Green Bay Packer Cigar Box

Green Bay Packer Cigar Box, 2012

4.25" x 6.25" etched brass mounted on a cigar box.

Detailed view of Green Bay Packer Cigar Box, 2012

New England Patriots Cigar Box

New England Patriots Cigar Box, 2012

4.25" X 6.25" etched stainless steel mounted on cigar box.

Detailed view of New England Patriots Cigar Box, 2012

Chicago Bears Cigar Box

Chicago Bears Cigar Box, 2012

 4.25" x 6.25" etched, brass mounted on cigar box.

Detailed view of Chicago Bears Cigar Box, 2012

Pittsburgh Steelers Cigar Box

Pittsburgh Steelers Cigar Box, 2012

4.25" x 6.25" etched, stainless steel mounted on cigar box.

Detailed view of Pittsburgh Steelers Cigar Box, 2012

Cleveland Browns Cigar Box #2

Cleveland Browns Cigar Box #2, 2012

4" x 6" etched, brass mounted to a cigar box.

Carolina Panthers Cigar Box

Carolina Panthers Cigar Box, 2012

Seven of the boxes I did as presents this year were NFL teams and three of those seven were Carolina Panthers boxes. One box stayed in the Carolinas and other two went to family in Texas.

4.25" x 6.25" etched, stainless steel mounted to a cigar box.

Detailed view, Carolina Panthers Cigar Box, 2012

Cleveland Browns Cigar Box

Cleveland Browns Cigar Box #1, 2012

When I originally etched this plate, I was was unhappy with how it had turned out. The etch was shallow and had some areas where the resist had failed and some fine details had etched away. After it had set in a drawer for a few months, I decide to paint it and finish it for myself and place it on the shelf with my other personal pieces. Once I started sanding to remove the excess paint, the insides of the letters we're getting a weathered and worn appearance. At the same time I read an article on how to "age" brass by exposing it to ammonia fumes. So I use this piece as my first test. Once mounted to a cigar box made of rough wood, I have a piece that looks like it's been exposed to many Lake Erie winters.

Close-up of Cleveland Browns Cigar Box #1, 2012