chemicals involved. (I also had access to a computer and a laser printer).
What techniques did you use?
Copper etching is the primary technique, along with a bit of metalworking and stringing. I found a copy-right free image of an art nouveau fairy that I was really drawn to. I then downloaded this image onto my computer, used a computer program to manipulate the image, and then transferred the image onto a clear transparency using a laser printer. I then carefully transferred the transparency image onto the copper using heat, and then put the copper into a copper etching solution. Using liver of sulphur, I was able to patina the piece and bring out the detail.
Lessons Learned
- There is quite a bit of material on the internet about etching copper ( just googled it). Some people use slightly different techniques and chemicals. You will have to experiment to find what works for you. The great benefit with working with copper is It's Cheap!
Why is this such a favorite jewelry piece?
I love the fairy image....and the beads and finding work very well with the spirit of the piece.
