Like anyone eager to learn something new, if you can, you seek proper instruction through a class or tutorial, right? As I’ve mentioned, I did so recently, for electro-etching! It was an awesome weekend intensive at Snow Farm in MA. I had come home from class all charged up (no pun intended) and had already started ordering equipment on the way home. I was ready to start etching a few test pieces and had great success!

With class notes at my side, I had this in-the-pocket!

Then, we left for vacation. After 2 weeks away from my studio, I have no idea what the hell happened… either some studio gremlins had a party, or brain gremlins got the best of me 🥴 I could no longer get a successful etch and that new-found inspiration I’ve been yappin’ about, came to a h a l t. I’ve been absolutely BA F F L E D! Is it the electrolyte solution?…the amps?…the volts?…dirty surface of the metal?…the conducting leads? my new rectifying machine?

**I couldn’t figure it out!**

I reached out to my great instructor, Lauren, with pics and questions, I joined a few different etching Facebook groups, I watched more YouTube vids, etc.

**I methodically went through the steps multiple times, and nothing was adding up…**

The result of each attempt was barely a photocopy of the design on the metal. And I couldn’t feel any “carved” areas, when running my finger over the pieces. A subtle feeling of panic was starting to brew, with all these ideas I have…and would like to make some sales leading up to the holidays.

A Quick Thank You!

I want to thank you for taking time to read this newsletter.

I consider what I share here, an extension of what I create. And my hope is it offers a spark of inspiration, and if nothing else, explains the nature experiences, creative f*ck-up’s, and quirky ideas, behind what I make!

Thanks for supporting me in this way.

As much as I want to keep picking the situation apart, I need to keep the wheels moving.

So, after troubleshooting and scrolling forums at length, I chose to stop trying to tweak what I have, and change out some elements of my setup. I hit Home Depot after work for a few items.

1.I purchased a much sturdier steel “busbar” (metal bar you hang pieces from so they are suspended in liquid solution…like a clothesline).

2. I made a completely new etching solution (Copper Sulfate)

3. I introduced Dawn dish detergent into my metal surface prep process (to really cut any oil from handling with hands)

4. I read more on volts vs. amps, to better adjust the battery I use to send current to the etching bath.

5. I purchased a small electric griddle for transferring designs from special paper to the metal (a clothes iron just wasn’t even enough heat)

Alas, I’m back in action!

Finally!!! My excitement is renewed for this Maine/coastal collection (and a couple iconic n’GRAINED pieces). Things are working…pieces are etching! I spent this past weekend really having fun playing and evolving my ideas. It felt SO GOOD to have 2 productive days, especially when my studio time is based on mental and physical bandwidth left from working in and office full time.

*First successful test pieces out of the bath!*

A humbling reflection…

Troubleshooting and hair-pulling are very much the grit that goes into handmade pieces. As consumer’s we just don’t likely see it, because it’s not the “pretty” part. But, when you wonder why something handcrafted is “so expensive”, one must remember there is SO much more behind what you see.

Though stressful, I feel even stronger and proud of things I create, knowing I had to “figure it out”. I’m thankful for that.

*A roots-inspired design, I drew free-hand, to test my revamped etching set-up…and feeling like it should be more than a test!*

Originally shared via e-mail 8/2023

Three Hair-Pulling Weeks