Scrimshaw Etching

Step 3 Getting started

find a picture or drawing that you like and print it to

fit the side of your cup, or trace the design with the

tracing paper. tape the design to the cup using scotch

tape to hold it firmly in place. following the lines of the picture or design, poke

gently but with pressure along the lines leaving small

pricks through the paper into the plastic. when all the

lines are covered (check by holding the cup opening to a

stong light source, you will see small holes through

your image.) carfully remove your paper design from the

cup and using the black marker, color over the small

dimples left by your poking needle. let it dry for a

minute. then dampen your rag wth a little rubbing

alcohol, and wipe away the black ink. you will be left

with a picture that resembles a childs dot to dot

picture. hopefully you did not press to hard, you only

want to barely be able to see them.