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Date: Dec 13
Times: Sat 10am-4pm with a one hour lunch
Level: All
Membership Price: $100 (Members use discount code MEMBERS10 at checkout to receive 10% off)
$30 materials kit fee to be collected by the instructor at the beginning of class. Cash is appreciated.
Workshop Description:
Create a one-of-a-kind etched copper holiday ornament or charm! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll design, mask, and electro-etch a copper ornament or charm using a safe low-voltage etching process. Explore fun resist techniques like vinyl stickers, nail polish, or paint pens as your design slowly comes to life in the etching bath. Leave with a finished ornament ready to hang, gift, or treasure for years to come.
Overview
Each participant will complete a finished copper ornament or charm that’s perfect for decorating, gifting, or keeping. They will leave with new confidence and curiosity to continue exploring electro-etching in future art and jewelry projects.
Learning Objectives
By the end of class, participants will:
1. Understand the principles of electro-etching and safe low-voltage operation.
2. Know how to apply different resist materials for creative effects.
3. Learn proper copper preparation, suspension, and etching setup.
4. Finish, clean, and patinate an etched copper ornament.
Class Outline
1. Introduction & Setup
● Welcome everyone and review the project.
● Demonstrate the etching setup, explain the process, and cover basic safety and materials.
2. Design & Resist Application
● Guide students as they create their designs.
● Show different resist options and share tips for clean masking.
3. Preparing the Metal
● Have students clean, dry, and prepare their copper for etching.
● Review ideal thickness and surface prep.
4. Etching Demonstration
● Run the etching setup while students observe the process.
5. Student Etching Time
● Assist students in setting up and running their own etch.
● Monitor process and answer questions about troubleshooting and adjustments.
6. Finishing Demonstration
● While pieces are etching, show different finishing techniques: cleaning, polishing, and applying patina.
7. Finishing & Decoration
● Students rinse, remove resists, and polish their etched pieces.
● Finish with optional patina, ribbon, or wire for hanging.
About the Instructor:
Amber Romero is a Northern California jeweler who creates handcrafted pieces that blend traditional metalsmithing with modern techniques. With over two decades of experience, Amber takes great pride in her work, combining innovation with skillful craftsmanship. Since 2016, Amber has directed a cooperative jewelry studio at Chimera Arts Makerspace in Sebastopol CA, where she teaches and mentors students in metalsmithing, casting, and fabrication. Through her workshops, Amber fosters creativity, craftsmanship, and confidence at the bench, sharing her extensive knowledge and passion for the craft with her community.
Required Materials:
Glasses or Optivisors
$30 Materials Kit Provides: Resist materials, extra electrolyte, leads, etching containers, copper and finishing supplies
Optional Materials:
Pen options are Sharpie oil paint marker:
Decocolor paint marker: