Learning to cut a particular scroll can be a challenging process that takes some time to execute it to your satisfaction. Studying the work of others is a great way to understand just how to create a certain style....

Continue with Small English Scroll & Bouquet »

Engravers can save hundreds of dollars when the holiday season rolls around by creating personalized gifts. Using your skills to engrave a pendant, key fob, knife, or other small pieces, you can make unique and custom work that is just for that one special person....

Continue with Engraving a Personal Gift »

The beautiful desert-inspired designs by Arizona native Kit Carson, like his Mariachi and Pendant previously featured, are great for inspiration. His work ranges from the festive dead musicians of his Mariachi to dazzling, jewel-encrusted bracelets....

Continue with Treasure from the Sea, Bracelet by Kit Carson »

In 2008 the GRS Training Center hosted its first metalworking course that focused entirely on the art of repoussé. Valentin Yotkov, who currently resides and works in Brooklyn, New York, is a master silversmith specializing in Chasing, Raising, and Repoussé....

Continue with Sterling Silver Metalwork »

Gary Van Syoc of Emporia, Kansas, likes to sit in his shop as often as he can to work on his newest hobby — a hobby that is turning out beautiful works of wood....

Continue with Wood Inlay and Engraving »

The art of engraving is a wonderful way to remember a loved one who has passed. Whether it's in memory of a young hunter, or a dearly treasured grandfather. ...

Continue with Engraving a Memorial Plaque »

Techniques for Deep Relief Scene Engraving is a new 2009 course at the GRS Training Center. Robert "Bob" Finlay will teach his methods and style during this intermediate course in July. Recently, his engraved MicroBlock was featured here in its final stage of engraving. Finlay created a Great Plains theme, complete with cowboys, horses, and more....

Continue with Deep Relief Engraving by Robert Finlay »

With the holiday season approaching, many search for the right holiday card to send out to friends, family, and businesses. As artists, engravers have an opportunity to create a personal and unique holiday card. Printmaking can turn an original engraving into a printed treasure that can be enjoyed by many....

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Any custom knife with a Damascus steel blade has an extra quality that dresses up the look of the cold, hard steel. The knife often gains much aesthetic value from this type of forging that is created by folding and layering raw materials....

Continue with Translating the Damascus Look into an Engraving Technique »

Bringing two different styles of engraving together can certainly add variety to a small piece, such as this belt buckle here engraved by Christian DeCamillis. With two styles, the effects can create a jazzy, contrasting design that has a unique look. Or two styles can bring a balance and unity to the layout....

Continue with More Bang for Your Buck »

Last month D.J. Glaser, President of Glendo Corporation, introduced his new “Volcano” stone setting technique in a tutorial in the GRS Online Resource Library. After demonstrating the technique in a copper bracelet, Glaser wanted to explore the use of this setting with different stone shapes and in a variety of metals. This new piece featuring the “Volcano” setting technique focuses on setting an oval-shaped sapphire in a stainless steel key tag....

Continue with Volcano Stone Setting in Stainless Steel »

Lost wax casting methods for jewelry pieces can create beautiful pieces embellished with custom stones setting and engraving. But this ring, with its 2.63 carat pear-shaped diamond floating around a ring of pavéd stones, was completely hand-forged and fabricated by one talented jeweler....

Continue with Fabricated by Hand »

History often lends itself to future fashions. Whether the fashion is in clothing, cars, or jewelry, styles of the past create a rich library of details and looks for creating new artistic work....

Continue with Pearl & Diamonds: Inspired by Art Deco »

From firearm parts to folding knives, brilliant diamonds of all colors and sizes are popping up on non-traditional work, and the results are stunning. This piece by Rick Eaton is an excellent example of how to incorporate these stones with engraved work on something other than jewelry....

Continue with Wrapped Up in Diamonds & Gold »

Playing with words as design elements as an engraver can be both fun and challenging. This bracelet by Tira Mitchell plays with words in a unique way — by using an ambigram as the focus of the layout....

Continue with An Ambigram in Stainless Steel by Tira Mitchell »

Robert 'Bob' Finlay is a skilled engraver who finds great joy in this art form. He has been engraving for several years, creating deep relief engravings on anything from buffalo nickels to the engravable GRS Microblock....

Continue with Engraved Microblock: The Great Plains »

Today in the United States of America, many people have the privilege to vote in the general election. For those who take pride in their country, what better way to show off your national colors than with a beautiful and bright scrimshaw design....

Continue with Scrimshaw: Show Your Colors »

Out of the rich culture of New Zealand, Andrew Biggs brings a fresh approach to scroll and engraving design that has deep roots. He adds his own personal twist to a style that goes back to the first settlers of his homeland....

Continue with Oceania Scroll Bracelets by Andrew Biggs »

In July of 2008, Josh Van Haelen came to Emporia for Bill Janney's Basic Wood Carving & Engraving course. He brought his desire to learn and left with a beautifully engraved gun....

Continue with Carve Your Own Gunstock »

When a Master's skills, knowledge, and experience rise to such a high level of mastery, challenging one's own creative and technical abilities is natural. And that which would otherwise seem to be impossible becomes possible....

Continue with This Petite Pavé Treasure will leave you with questions. . . »

Martin Strolz, who will teach at the 2009 Fifth Annual Grand Masters Program, has been an engraver almost his entire life. Starting out with the basic tools even before he could drive legally in his home country of Austria, this talented master has a substantial and elegant portfolio of work....

Continue with A Glimpse at Martin Strolz »

One of the great things about engraving is the custom look that can be created for a client, loved one, or friend. Unlike store-bought or mass-produced cast "engravings" on jewelry and the like, a hand engraver can create something that is one of a kind and meaningful....

Continue with It's Rich, Not Fancy »

What started out as a failed attempt at a trade show has been transformed over time into a unique method of stone setting. The volcano setting, as explained in The “Volcano” Technique, Stone Setting Tutorial here on the GRS website, works by setting the stone on the top of the bracelet instead of underneath....

Continue with The Volcano Setting in Copper »

For those familiar with the work of Sam Alfano, especially his micro-lettering and engraving, these bracelets are nothing short of breathtaking. This particular style, inspired by sculptural engraving techniques and Western Bright Cut, is the Flare Cut refined and formally taught by engravers Ron Smith and Diane Scalese. ...

Continue with Save Time with Flare »

Nothing compares to a real master engraver instructing you as you learn new skills and techniques. Although true masters are becoming more and more rare, a few like Alain Lovenberg pass on the skills and knowledge they have attained. ...

Continue with Lovenberg's Masterful Lines »

With over 33 years of teaching experience and 30 years as an engraver, Marty Rabeno is used to standing at the front of the classroom as an instructor. This past week, though, offered him a rewarding moment of enrichment in his life-long career. It was then that he became a formal engraving student for the very first time, studying under master engraver Alain Lovenberg....

Continue with Opportunity of a Lifetime »

No doubt, after viewing such drawings and engravings as those done by Alain Lovenberg, it's easy to see that it takes quite a bit of skill to create such an image from lines. Many people may be familiar with the type of artistic style from the portraits that grace modern paper currency. ...

Continue with Line After Line... »

The first Grand Masters course of 2008 covered the art and techniques of three-dimensional sculpting using a graver. The method, although fairly straightforward, takes time to bring the beautiful design up out of the metal. ...

Continue with Three-Dimensional Sculpted Engraving from Philippe Grifnée »

No matter the experience or knowledge one has, there is always something more to learn. Even an engraver who has cut metal nearly his entire life can learn a new technique or method that will advance his skills further. ...

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Most people are familiar with the Italian method of dot technique for bulino style engraving. Another traditional technique for creating photorealistic scenes is more graver-centric. This method uses lines instead of dots, and it will be the focus of Alain Lovenberg's 2008 Grand Masters course....

Continue with Engraving with Lines: Alain Lovenberg »

He has engraved the guns of Holland & Holland, James Purdey & Sons, and many more. His execution of scrolls and three-dimensional sculpted engraving is accurate, yet the "human touch" remains visible in his work. Philippe Grifnée of Belgium will be passing on his experience to a select few at Grand Masters 2008....

Continue with Exquisite Harmony with Philippe Grifnée »

Adding beauty to this world through the engraving arts seems to come naturally to a few people. No matter how big or small, engraving can give just the right touch of elegance and class to anything....

Continue with Engraved Lace Bobbins »

Diane Scalese, with her mirror-like bright cuts, engraved a similar pendant that was featured earlier in May. Because she is doing something new by bringing together the Western-style bright cuts and highly-detailed bulino engraving, Scalese decided to try this design in steel first....

Continue with Try it in Steel, Cut it in Silver »

As a university professor at the Seoul National University and a long-time artist, Joon Cho Sung recently accomplished a rather large goal. For nearly four years, Joon Cho has saved his money and waited for the moment when he would travel to the small town of Emporia, Kansas....

Continue with Fulfilling a Dream: From South Korea »

With time and pressure, carbon changes to diamonds and artists produce interesting works of art. This little gem of a mountain man was engraved by GRS Training Center instructor Lee Griffiths. While at the Denver Knife Show, Griffiths worked on this demonstration piece over the course of three days....

Continue with Mountain Man by Lee Griffiths »

What's the value of an American nickel coin? Five cents, mostly. Unless of course, an engraver has gotten a hold on one and transformed this small denomination coin into a sculptural piece of artwork like the ones here....

Continue with Hobo Nickels from Marcus Hunt »

Many artistic endeavors spring from the well of gratitude. A handmade work of art carries with it the time and effort of the artist. This intrinsic quality adds even more value for the person who deserves such a gift....

Continue with Comparing Rubies to Cherries »

Not every piece of engraved work ends up fulfilling its life purpose. Sometimes things happen in life that are beyond our control, there's no doubt about it. However, even if an engraved piece such as this one doesn't end up on its rightful saddle, it is still artwork that anyone may appreciate....

Continue with A Horn Cap in Silver & Copper »

This custom knife was made by H.J. “Herman” Schneider and engraved by Ron Skaggs. It was ordered at the 1980 Knifemaker’s Guild show in Kansas City and delivered in mid-1981. Mr. Schneider’s name is clearly inscribed on one side of this gold inlay hunter, but there is no engraver’s identification by Skaggs on it....

Continue with A 1980's Knife by Schneider and Skaggs »

A bracelet like this one - with its domed surface and neat hinge - is quite different perhaps from what many engraver's encounter in the jewelry field. Fitting nice and snug on a small feminine wrist, this thick cut of metal is a bold choice....

Continue with A Bracelet of a Different Shape »

Tira Mitchell, who now teaches Basic Engraving at the GRS Training Center, is well known for her chromed pieces. She engraves in many different metals, and some parts like the ones here end up as slick looking covers, caps, and parts for motorcycles....

Continue with More Chromed Engravings by Tira Mitchell »

Wearing jewelry made of precious metals and other natural material goes back many generations. Although what is of value varies from one culture to the next, jewelry is an important accessory for many. One of the ways that jewelers can increase the value of their work is by adding engraving....

Continue with Engraving Jewelry with Sam Alfano »

In this final installment of the Engrave a Gun in One Week series, featured here are three talented engravers who completed engravings on their own firearm during the course with Rex Pedersen....

Continue with Engrave a Gun in One Week: Part 3 »

As the week draws to a close, the students in the Intermediate Firearms Engraving course are hard at work putting the finishing touches on their shotguns. To start out on this project, the students practiced cutting lasered patterns on metal plates to get a feel for the designs....

Continue with Engrave a Gun in One Week: Part 2 »

Making and selling casts of your work can be quite commonplace if you've had your graver to the grindstone for a few years now. But for some, being able to create and own a three-dimensional plastic cast to study is a new concept....

Continue with Engrave a Gun in One Week: Part 1 »

There is a certain joy in creating your own piece of artwork completely from the canvas to the final application of the design. Having control over the size, shape, and material of your canvas allows a freedom that is satisfying for many artists....

Continue with Engraving Glass: The Beginning of the Blues »

The statement "Love What You Do, Do What You Love" sums up the personal philosophy of one engraver who has been doing what he loves for over thirty years. Kit Carson is an Arizona-born artist whose eclectic jewelry style is attractive and unique....

Continue with Love What You Do, Do What You Love »

Shade lines can be challenging for many new engravers. Learning to control a graver is one thing — executing well-spaced, natural shade lines is another. This Al Mar knife engraving has fine shade lines that are perfect for study....

Continue with Shade Lines Are Important »

As beautiful, three-dimensional sculpted engraving techniques on metal become ever more popular among engravers and collectors, a great way to hone those skills is to try another canvas....

Continue with Apply Your Artistic Skills to Wood »

It is a true skill to be able to form raw materials into a piece that is not only functional but a work of art as well. Taking the craft of knifemaking even one step further, Steve Dunn has beautifully engraved this custom knife....

Continue with A Touch of Gold »

Engraving adds meaning and emphasis to objects of value. But what things have enough value that the owner wants to add something special? Traditionally, engraving is found on jewelry, fine knives and firearms, writing instruments and the like. But each new generation makes their own list of value. ...

Continue with Treasures Vary Generation to Generation »

Stone setting is becoming more and more prevalent in the world of engraving. As engravers gain new clients and new skills, the traditional craft of setting stones in metal comes as a natural "next step"....

Continue with Bright Cuts & Citrine Stones »

This stainless steel bracelet has a personal story behind it. Jake Newell, a student at Emporia State University, wanted to engrave something for D.J. Glaser, who has enjoyed watching Jake’s engraving skills develop wonderfully. Somewhat serendipitously, D.J. has had a theme he wanted engraved for his wife, Linda. Canada Geese are known to mate for life. And the flight formation used by migrating geese is designed so the lead goose makes the journey easier for the rest. ...

Continue with Wingtip to Wingtip »

The Al Mar Osprey shown here may appear large in scale with these crisp and confident flare cuts, but in reality this petite knife measures only 2.3125" in length and weighs approximately 0.6 oz. ...

Continue with Bold Style, Diminutive Knife »

This plate, which Lee Griffiths engraved at the East Coast Custom Knife Show in February 2008, is another example of his wonderful affection for these mythical creatures. This Dragon Plate shows areas of sculpted and traditional engraving, much like the Dragon Gun. But because Lee engraved this piece at a show, he did not intend for this simple steel practice plate to become such an charming beauty. ...

Continue with Lee Griffiths' Dragon Plate »

People love to have a tangible reminder of certain things - anniversaries engraved on weddings bands, lifetime achievements recorded on plaques, portraits of the favorite hunting dog cut on the side of a firearm. These things are most often commissioned by a client for an engraver to design and create....

Continue with A Day to Remember, Engraved in Copper »

Charles Schreck, a retiree who engraves mainly as hobby, decided to do a quick experiment with this $5 Wal-Mart mug to practice on a curved surface. He soon found out that the thin, inconsistent stainless steel meant lots of resharpening for the tip of his graver. Whereas some metals like gold or copper are softer and easier to cut, most hard steels will dull or break a graver tip in no time....

Continue with Working with Steel »

Nowadays, cell phones are almost so commonplace that many people cannot imagine life without one. Phones can store personal calendars, business contacts, to-do lists, even take photos with an integrated digital camera. These small devices become so personal with all this information stored inside, yet the external facade remains unexceptional and without identity....

Continue with Adding Tradition to Technology with Engraved Art »

Jake Newell, an ESU student with strong artistic skills, has been engraving for a little over a year now. Through several courses at the GRS Training Center and private instruction in engraving, Jake's hobby is progressing in creative ways....

Continue with Experimenting with Round Gravers »

A new year of training courses brought a few new engraving instructors to the GRS Training Center, one in particular who produces interesting works on unique surfaces. Tira Mitchell's work has been featured here previously with her engraved Filigree Egg in November 2007....

Continue with Wonderful Symmetry in Chrome »

A thoughtful and considerate surprise from a husband to a wife is always a welcome gift, especially when the present is created by the hands of the spouse. Handmade gifts always carry a little more meaning in the eyes of the receiver, regardless of the medium. ...

Continue with Cupids In Silver, A Bracelet by Robert Strosin »

Lara Yaremko traveled from Queensland, Australia, all the way to Emporia, Kansas, so that she could gain new artistic skills. While talking about engraving and jewelry at the training center, Yaremko had excitement in her voice and passion in her eyes thanks to the engraving arts....

Continue with A Young Perspective on Engraving & Jewelry »

Twelve students and a GRS Instructor filled the GRS Training Center during the week of May 19, 2008. This course focused on the technical stone setting method of micro-pavé. Micro-pavé is a beautiful stone setting technique that involves a great amount of math, especially formulas, to allow for such precise stone setting. ...

Continue with Learning Micro-Pav »

Jewelry is an everyday part of life in most cultures. One aspect of jewelry that people love regardless of cultural differences is a sparkling stone. When over 300 diamonds grace the sides of a ring like the one shown here, it's definitely a sight to behold....

Continue with A “Love Triangle” of Stones »

Stone setting is a delicate and technical craft. It requires precision and care so that stones stay in place and are not broken during the setting process. Once these fundamentals are learned, a stone setter can discover creative new techniques....

Continue with A Sculpted Setting Technique »

Although metal engraving has always been the central focus of the GRS Training Center, courses have branched out over the years into wood carving, scrimshaw, and stone setting. This year brings a new facet of using metal as a canvas with a class dedicated to repoussé....

Continue with The First Repoussé Course at GRS
»

A monogram always has a personality, regardless of the application. It can range from rigid to sophisticated to dramatic. Depending on the design of the letter, a monogram can reflect a variety of traits. This is a good point to consider when choosing a monogram style for a client....

Continue with Engraving a Simple Monogram »

Western Bright Cut looks great and has many applications, from bracelets to conchos to belt buckles. With the highly-reflective cuts and such versatility, many engravers love to use this style. ...

Continue with Bulino and Bright Cut »

This loupe by Sam Alfano illustrates one of the many ways a blank piece of metal can be transformed into an artistic canvas. Alfano engraved this as a demonstration at Baselworld 2008. He used several basic engraving techniques to distinguish objects in the foreground from those in the background....

Continue with Techniques to Expand Your Engraving »

Color brings a whole new level to the artistic work of scrimshanders. With the addition of color, an artist not only has to compose a layout, but the colors must be chosen and applied appropriately. ...

Continue with Scrimshaw: Roses Are Red »

Engravers and artists can find inspiration for a design in many places. Whether a design is wholly unique, inspired by another work, or based on century-old penmanship, the metal transformation is always stunning....

Continue with A Beautiful Style in Gold and Diamonds »

This progression photo of Lee Griffiths’ “Dragon Gun” shows the beginnings of a unique character slithering into a scene of scrolls. Once a simple Perazzi Over-and-Under shotgun, Griffiths has transformed the plain and smooth metal into a textured fantasy....

Continue with The Dragon Gun, Part 3 »

With the current high cost of silver, gold and other precious metals, it’s a good time to try some alternatives. Copper and stainless steel are two metals with increasing popularity in the jewelry industry, especially with younger clients. Copper has been used for centuries for jewelry; some wearers believe it helps relieve arthritis and other ailments....

Continue with Using Alternative Metal for Custom Jewelry »

Engravers and stone setters who have enough experience know that any geometric design requires a higher level of accuracy than most other applications. With scrolls and scenes that flow with a more "artistic" quality, the elements can be put together any number of way as long as the design is pleasing....

Continue with Pavé Stone Grid »

Beau Arndt, an 18 year old Emporia State University student, was shot and killed while goose hunting with his friends in December 2007. In his memory, fellow ESU student and hobbyist engraver Jake Newell created this memorial plate as a gift for the family....

Continue with In Memory of a Young Hunter »

This brass demonstration plate has been around the trade show block a time or two after nearly two years of travel. Despite the small blemishes on the metal, the graphic beauty of this work by Sam Alfano is clearly evident....

Continue with Engraved Enhancements for Setting Stones »

A punch dot background is an efficient and attractive way to add texture, contrast, and sparkle to the metal. This silver loupe, engraved by Chris DeCamillis, features a punch dot (beading tool) background that is quite deep. And, punch dot backgrounds are relatively fast and easy to complete because the tool is a standard beading/punch dot tool....

Continue with Deep Dot Backgrounds »

To most people, mentioning sapphires conjures up images of a deep and sparkling blue. Sapphires are affordable and well-known. But most clients may not know that sapphires known as “fancy sapphires” come in a range of colors....

Continue with Sapphires Come in Many Colors »

As a mostly self-taught artist, Robert Strosin creates work that is quite stunning. He engraved this pendant as a birthday present. Made for his daughter Karen, Strosin said that this pendant could one day be passed on to Karen's own daughter Kate. ...

Continue with Gold with a Capital "K" »

Todd Daniels, an accomplished engraver and jeweler who also teaches at the GRS Training Center, created this Italian specialized trap shooting gun's grip cap from start to finish. Not only did he do all the gunsmithing and woodwork modifications so the gun could receive the hand made grip cap, Daniels also did the engraving, gold inlay, and stone setting for it. The client requested his initials "JV" specifically for this custom grip cap, which Todd made by hand from 5mm raw steel. ...

Continue with A New Style for Firearms »

With 40 years in the jewelry industry, Brad KleinSmid has developed many complementary skills that let him creatively join metal and stones. His talents also include custom jewelry design and lapidary. Brad is mainly self-taught but has taken several courses at the GRS Training Center....

Continue with Balancing Curves, Stones, and Colors »

The man who engraved this fine knife, Steve Dunn, became a Master Bladesmith well before he learned to engrave. Steve designs and builds his own custom knives, as well as engraves his own knives and those of others....

Continue with Knife Engraving by Steve Dunn »

With engraving, the artist takes a bit of the metal away to create an attractive design. The art of Ornamental Chasing and Repoussé, however, moves the metal into new positions for a three-dimensional work of art....

Continue with Learn Metalwork with Valentin Yotkov »

This piece of hand engraved artwork is nothing short of breathtaking, especially considering that American engraver Winston Churchill uses hammer and chisel for many of his engravings....

Continue with Winston Churchill Pendant »

Those who know Sam Alfano have probably seen a few examples of his beautiful leaf script lettering. While at a trade show in Munich, Sam engraved this stunning script and Dmitry “Dyma” (Dee-ma) Semenets of Antwerp, Belgium set the stones – all as a live demonstration....

Continue with Leaf Script by Sam Alfano »

The way shade lines follow a scroll's spine gives a certain feel and style to an engraving overall, adding dimension and life to the art. Sometimes, though, an engraver chooses to do something with shade lines that is a little different – and really eye-catching....

Continue with Scroll Shaded Differently »

A Featured Photo in May 2007 shows an unusual technique of overlapping stones to create something visually and mechanically different from most stone setting techniques. Here is another example in a finished pendant. ...

Continue with Overlapping Stones, Part 2 »

Lettering and monograms are usually created solely with engraved lines. This pendant, however, shows a neat way of combining stone setting with engraving....

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Typically, a grid of pavé set stones goes hand in hand with linear bright cut borders. However, this ring shows a different way of lining these stones up with a nice, new touch to the borders....

Continue with Pavé Without the Usual Bright Cuts »

Featured in December for its complex sculpted trigger guard, this firearm has several dragons adorning its sides. Lee Griffiths, an engraver who also teaches at the GRS Training Center in Emporia, Kansas, created most of this fierce little dragon using multi-colored metal inlays. ...

Continue with A Dragon of Many Colors »

Artistic craftsmen such as those who work with wood and leather often benefit from adding small silver ornaments to their work. Many of these same talented artists do not yet have the skills to create their own embellishments, but they would like to be the sole creator. It is easy to start learning with training from GRS....

Continue with Embellish Your Leatherwork »

Weldon Lister, an active member on the iGraver forums and a talented hammer-and-chisel engraver, knows good advice when he hears it. While attending the 2007 Grand Masters Program with instructor Winston Churchill, Weldon took some of Winston's wisdom to heart: remember the jewelry market, and don't overlook it in favor of strictly engraving firearms....

Continue with Beautiful Firearms Style Bracelets »

This gold pendant, though simple in the use of elements, conveys an elegant beauty that perhaps has yet to be tamed. Engraved by René Delcour, a well-known artist of Liége, Belgium, this pendant combines nature with design principles for a very effective use of space. ...

Continue with Engraving a Simple Project: Nature & Design »

Robert "Bob" Finlay has many talents. One of his most impressive is his engraving skills. Although he hasn't been engraving as long as some, this fine man learned quickly and began a passion for this art that spurred him onto creating such wonderful and complex pieces as this Engraved Microblock. ...

Continue with Engraved Microblock: The Finished Block »

How wonderful is it to receive a gift made just for you? General Manager Kim Pember received this beautiful hand made and engraved glass vase from Glendo employees this Christmas. Glendo commissioned this work of art from Emporia State University student Evan Markowitz....

Continue with Engraving Glass: Wine & Dine »

A challenge that many engravers face is executing a design on a final project piece for the first time. Apprehension can cripple the creative process, wasting valuable time and money. On the other hand, rushing boldly through a project can also be detrimental....

Continue with Engraving a Shotgun, From Start to Finish »

People love to have personalized possessions. Whether it's a handmade handkerchief with embroidered initials or a wedding band with a romantic inscription, everyone feels special to receive something so personal....

Continue with Engraving a Simple Project: Script Lettering »

When most people think of a signet ring, the traditional look that bears initials or a coat of arms is foremost in the mind's eye. Because the function of a traditional signet ring is to create a seal, the face of the ring is usually stone-free and carved in reverse as a negative....

Continue with Variation on Signet Ring Design »

There are many transfer methods that engravers use to apply a design. Common techniques include using Chinese white and a pencil, stippling (as seen in the 2007 Featured Photos #38-1), or applying chemicals to inkjet and laser copier prints. ...

Continue with One Way to Improve Skills »

There are many ways to take a flat, cold piece of metal and turn it into a beautiful and warm work of art. With all the different styles and techniques available, engravers have so many possibilities. ...

Continue with Adding Dimensional Style »

Finely crafted knives and engraving are two art forms that pair well together. For any artist, sole authorship, or creating a piece from the ground up, creates a great feeling of accomplishment....

Continue with The Art of Knifemaking »

Sometimes engraving several projects that involve traditional game scenes and scrolls can keep engravers so busy they don't try other themes. Celtic designs can add variety to your engraving and some invigorating artistic challenge that adds depth and interest to your skill set. ...

Continue with Celtic Designs »

Next time you want try a new project to expand your skills, consider combining two different styles of engraving — you might find a couple of styles that create an interesting blend. This sterling silver loupe, engraved in front of a live audience at the Hong Kong Trade Show by Chris DeCamillis, brings a few elements together for a neat touch of beauty and symmetry. ...

Continue with Asian Writing Meets English Scroll »

Depending on the project, a theme or main element may have already been determined by your client. One mistake that those with less experience tend to make is creating a boring composition....

Continue with Composing an Interesting Scene »

Notorious for engraving on non-traditional items, Scott Pilkington has created a new look for this pair of metal chopsticks. By adding simple scroll and leaves to these chopsticks, normal wooden chopsticks don't even come close to being this nice....

Continue with Adding Beauty to Chopsticks »