Winter Wonderland - Etched Float Frame

I love creating with glass. Often overlooked as a surface, it's unbelievably versatile. A few months ago I created some dimensional projects using paper shapes and glass and thought I'd try etching the same designs on both the front and back of 2 pieces of glass, separated by a thin wood rectangle and, this is the result

 

This is what you'll need to get started:

     etchall® etching crème and

     etchall® etchmask and transfer paper

   

  

  Pik Tool and Squeegee

  8 x 10" Float glass Frame for a 5" x 7" photo.  

This is a dimensional frame with two pieces of glass and a rectangle of wood at the back to hold the glass in place.

 

You will also need designs. I used four of my designs for this project.

  

  

                               Glass 1 - Design A                                                  Glass 1 - Design B

    

                                  Glass 2 - Design C                    Glass 2 - Design D

I uploaded each design into Cricut Design Space and cut from etchmask.

NOTE:  Designs placed on the back of the glass must be reversed, so check "Mirror Image" before cutting Designs B & D.

Cut each design on a separate piece of etchmask.  Use the pik tool to remove the areas to be etched (weed).

Cover the weeded design with the transfer paper. I usually weed the design while it is still on the mat, then cover with transfer paper.  Use the squeegee to press firmly in place.  It was helpful to have 4 mats (one for each design), but not necessary.

After burnishing the transfer paper onto the etchmask stencil, I also use my finger to rub firmly around the edge of the design.  Remove the stencil from the mat, then slowly peel the backing from the etchmask. Do not discard the backing, you can use this to protect uncovered areas of the glass while etching the design.

With the bottom edge of the etchmask aligned with the bottom edge of the glass, place the etchmask on the glass.  Use the squeegee to burnish the stencil firmly on the glass, then carefully remove the transfer paper.  Pour a liberal amount of etching creme onto the stencil, then spread over all the open areas with the squeegee.  Protect the areas around the edges of the glass to prevent any accidental etching on the opposite side.

  

Leave for 15 minutes, then use the squeegee to scrape the etching creme back into its container.  Don't forget etchall etching products are re-usable!

Rinse off any remaining residue then remove the stencil.  Buff dry with a soft cloth to reveal the etched design.  NOTE: Do not rinse in a porcelain sink!  The etching creme will etch the glazed surface. Use a plastic bucket, or other large plastic container.

Set the first piece of glass aside then etch the front of the second piece of glass. When the front of each piece of glass has been etched, etch the reverse side.  Always clean your work surface to avoid transferring etching creme onto unwanted areas.  I place a clean sheet of wax paper on my work surface each time before starting to etch a new area.

When both sides of each piece of glass have been etched, assemble the frame using the thin frame to separate the pieces of glass.

  
OPTION (not shown):  Combine designs A&B on the front of one piece of glass and C&D on the front of the other for a different effect.

Etchall etching crème is a permanent etch; not fake. Please read directions carefully. You can find more information and "how to" videos on the etchall website.

Hope everyone had a happy Christmas. Now it's time to celebrate the New Year and Winter days!

Enjoy!  Y'all come back now..........

Yours truly,
Julie :)

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!

Mini Pallet Tree

'Tis the season to bring Joy, Love and Peace into your home...

You'll need the following to make this mini pallet tree:

 

• Joy iron-on letter sheet 
• Joy iron-on star
• 7 Paint sticks, or 1" x 9" wood slats
• Acrylic paint - Green and white
• Small hand saw, or utility knife
• 1" Sponge brush
• Round sponge pouncer
• Glitter glue
• Tacky glue
• String for hanger

1. Lay the paint sticks together as shown. Use a ruler to mark the center of the stick.  (Do not include the part of the stick with the cut outs.)  Make a mark 1/2" either side of the center mark.

2. Draw a line from each outside corner to the mark on either side of the center.  Cut each stick along the lines.

3. Paint the sticks with green paint thinned with water. Let dry then swipe across with the pouncer dipped in white. Let dry then re-paint with glitter glue.

   

4. Add the letters, overlapping two sticks, while the glitter glue is still wet, then glue each pair across the center stick.  Let dry then glue a loop of twine to the back of the center stick and the star to the front.

Happy Holidays everyone!  Y'all come back now........

Yours truly,

Julie :)

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!

Etched Mirror Vase

When the flowers have wilted in your floral arrangement it's okay to throw them away, but not the container! My mother-in-law often receives flowers and always saves the containers for me.  Look what I did with this one!

 

This a square glass vase, mirrored on the inside - perfect for etching!  Here's what I used and how I did it:

• etchall® etching crème                              
• etchall® etchmask and transfer paper
• Squeegee
• Pik tool

1. Cut 4, 2"  snowflake designs from etchmask.  I used an electronic die cutting machine.

2.  Trim the etchmask to 1" wider than the snowflake design. Use the pik tool to carefully weed the design while it is still on the mat. Always pull from the center of an area to be removed, not the edge. It is easier to remove one section at a time.  Pull up one part of the snowflake then cut away with scissors.

3.  Once the designs have been exposed thru weeding, cover the etchmask with a strip of transfer paper.  Use the squeegee to press the transfer paper firmly in place. (Don't forget to peel the backing sheet from the transfer paper first.)

 

4.  Remove the stencil from the mat then cut apart.  Working with one piece at a time, gently peel the backing away from the back of the etchmask then press firmly onto one side of the glass vase.  Gently remove the transfer paper.

5.  Cover any exposed area around the etchmask with pieces of the transfer paper, or masking tape.

6.  Pour a liberal amount of etching creme onto the stencil.  Without touching the glass surface, spread the creme until there is a thick layer over the snowflake design.  Use the squeegee, or the back of a plastic spoon.  Let sit for 15 minutes then scrape the creme back into the bottle.  Don't forget etchall creme and dip are reusable!  Rinse away any residue then remove the stencil.  Buff dry with a soft cloth.  NOTE: Do not rinse over a porcelain sink!  etching products will also etch the sink - this is a permanent etch!  If you haven't used etching products before, please read the directions on the container. You can also find more information at www.etchall.com

    

7.  Repeat this process to etch the design on each side of the vase.

  

I love the look of etched mirrored glass.  The mirror reflects the etched design, giving it a 3-D effect and also reflects any color that's around it.  Fill with potpourri, nuts, candy, fresh or silk flowers then give as a gift, or use to decorate your own home for the holidays!  

 

Enjoy!  Y'all come back now......

Yours truly,

Julie :)

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!