Things You'll Need
Dish soap
Old toothbrush
Soft cloth
Sculpting clay
Pencil
Electric engraving tool
Engraving bits
Air blower bulb
Like fingerprints, seashells are both unique and naturally occurring. Worn by saltwater, sand and movement within the sea's current, most shells are very soft without being too brittle. This makes them the perfect item for the etcher or engraver that enjoys working in miniature. Although you can use hand tools, a simple electric engraver is a much more sensitive and precise way of working.
Step 1
Wash the seashell you wish to engrave in a solution of warm water and dish soap. Scrub away any dried tissue or stuck-on sand with an old toothbrush. Rinse the seashell clean with fresh water and dry it with a soft cloth.
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Step 2
Scoop out a handful of sculpting clay and flatten it on your working surface. Embed the seashell into the clay with the area you wish to engrave facing up. This will secure the shell in place and protect your working surface as you engrave.
Step 3
Draw your desired design or lettering onto the shell using a pencil. This will help guide your hand as you etch your design into the shell.
Step 4
Select a bit of the appropriate size and insert it into the tip of your engraving tool. For more specific instructions regarding bit loading, refer to your tool's owner's manual.
Step 5
Turn on the tool and set its medium speed setting. Too fast a speed may crack or chip the shell, while too slow a speed will not make any noticeable etching.
Step 6
Touch the tip of the engraving tool to the guiding design you drew in Step 3. Apply light pressure as you follow the design to completion, resting your wrist on the sculpting clay for support. For a wider etching path, switch to a larger bit.
Step 7
Review your etching and add any details using a bit of the appropriate size. Use an air blower bulb to blow away dust created by the engraving process.
Tip
Ink your engraving if you desire. Rub India ink into the engraved design and allow it to fill the etching lines. Wipe up excess ink with a soft cloth. Work in a well-lit area to avoid making any mistaken marks on the seashell.
Warning
Avoid using too much pressure while engraving, as doing so may crack the seashell.
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