Tuesday, December 27, 2016

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!

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