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!