Ongoing Challenge No. 19
“Softer Surfaces” – Etching 101
By Janie Jones
Ever etch a bead before? Etching makes the surface of glass have a soft, brushed finish, a bit like beach glass. And that is this month’s challenge – make a bead and etch it.
The beads pictured here were all made using soft glass. The focal bead and pendant bead are hollow, the earring beads have an added layer of frit on the surface. They were all etched.
Each bead was individually tied with a strand of fishing line, hung from a mandrel resting atop a jar of etching solution, then soaked for about an hour or so. The line was jiggled every 15 to 20 minutes to stir the solution. When ready, they were lifted out and placed directly into a bowl of clear water, then thoroughly scrubbed with a toothbrush and dishwashing liquid. (Liquid and reusable “etchall dip-n-etch” purchased at Frantz Art Glass was used to etch all these beads.)
Let’s see what comes to mind and is revealed from the etching solution for you.
And for those more advanced members, add a little white glue somewhere on your bead surface before you etch it. Show us your skillfully made etched beads or build your skills by learning how to etch beads. Enter your photos under this Challenge post on our Members FaceBook page. And remember, there could be a drawing for a prize every now and again … but you need to participate and post to be in the drawing!
Need some help? Message me or email me and I’ll be happy to walk you through the etching process: ideas@theglassdragons.com
If you try this challenge, go to the Challenge #19 post on the Facebook Members Group page and post your results!