First, get a copper plate and coat with asphaltum. We used liquid stuff uncut. I think next time we'll adding some beeswax and rosin. We obtain the copper plate from Rio Grande Jewelry Supply, the asphaltum from Blick's Art Supply, and the brushes locally. It is really important the plate and the asphaltum be warm when you apply it. We heated the latter in a hot water bath and the plate on a hot plate. We then dried it by a space heater. If you don't do this, you get really thick spots and a lump surface which is hard to remove. Coat both sides.


Then transfer your design (or in Noah's case, freehand it) into the asphaltum, using dental tools or scribes. Any spots you accidentally remove need to be re-coated.


After the design is roughed in, Noah's going back and filling it out with flowers and leaves.