Sunday, March 31, 2013

Metal Etching

I recently heard about a new Meetup group right here in my hood.  Not something that happens every day; I generally have to do some commuting to get to a class.  Furthermore, the class being offered was to be given by Jen Crossley, a wonderful Australian artist, and the samples shown on the site just blew me away.  Oh, and  by the way, the group is called Art Carnival, and the leader (or ringmaster, as she puts it) is Cindy Dean. 

If all this wasn't enough, several of my regular art class buddies were also in attendance, and I met a few new ones.  A really great group, held in a lovely apartment, and we were also VERY WELL FED.  Could anyone ask for more?

We cut metal, we stamped on it with permanent ink, we submerged the metal in etching solution, we added patina, we punched holes and inserted eyelets, and voila!  Two covers were created.  Then we cut the paper we had brought, folded it and made signatures, and learned how to put the book together with an exposed spine using a coptic stitch.  Lots and lots of charms and other do-dads were added, and this is what my book looks like.




 
 
Many of the charms I've acquired over the years in swaps or as gifts.  Some I made.  Some were bought.  I don't find charm bracelets or necklaces to be particularly comfortable to wear, so this use of the charms really pleases me.
 
The only thing I did not complete in class was the addition of the framed photo on the front.  (Cindy and Jen had already very graciously allowed the class to go well over the published end time, so that everyone was able to leave with a put together book).  When I got home, I looked through my stash, found the metal frame I used, distressed it a bit with ink and paint, and inserted the photo of my parents when they were very young....a full year before I was born.  I wanted to cover the photo with some mica but all I got for my troubles when I tried to cut it was a table full of mica shards.  This is my faux mica solution:  I covered the photo (which was already in the frame) with Ranger's Glossy Accents, and then smooshed a piece of very thin acetate (cut to fit exactly) over the photo.  Somehow the smooshing created the irregular look of mica.  At least in my mind it did. 
 
 
 
I'm trying to figure out some sort of closure, but until that happens, I jazzed up a binder clip with paint and ink and that keeps the book closed.
 




23 comments:

Nancy said...

Very cool!! The metal etching's beautiful!
A meetup group nearby? Lucky you!!

Dorothy said...

This is one gorgeous book!!

Kathy Eddy said...

Wow, that is really gorgeous! You did a great job on it.

Scrappin' Stacy said...

Beautiful book!

Beverly Sager said...

I knew it would be beautiful just from reading your description, but when I got down to the photo I actually gasped! This is stunningly beautiful. The charms and doo-dads add so much, and I think your improvised closure is cool!

Socrates said...

Absolutely stunning. What a gorgeous creation, it looks awesome. Yu must be so pleased.

sally said...

Looks like you had a really time and have something really beautiful to show for it!

Sally

Leslie said...

What a beautiful book!

Patzee said...

Beautiful book and very clever closure. I will steal that idea!

Unknown said...

I love this book. You did a great job.

Lori said...

Gee, wish I had a group like that in my 'hood, homes. lol
This is FANTASTIC!!! I really love how it came out, and a great use of all the charms!

teri said...

Eileen, this book is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! I adore everything about it and now, of course, I wish I had attended that class. Lovely.

Seth said...

What a stunning book. Wish I could have been there!

craftyM said...

This book is gorgeous. t's amazing to think your gorgeous etching was handmade and started with a stamp. I think I would love this class...

craftyM said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Barbara Mason said...

Beautiful book Eileen!!! I just love Jen she is such a hoot and I can't believe how often she comes 1/2 way round the world to teach us Yankees!!! You are a lucky New Yorker...

Sue Fraser said...

Eileen, your book is just beautiful. I have been thinking about an etched metal book for a while and your post has inspired to get to it very soon. You really did a wonderful job with it.

Jen Crossley said...

Eileen you book is really Beautiful I so enjoyed you girls what a awesome bunch of ladies so glad you enjoyed the class
Jen xx

Lisa H said...

I think it is wonderful! I love that etched metal.

mamablitger said...

Oh what a stunning book...love the etched metal and the vintage look ! Such a great idea you got to alter the photo. And the closure seems just perfect !
Thanks a lot for sharing ! Always lovely to "steal" a bit of inspiration....LOL
Hugs from SPAIN

Unknown said...

I love the metal etching.... I would love to know how you did this... what chemicals you used...

Marjie Kemper said...

Oh, Eileen, the texture is amazing! Thanks for posting the link to the group - I told them you sent me.

Mary-Beth said...

gorgeous book Eileen! Another fun class with a fabulous piece of art to cherish!