This is my original Etch A Sketch that I received as a child. By turning the two knobs the stylus moves, displacing aluminum powder on the back of the screen in a line. Turning it over and shaking the powder erases your work. This method of drawing is called lineographic art. The Etch A Sketch was invented by André Cassagnes of France and manufactured by the Ohio Art Company. The first release was July 12, 1960.