Okay, so enough with the “suspense” – here’s what I was up to with those illo’s last post.

I’ve etched them into copper!

I recently read a great tutorial on etching copper and brass on Copperheart’s blog, and immediately ordered the materials. Etching is something I’ve wanted to try out for a while, but I was always really intimidated by the materials. Now that I have a porch, though, I can set the etching solution up outside without fearing that I’m going to die from nasty fume inhalation.

This is how that plate looked *before* I dunked it in the etching bath. I tried a few different methods of drawing on the copper, including silkscreening stop-out fluid with my gocco (giant disaster, I don’t suggest it). I found that the best method for me right now is using paint markers. I’m definitely excited to try out PNP Blue paper though, I just don’t have any yet.

This one is my current favorite… the finished piece will be named “Southern Ladies Don’t Curse.” Hopefully everyone will find it as hilarious as I do and it will do well next week at Renegade…

A last new adventure was playing with the make-your-own-stamps kit i got a few months ago. You can see the stamp with the copper above. I’m not exactly sure that I did it correctly, as the stamps are a bit sticky to the touch, and they aren’t consistent in depth. I was using them to make PMC versions of the etched pieces above, but I’m not sure that its a success. I may just have to invest in that super scary stuff you use to etch silver… *shudder*

this is the best of the pmc attempts. I’ll post more pictures once its fired and dunked in liver of sulfur. i do hope that this turns out, since I was looking forward to using those stamps!

Usually I’m the one nagging my friends about how they haven’t blogged in “aaaaaaages” but now, I’m in need of a lecture. Sorry its been so long! I’ve been working a lot, as well as trying to get the apartment into livable shape. However, I have had a chance to break in the craft room with a custom order.

Aren’t these cute? They are buttons, connected by a chain with a clasp, that were intended to hold together a shrug at a wedding. I was really happy with how they turned out, and they were the first pieces made at my new jeweler’s bench!

You can see a progress picture above. I’m loving having a real bench, although its taking some getting used to because its at a different height than I normally saw at. Also, my vice doesn’t quite fit on it, so I have the vice clamped to the sewing table still. Oh well.

Anyhow, the next few weeks will be spent preparing for Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn which is the weekend of June 14/15. I have some new tricks up my sleeve that will debut at Renegade, so if you are in New York, I hope you’ll make an appearance!

More later… maybe even some apartment pictures, since I’m getting much closer to having a place that doesn’t look like a warehouse!