This workshop is all about electro-etching steel in nonconventional ways to create surprising and dramatic steel jewelry. During this workshop, we will ditch the uninspired commercial artwork that’s often used for etched patterns on metals. Instead, we will create fresh experimental patterns that allow you to throw caution to the wind and create completely original etched designs.
 
We’ll explore a range of out-of-the-box resists—dry transfers, spray paint and splatters, freeform hand cut stencils, tape, glue, even fused metals… anything that will stick to the steel and hold up in the etching solution.  We’ll also wander outside traditional etching approaches by creating layered etched patterns for unexpected and visually exciting three dimensional effects. We’ll intentionally break the rules by under or over-etching, achieving very cool results. We will push the metal etching process beyond traditional limits to erode the metal, creating beautiful freeform shapes that can be incorporated into steel jewelry or even small sculpture. Even if you’ve taken etching workshops in the past, this one is different!
 
What You’ll Learn
Basics of steel. Understand the characteristics of steel, how to buy steel, different forms of steel (sheet, wire, mesh and perforated sheet) and basics of working with steel (cleaning, cutting, sawing, filing, soldering, texturing, and forming).
Resists for etching. Work with many different types of non-traditional resists for creating original designs for etching including oil paint, stencils and tape. You will learn to cut your own stencil resist using an electric heat pen.
Etching set-up. Prepare the electro-etching station, including the etchant and power source. Use different power sources, including batteries and a rectifier.
Etching process. Monitor the etching process to achieve the best results. Troubleshoot any problems. Explore layering and over/under-etching to achieve different creative effects.
Patinas. Patinate your steel jewelry. We will work with several types of patinas, including heat and chemical in a wide range of colors and effects that add drama to the surface of etched steel.
Sealers. Seal steel jewelry to protect it for years to come. We will work with different types of sealers, including oil, wax and lacquer.
Day One: 
The basics of steel. Introduce/review the basics of working with steel
Overview of electro-etching process. Learn how the etching process works, what chemicals and tools are used and how to monitor the process.
What is radical etching? Discussion of radical resists and etching techniques and how they differ from traditional approaches. Examples of results produced by radical etching.
Application of resists. Demonstrations of various nonconventional resists. Individual student work time to apply resists.
Day Two
Set-up of the etching station. Discussion of the tools and supplies that are needed. Alternative approaches.
Mixing the etching chemicals. Proper measurements and mixing. Maintaining the potency of the chemicals and disposing of spent chemicals.
Demonstration of the etching process. Preparing the piece to be etched and monitoring the process.
Discussion of radical etching techniques. Under and over etching. Layering resists. Eroding the metal.
Student work time. Radical etching at work.
Patinas. Discussion and demonstrations of different patinas.
Sealers. Discussion and demonstration of different sealers.
 
This workshop is suitable for all levels, whether you have experience working with steel or are new to this fabulous metal, Basic metalsmithing skills such as sawing, soldering and forming will be helpful.
 
MATERIALS KIT (required) $50 is in addition to your tuition and is payable directly to instructor during class. Kit includes: Mild steel sheet 20g 12x12", Oil paint pen, Oracal vinyl sheet for stencils.
Additional steel sheet will be available for purchase.
 
MATERIALS & TOOLS
Students are responsible for bringing the following:
Any hand tools that you like to use (e.g., jeweler's saw frame and blades, ruler, hand files, sanding stickes, dividers, scribe, abrasive flex shaft wheels, etc.)
Burnishers— two or three any kind 
Sharp scissors or metal hand shears (like Joyce Chen)
Silver solder: easy, medium, hard
 
 
MASTER SERIES CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICIES
Once you have enrolled and paid tuition, there are no refunds or credits for Master Series Workshops if you are unable to attend.
By enrolling in a Master Series workshop, you affirm your acceptance of our no refunds policy and represent to us that you possess the appropriate skills to comply with the prerequisites. 
Check your calendar carefully and choose wisely before enrolling. 
In the event that DJS must cancel the workshop, a refund or credit will be issued.