Description
This hands-on workshop offers a thoughtful introduction to electrochemical etching, guiding students through the full process of creating detailed designs on metal. Julia brings a deep knowledge of materials and technique, and students will have the opportunity to explore both technical skills and creative approaches to surface design.
Over the course of three days, participants will learn how to prepare metal, select and apply transfer designs, and safely set up and use an etching bath. The workshop also covers a range of masking techniques, common pitfalls, and ways to achieve strong, clean results. Students will complete multiple etched plates, gaining confidence with each iteration.
For those interested, Julia will also offer guidance on creating custom designs using Photoshop, including how to adapt images and drawings for use in the etching process.
On the final day, students will explore how to use their etched plates in a rolling mill to create textures in metal, along with techniques for incorporating these surfaces into finished jewelry. Additional demonstrations will cover ways to enhance designs using patinas, inks, and resin.
This workshop is well-suited for beginners as well as those looking to expand their metalsmithing or surface design practice in a supportive, exploratory environment.
Materials fee $50, which includes shared materials and equipment. Students are welcome to bring a laptop with Photoshop (optional) or additional equipment such as a rectifier or palm sander if they have them.
Online registration ends August 7. Please call the office for late registrations.
Julia McIntyre works out of her studio in the foothills of North Carolina. As a practicing architect, Julia finds the design and construction process for buildings takes months and sometimes years to complete. Making flame-worked glass beads, silver smithing, and sewing and dying fabric allows Julie to explore her creative side.
Julie started to explore using an electrochemical process while working as a director at Tryon Arts and Crafts School, and first taught the workshop in 2013. She has also taught the class at William Holland Lapidary School in Young Harris, GA.
Exploring the process of electrochemical etching is a by-product of a dedication to silver smithing. After trying etching silver with nitric acid, a very dangerous process, Julie discovered publications on electrochemical etching for printers, so she adapted the process for creating images on copper, brass and nickel plate, which then can be used to make jewelry, or used to print designs into silver with a rolling mill or hydraulic press.
