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EMILY BURTON
BRASS METAL ETCHING
Discover the art of electro-etching, a chemical process that uses battery current to etch designs into conductive surfaces such as brass. In this hands-on Brass Metal Etching Workshop by metalsmith Emily Burton, learn how to etch your own custom patterns, words, or textures into metal using an eco-friendly electro-etching saltwater technique—no harsh chemicals required. This beginner-friendly class is the perfect way to explore metalworking while making a personalized keychain or pendant you’ll treasure.
We'll start our workshop by etching a large round brass circle, perfect for a pendant or keychain. Keep exploring to create more jewelry--such as round cuffs, earrings or barretts--or home accessories such as a custom bookmark. The process is beautiful (and addictive).
EXPLORE DIFFERENT SURFACES
With this highly customizable process, you can explore surface design options on brass, nickel, bronze, and copper. Whether you’re interested in making one-of-a-kind jewelry, adding unique accents to your craft projects, or simply trying something new, metal etching opens up endless creative possibilities.
Our workshop focuses on brass, but Emily carefully outlines instructions on how to keep etching & making using electro-etching.
About the Artist: Emily Burton
Emily J. Burton is a designer, metalsmith, rock musician and lifelong aficionado of all things handcrafted. Her jewelry company, Dutch Hollow General, is a one-woman business based in her metals studio in Idyllwild, CA. Intrigued by multidisciplinary craft processes, Emily combines found objects, organic materials, and 3D printing into the wax sculpting for her lost wax cast creations, and uses traditional silversmithing techniques for her hand-fabricated chain pieces. She enjoys teaching others smithing and ways to incorporate metal into their art.
Emily has a BS in Fashion Design from the University of Cincinnati, learned silversmithing at Penland School of Craft and the Calstone Jewelry Arts & Design College, and was named the Art Alliance of Idyllwild’s Artist of the Year in 2024.
When she’s not making things – or playing with her cats – Emily does graphic design for film & TV marketing and tours internationally with her band.
We can’t wait to see how your metal etching projects turn out. Share your creative journey and finished creation with us by tagging @thecraftersbox + @dutchhollowgeneral in your social posts. Don’t forget to use #thecraftersbox so our community can also see your workshop come to life. Happy making!













