☘️ Trying Something New: Etching My Family Name Into Slate

One of the things I love most about making is experimenting with something new and wondering, “Will this actually work?”

This week, that something new was etching.

I've recently been experimenting with ways of adding permanent designs to glass and slate, and for my first proper slate piece I decided to make something just for me.

I chose the name Egan, which is part of my own Irish family ancestry.

Rather than simply adding the surname, I wanted to include something about the history behind the name too.

What's behind the name Egan?

Egan is an Irish surname associated with names such as Mac Aodhagáin and Ó hAodhagáin.

The name Aodhagán comes from Aodh, an old Irish personal name associated with fire, while you'll also sometimes find Egan interpreted as “little bright-eyed one.”

I loved the idea of putting a little of that history onto the slate alongside the family name.

And, as this was an experiment, I wasn't entirely sure what I'd find when I removed the stencil!

Thankfully, it worked. 😊

The slate took the lettering beautifully and I particularly like the contrast between the natural dark surface and the lighter etched design. Because slate has its own texture and variations, it also gives the finished piece a very different feel from the mugs, totes and other personalised pieces I've been making.

From Ireland to Cheshire ☘️

This one feels particularly personal.

I spent 15 years living in Ireland before returning to Cheshire, and lately I've found little pieces of Ireland creeping into quite a few of the things I make.

That's already led to my A Little Piece of Ireland collection, inspired by Irish sayings, friendship, home and some of the memories I brought back with me.

This little piece of slate wasn't made as a product for the shop. It was simply an opportunity to try something new while creating something connected to my own family history.

But that's often how ideas begin here.

I make something.

I learn something.

And then inevitably I start wondering...

“What else could I do with this?” 😂

I've already been thinking about combining different techniques — perhaps photographs with names, family details or meaningful words — so we'll see where the experimenting takes me next.

For now, though, this one's staying with me. ❤️

Cheshire Home TrinketsThoughtful Gifts, Made Personal.