Radical Etching with Bette Barnett
Saturday, August 15, 2026; 10:00AM - 5:00PM PT (Pacific Time)
Sunday, August 16, 2026; 10:00AM - 5:00PM PT (Pacific Time)
Join Bette Barnett for Radical Etching: Non-traditional etching techniques for steel!
This two day workshop is all about letting go of traditional approaches to etching and instead exploring nonconventional ways to etch steel that produce fresh and exciting results and head-turning jewelry. We'll ditch the uninspired commercial artwork and create imaginative, completely original design!
Release your inner Jackson Pollack to explore out-of-the-box etching resists like:
- Oil paint brush, spray, and splatters
- Rubber cement
- Dry transfers and decals
- Etching grounds (typically used in printmaking)
- Freeform original hand cut stencils
- Tape, glue, anything that sticks through the etching process- the sky is the limit!
We'll stretch the rules by layering etched patterns and explore new approaches to the etching process, such as stepped etching and intentional over-etching, resulting in unexpected and visually exciting effects. During the workshop you will have time to create two or more beautiful pieces of radically etched steel jewelry. Whether you have experience working with steel or are new to this fabulous metal, this workshop offers experience with techniques that can be used with many different metals.
What you'll learn:
- Basics of steel- understand the characteristics of steel, where to buy steel, different forms of steel and the basics of working with steel (cleaning, cutting, sawing, filing, soldering and forming)
- Resists for etching- working with many types of non-traditional resists for creating original designs including oil paint, stencils, and tape. You will learn to cut your own stencil resist using an electric heat pen
- Etching set-up- prepare the electro-etching station, including the etchant and power source. Use a rectifier (power supply) as a source of electricity for the etching process
- Etching process- monitor the process to achieve the best results, troubleshoot problems, explore layering and over/under etching to achieve different creative effects
- Patinas and sealers- application that emphasizes the dimensionality of the etched surface, including various colors of patinas and waxes.
This course is available as an in-person workshop or live online class. Please check this page for times and formats available.
Recordings of this class are available for 30 days from the final class session.
A kit fee of $80 for in person students is payable directly to the instructor on the first day of class.
A kit fee of $50 for online students is payable directly to the instructor. The instructor will be in contact with you to arrange payment and shipping for your kit.
Tools
Classes at our school include use of tools, with each student having their own bench to use during class. Online students will need to have their own tools (see the list of tools below). Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Tools Required for Online Students
This is a list of tools online students need to practice the techniques shown in class. (in-person students have tools to use at school)
If you prefer, you can wait to acquire the supplies until after the class.
A list of tools with links to recommended suppliers for the best prices will be sent to you after registration. If you have questions about the tool list, please contact us.
- Oil paint spray
- Rubber cement
- Embossing pen and powder
- Etching grounds
- Inexpensive paint and foam brushes
- Duct tape
- Copper sulfate and table salt
- Oxpho gun bluing patina
- Steel wool and scotchbrite
- Sealing wax
- Wood burning pen
- Container for etching
- Heavy wire or rod- copper or steel
- Recifier
- Open throat shear
- Torch- dual fuel or acetylene air for soldering if you choose to do that. As well as flux and a pickle pot for steel with tongs
- White vinegar
- Barkeepers friend or similar
- Coarse brass brush
- Nitrile gloves and safety glasses
- Basic hand tools- saf frame, blades, bench pin, flies, flexshaft and bits/burs
- Tray or plastic sheeting for work surface
A computer, phone or tablet to use the free Zoom app for class
Read what students have to say about our online classes on the testimonials page.
Prerequisites:
Basic metalsmithing skills such as sawing, soldering, and forming are recommended, however this workshop is suitable for all levels incuding beginners! Torch skills are not required.
Instructor:
If a class is online, or is a combination online and in-person session, all students receive a link to a recording of the class demonstrations. In-person only workshops are not recorded. For staff instructor classes, students have access to the recordings for one year. For guest instructors, access is 30 days.
If a kit is included with the class, online students will have them mailed to them. Kits for in-person students are delivered at the beginning of the first class. More information about the kit is included with the supplies list which is emailed after registration.
International students may be charged an additional amount for shipping, because of the increased cost to ship abroad. Also, shipments to other countries may incur a tariff payable by the student. International students are welcome to contact us re: these costs and options for their materials. Please be sure that the address with your payment is the correct one for shipping.
If there is an in person section for this class, in person students each have a bench and a complete set of tools to use, including torches, flex shaft, and more.
If this class is offered online, it uses the Zoom app/website. Through Zoom, you’ll be able to see demos and follow instructions, ask questions and interact with your instructor. Zoom is easy to use and free for students to use for class, and works on most devices, like phones (iPhone, Android, etc), tablets (iPads, etc), and computers (Mac or PC).
Your instructor is also available during free Zoom office hours for questions and help.
For classes that include work time, online students work at home or in their studio. All of our recommended tools and the kit materials are chosen to be home studio friendly. Links to preferred vendors are provided in the supplies list sent after registration. Some classes, like our short demo only classes, don't require tools or materials to attend.
And now the fine print. Payment in full for class fees is due at the time of registration to reserve your place. Our online registration system accepts credit cards and other methods. Checks and cash are accepted only if you register at school. If you mail a check, your registration is not processed until it clears and the class may fill during the wait.
If the workshop is canceled by our school for any reason, all class fees will be refunded, or you can transfer to another class, or you can keep a credit on account with us for future classes or purchases,
Students can cancel, receive a credit or refund, or transfer to another class up to 21 days before a workshop, whether it is online or in person. No cancellations are accepted after the 21-day deadline, however, we will do what we can to try and sell your place to a qualified student. If we can sell your place, you can receive a refund less a $50 cancellation fee, keep a credit on account with us, or apply your fees towards a transfer to another class.
If you can’t make it to class, you may send a participant who has the necessary prerequisites in your place. Please call or email us immediately with any changes in the student participant information. If a class includes an online section, your class will be recorded and you can watch later to make up a class you miss.
Students must be at least 15 years old to attend a class, and students under 18 must have a legal guardian sign our liability waiver form. We have had younger students attend classes, on a case by case basis. If you’re interested in enrolling your child, please call or email us.
If you sign up for a class and fail to have the required prerequisites as listed in the class description, you are still subject to the 21-day cancellation policy, listed above.
Lodging and meals are not included for in person classes.
If you don't come to class, there are no refunds, credits or transfers.
Upcoming Schedule
| Date & Times | Register |
| Sat. Aug 15, 10AM - 5PM PT (Pacific Time), Sun. Aug 16, 10AM - 5PM PT (Pacific Time) |