A Giveaway. Because I promised.

This is for the few blog readers that I have left:

This whirly-twirly necklace could be yours!  All you have to do is leave me a little comment love.  And listen to how I made it.  Don't worry, there are pictures.  I tried  to document each step, because I'm a visual learner.  I know you're just itchin' to know how, aren't you?

The process is called etching metal.  Sounds neat, huh?

I know you can't feel it, but if you could you would be able to tell that the image is raised on the metal.  Be impressed.  I've taken this jewelry makin' to the next level.

First, you start with pretty stamps.  There are lots of stamps out there.  It's important to use the pretty ones.  Stamp your image on to your metal using a permanent ink.  I'm a fan of StazOn, because it stays on!

I'm stamping a continuous pattern on this strip of brass that will become a fabulous cuff bracelet.

Next, I round the corners using these tin snips.  

By the way, my tool collection has surpassed my husband's by a long shot.

After all my images are stamped, and I'm happy with the final shape of the piece, then I tape the back of each piece and burnish them.  That is a fancy word for making sure the tape is on well, and there are no bubbles.  You don't want the etching solution leaking through to the back of the piece.  Next comes the fun part!

Playing with acid!  Well, not really.  You aren't playing with it, per se.  But it can get a little dangerous.  This part scares Brad.  The solution is called Ferric Chloride, and it "etches"  on three different metals: brass, copper, and nickel.  

I place the stamped side down in the acid and let it sit for about half an hour.  The first time you use the solution, it looks almost like orange juice, and as it etches, it starts to turn black.  You can use the solution over, and over again, it just isn't as potent and takes a little longer each time.  

Basically, the acid "etches" away at the metal.  The ink acts as a resistant, and wherever you have stamped, that image will appear.  You can also use permanent markers to write or draw on the metal!

The longer you leave it in the solution, the deeper the etching.  Next, take it out of the solution, and neutralize the acid by putting baking soda on it.  It sizzles, and looks like a science experiment.  I open my kitchen window for this step.  (Safety first.)

Then I clean my piece with a brush, and an SOS pad.  That takes off the remaining ink.

This is what you are left with.  I mentioned that the solution only works on three different types of metals.  Since I'm not a huge fan of this bright brassy look, I like to tone it down a bit.

I use Silver-Black to darken the metal.  I apply it with a q-tip and let it dry for a few minutes.  Here is a little fact for you.  If you buy a piece of jewelry that has been oxidized, it could have been darkened with this stuff, or something called Liver of Sulfur (which stinks!).  I have also heard you can get the same effect by putting the metal in a closed container with rotten eggs.  But I'm not that brave. 

Because I don't want my piece to stay completely black.  I buff it with steel wool.  It gives it a beautiful antiqued look.

To make the cuff, I wrapped it around a bracelet mandrel and hammered it with a rawhide mallet to harden the metal and to help it keep its shape.

It is best to put a varnish on the piece so it doesn't tarnish.  Clear fingernail polish works great for small pieces!

Now you know the secrets of etching metal.  Do you feel enlightened?

So, do you want this necklace?  

It hangs on a hand-sewn silk cord, and the copper piece is about an inch wide.

Just leave me a sweet comment before Saturday at noon, and I will get that really handsome man I live with to put your names in a hat a pull one out.  Because I like ya'll.  A lot.