Please click on photo. Even though I didn't polish this it was very hard to photograph because of the shine issues.
I found some copyright free black and white designs and took them and had them photo etched on Magnesium plates. I cut those apart to roll print them onto copper.
You can think of roll printing in metal almost the same as what you do with polymer clay using a pasta machine. The rollers for doing the same in a metal shop are heavier and made of iron. The crank is very long with a handle to turn the rollers. I basically make a metal sandwich, then adjust the rollers and then crank through the copper or sterling silver against the etched Magnesium plate. Now I have the design (in reverse) on the metal.
I thought this might be a better solution than the rubber stamp etching for miniature use (see post below). The trouble is, after one or two rolls the Magnesium Plate is too distorted to use again. Still I like the results. So I am going to be exploring it further to make some fancy copperware or silver pieces in miniature.
That has me thinking about back plates for door knobs and decorative hinges.
ReplyDeleteIt has much smoother edges to the details than directly photo etched parts at that scale.
I love the pattern! Keep my fingers crossed for your trials!:) Hope to see the copperware soon:D
ReplyDeleteClever...I like it. I like Karen's idea too. This is not a technique available to the average miniaturist, however. But it is still interesting and I'll be anxious to see how you incorporate it into your work.
ReplyDeleteTabitha
Tabitha,
ReplyDeleteTrue, this is not something that you can do without a metal shop. However, anyone with a jewlers saw and a sheet of copper can do the
ferric chloride etching process. I didn't write a tutorial because anyone interested could email me for more information. I thought since Margaret had ventured into soldering she might like to try it. It's very safe.
My mind is over flowing with applications, you are 'so dam clever'!!!
ReplyDeleteTabitha was so correct when she said this is not available to the average miniaturist...and you certainly are not the average miniaturist, each time I see that you have done a new post I know it is going to be something total new to us all!...so exciting!
Linda x
wow that requires some skill!
ReplyDeleteYou did an amazing job, even if I miss the "how" ...
ReplyDeleteI benefit the vision of your future creations :-)
Kisses, flora
That's so cool! You introduce us to so many interesting things Catherine :)
ReplyDeleteSiiiii, un diseƱo muy bonito!!!
ReplyDeleteEr.....I don't get it, lol. It sounds complicated, but it looks really cool!! And I'm eager to see what you end up making in miniature with this technique!
ReplyDeleteUna genial idea y un precioso resultado.Estoy deseando ver tus resultados en las minis.
ReplyDeletebesitos ascension
It looks wonderful, you just don't stop amazing me :) Btw, do you have any hints where I could buy such embossed copper or other metal strips? Would nees some in my minies :)
ReplyDeleteIra,
ReplyDeleteI have never seen embossed copper for sale. I will share this with you... http://jar-jaf.com/?page_id=5 Click on download catalog. It takes a while because it is a huge page of photos. You might also do a search for gallery wire in Google.
Thanks for the tips, I didn't even know the name gallery wire, it sure helps a bit my search :)
ReplyDelete