Is there any way to get the chemicals for etching solutions locally rather than having to order them? 

Awesome - thanks!!

I'd like to etch on multiple kinds of metal, and I know you need something different for silver etching - does anyone know how I can get something for that locally?
 

Just an update - I was able to find Ferric Chloride at Fry's Electronics.  They had a few other types of chemicals, too; all stuff they stocked for etching circuit boards, but it's the same idea.  I've had a lot of success!!  You can check out some of what I've done in my Etsy shop =)