Progress Report

I got quite a lot completed yesterday. I still need to get my financial information finalized before Tuesday's appointment, but I got the reports printed out yesterday and I think I'll be OK. I have almost everything that Eleanor needs together. I worked on my BFAC 2011 project and yes, I think what I want to do will work. The problem with it is the time. Things are taking too long - the time will need to be cut down. But best of all was the progress that I got done on my etching.

(BFAC piece above features beads and stained glass and is made by Dulcey Heller)

I have etched metal for many years now. The system that I currently use allows for a great deal of detail, and I wanted to use 24 gague metal - much lighter than I usually use. The images transferred beautifully and didn't need a lot of cleanup. I taped the backs and painted resist in those few places that needed a small touchup. That was very minimal. And then I set up two acid baths - one for the copper and one for the silver. I put the bubblers into each and added the metals. Two hours later I was happy with the depth that I got and pulled them out, neutralized the acid activity, and pulled the back tape. I'm really happy that I was planning on a stiffer backing that will hold the pin mechanism because 24 gague etched becomes VERY thin. But the detail I was able to get...I'm absolutely thrilled. I recall that I was told that the silver etch will degrade quickly, so I need to get another design fixed and etched quickly before the etchant dies. Today I'll clean up the etchings at the shop and determine the exact method that I want to use for setting the enamels into it and the exact shape of each of the backplates. I'll solder on the bail, the pin hinge and the pin holders, then I can set the enamels and rivets and these will finally be finished.

(BFAC image above by Deborah Gray-Wurz)

And don't forget to check this week's Beading For A Cure auction items. Dulcey Heller is a local beader who is so talented. Deboral Gray-Wurz lives in New Mexico and practices beadwork and silverwork with equal skill. New items will go up on Sunday. Bid high, bid often, and help us erradicate colon cancer through beauty.