Check out these manly tie tacks!

For the five male nurses in Salt Lake Community College's graduating class of spring 2012, it wasn't enough just to receive their SLCC pin at the official nursing school's pinning ceremony.  

They wanted something more. Something that expressed their essential maleness and solidarity: a tie tack.

They had come up with their own design, but it wasn't until Jeff and I were working together that he had the epiphany that I could make their tie tack dream a reality.

I took this opportunity to try a new technique: the photopolymer plate. However, after many attempts at getting it right (i.e. used almost entire 8.5 X 11" photopolymer plate for just a tie tack), I realized that I need more practice with exposure times. (Note to self: Don't procrastinate.)

So I went to Plan B and carved them all by hand. Project #2 complete. Just 33 more to go. (Another note to self: Really, don't procrastinate.)

According to Jeff, the Latin around the edge is all about throwing down your female oppressors.

Congratulations Jeffrey and your fellow male nursing comrades! Welcome to the profession!