how an etching is made part 1 (hoe een ets gemaakt wordt deel 1)

These are polished copper plates (measuring 6 x 9 cm and 0.8mm thick) with their protective plastic covering. The first thing that needs to happen is to round the edges off so that the plate doesn't damage the felt on the etching press.

Next the plates are rubbed down with fine wire wool so that the etching ground 'attaches' itself to the plate.

Now the plates need to be thoroughly cleaned, first with turpentine and then with methylated spirit, before the etching ground can be applied.

Once the plates are dry, the etching ground can be applied.  The engraving will be made into this layer, not the copper itself.  This layer will protect the plate when it's placed in the acid bath, so that the acid only bites into the copper where the line sketch has been made. In this case we are using a hard ground. Now they have to dry (overnight)... next step to follow!

Part 2

new watercolour paintings of a woodland

Two new watercolour paintings inspired by the January colours... and a few birdies too!

atelier28 supports Tandje28 (atelier 28 ondersteunt Tandje28 en daarmee het KWF)

atelier28 is supporting Tandje28, and hereby the cancer charity KWF, by donating an original etching with aquatint for an auction.

Alpe d'Huzes is a charity event where cyclists, either solo or in a team, attempt to climb the legendary Alpe d'Huez at least 6 times in one day, a nearly impossible challenge.  The money raised by the participants is for the cancer charity KWF.  Tandje28 is the male team from NOC*NSF (Dutch Olympic Committee) and is trying their best to raise as much as possible for this good cause!

Do you want to make a bid? click here

Atelier 28 ondersteunt Tandje28 en daarmee het KWF door een originele ets met aquatint te schenken om geveild te worden.

"Bij het evenement Alpe d’Huzes proberen fietsers, solo of in teamverband op één dag minstens zes keer de legendarische Alpe d’Huez te beklimmen, een bijna onmogelijke opgave. Het sponsorgeld dat de renners hiermee ophalen, komt ten goede aan de strijd tegen kanker. Tandje 28, ook wel het mannenteam van NOC*NSF, bundelt op 9 juni de krachten om zoveel mogelijk geld voor KWF Kankerbestrijding op te halen."

Wil je bieden op deze ets? klik hier

a few favourite finds on etsy

These are a couple of recent treasuries I made on etsy... and one including the 'ducky duck' etching:

featured on etsy's facebook and twitter pages

I've had a really great week! On Saturday my little 'ducky duck' etching was featured on etsy's facebook and twitter pages. Made my day. I really loved all the name suggestions and stories behind them :D Now there are all little ducks on their way around the globe.  I hope they arrive safely!

twee nieuw etsen (2 new etchings)

Two new etchings.  Feathers have been a bit of a theme lately, so the latest is a collection of feathers.  This particular etching was printed using sepia ink.  The second etching I've called "looking after the little ones".  I love the way geese kind of strut around, as bold as brass with comical expressions on their faces...

Both etchings measure 6 x 9 cm and were made on copper plates and submerged in an iron chloride bath.