Saturday, August 20, 2011

Etching Fun For Scottish Games

Lots of etching happening today.  Presents for my family!  A few years back I bought a "Kerr" family crest stamp.  It features the Kerr motto:  Sero Sed Serio, which translates as "Late But In Ernest".  I believe it refers to a battle centuries ago where the Kerr warriors arrived late but enthusiastically joined in the fray.  Fortunately, no battles today, thank goodness!
 I took 18 gauge copper sheet and roughed it up a bit with a Scotch Brite pad.  Then I stamped it with Stayz On black ink.  After it dried well, I cut out sections and suspended them upside down in my little container of ferric chloride.  Every 5 minutes or so I'd shake the container for a cleaner etch.  I removed the copper and cleaned it up, cut out my shapes,and antiqued them in liver of sulfur.  I'm also going to try a couple of other patinas:  verdigris and ammonia-and-salt-water.  Then I'll seal them, add jump rings, leather cord and take 'em as presents for my fellow Kerrs when we gather at the Pleasanton, CA Scottish Games on Labor Day weekend. 

Here is some of my first attempts.  I need to get to work!  May y'all have a blessed weekend!

7 comments:

Denise said...

OMG I did not understand one word of that process but the results are beautiful... You have come a long way baby....


Sero Sed Serio,

Have a blessed Sunday..

Christine said...

Wow, you get really fantastic results with stamping on the copper! Those images are so crisp, and I bet they all etch out so beautifully!

I hope you'll post pictures of the finished works... ;)

Jen Crossley said...

These are amazing Chris I must say I so addicted to etching
Jen

In the Light of the Moon said...

These are so lovely!! I REALLY love the crest..First noticed your work in BAJ..and have to say it was a thrill to find you again through Objects and Elements..maybe we are connected somehow..Mmmm..could be the name..heehhee..Warmest Regards,Cat
thats..Cat Kerr..heehee

Anonymous said...

Some nice etching going on there- turned out great. All the best on the day. Go Kerrs Go!

Beatnheart said...

wish i was a Kerr.....you are awesome lady...considerate, and kind and lovely. I love the
results of your pieces. You know, my man does copper work for a living and acid etches old school...long, tedious process. This looks like something even I could do. Love the results.
Blessings and peace sweet lady,
Cynthia

Lori Anderson said...

I love these!