Yoshino immortalized in copper
I’ve been wanting to try etching on copper for a while so I ordered some Ferric Chloride, got some rubber gloves and baking soda and finally tried it. I already had some 24ga copper sheet and packing tape.
I didn’t know what I wanted to draw on my sheet but finally decided to try an image of a character from my daughters’ original manga (Japanese graphic novel) series, Ronin Yoshino. Yoshino is a female Samurai and the series revolves around her adventures.
The cover of Ronin Yoshino Volume 1
I’m better at drawing portraits than other things, so this was a good choice although it wasn’t easy drawing in Sam’s (my daughter) style. I’m accustomed to color pencils and pastels but I wanted to create the portrait as close to the original as possible or risk offending Sam.
My rendition of Yoshino on the copper sheet
I probably left it in the solution a bit too long and it could have been neater, but overall I think it came out OK. In any case, Sam loved it.
Art-Z Jewelry 
I think it’s stunning, Zoraida! And your first piece. Can see why Sam loves it – lucky her! Look forward to seeing more of your etching. Peace and joy . . . Catherine
Thanks Catherine. It was fun, a little messy but fun!
I think it came out great. It looks like a lot of fun to make, and so many possibilities.
Thanks Joanne, yes the possibilities are endless. I can see myself drawing again!
AWESOME! And to think this was just your first try! Wow! You never cease to amaze!
Thanks Diane! I can’t wait to do some more 🙂
Very nice Zoraida!! I’ve been wanting to etch for a long time. I have all of the materials and now you’ve given me the inspiration. Thank you.
Thank you, Barb! I tend to hesitate too long before trying something new. Afterwards, I wonder why I just didn’t jump in. I waste more time that way!
Procrastination is my middle name!!!! I could probably get more done if I just jump in and do it. Now that I’m older I’d better change my habits; time waits for no one!!!
Wow! You can draw portraits! I love your rendition, the simple line drawing says it all. Fantastic first attempt. Certainly wouldn’t know it was your first time etching.
Thanks so much, Cynthia ! Portraits are actually what I do best (or used to do). I haven’t done any in a while but who knows, maybe I’ll get back into it. My daughter is a master at line drawing. I tend to work slowly, meticulously and overwork things. She just whips out her illustrations in seconds with just a few lines. Wish I could do that!
Just found your site and am so glad I did!! Great job on this and your following etching work! I do have a question. How do I learn how to do this? Lol
Thank you for finding me, Crystal. There are several different ways to etch on metal. I chose this one to start with because I only had to get one other ingredient – Ferric Chloride. There are some excellent tutorials online for etching. Try these for starters – http://deliastonesstudio.wordpress.com/2011/01/02/free-metal-etching-tutorial-happy-new-year/
http://etsymetal.blogspot.com/2009/06/etching-brass-and-copper.html
http://carolines-designs.co.uk/etching-copper-with-my-cameo/
You can also search on YouTube and online. The Ferric Chloride can be purchased through Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-Ferric-Chloride-Liquid/dp/B008UH3SAE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369141964&sr=8-2&keywords=ferric+chloride+etching+solution or Rio Grande. Good luck!!