Upcycled Home Decor with etchall(R)

We all love a good thrift store find, right?  I recently went in search of some items that I could put together for a fun home dec project.  I love the look of shabby chic and that allows me a lot of wiggle room when working with second hand items just waiting to get an update.  Read on to see what I found and how I made the etched mirror in the photo shown below.

You will need:  

Link:  http://etchall.com/store/products/etchall-etching-creme/

etchall(R):  etching creme, etchmask(tm) Stencil ComboPak, Squeegee, Detail Pick Tool

wooden charger plate

8" round mirror

beige cording trim

chalk texture paint

paintbrushes

tacky glue

glue gun

die cut machine

water bucket

paper plates

paper towels

Link:  http://etchall.com/store/products/category/etchmask/

Instructions:

1.  Paint the plate.  Set aside to dry.

2.  Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use die-cut machine to cut out chosen pattern.  Make sure to test on regular paper to get the proper fit before cutting from the etchmask(R).

3.  Clean the mirror and allow to dry thoroughly.  Remove the release paper from the etchmask and apply to the mirror.  Use the squeegee to remove air bubbles and get a firm adhesion to the mirror.

4.  Pour the etchall(R) creme onto the mirror.  The etchall creme shown in my photo has been used a few       times.  The creme will turn a dark brown color over time; but this does not affect the product's               effectiveness.  Make sure to put the creme back in the bottle after this use for another one later!  No     waste allowed!

5.  Spread the etchall creme over the surface of the mirror.  Set the timer for 15 minutes and let it "cook".  

6.  When the time is up; remove the etchall creme and put it back in the jar.  Rinse the mirror under running water, removing the etchmask(R).  The pattern will be revealed and the mirror is ready for the next step.

7.  Apply tacky glue to the indented area of the platter.  Center the mirror and press into the glue.  Press the cording into the glue and wrap around the mirror, covering the remaining space in the indented space.         Refer to photograph to finish.

8.  Spiral some cording into a 1-1/2" circle, adhering to a piece of cardstock.  Cut out; center and adhere to the bottom of the mirror.

I hope you got some inspiration here today. 

 Make sure to take the time to enjoy the small blessings along the way and,

Life Life with a Flourish!

Marilyn

I receive complimentary product in exchange

for my creativity on this blog.

VINTAGE WINDOWS + ETCHING CREME = FAMILY HEIRLOOMS

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Have you ever tried etching?  Here is a fixer-upper DIY project you might enjoy.  Vintage windows have been very popular the past few years.  I like them as much as anybody, but wasn't sure what I would do with them when I got home.  I decided to make my windows into family heirlooms that would grace our family room wall. 


I started with the larger window and etched the letters.  This project took a while where the smaller window that I am showing here today was much easier.  I blocked off the letters and etched all around them.  Read below to see how I did it!

I etched the smaller window with the word "FAMILY".  
You will need:

vintage window
etchallRetching creme   http://etchall.com/store/products/etchall-etching-creme
etchallR etchmask and etchmask transfer sheets  http://etchall.com/etchmask/
etchallR tools:  Squeegee  http://etchall.com/store/products/etchall-squeegee/
                     Detail Pick  http://etchall.com/store/products/etchall-detail-pick-tool/
painters Tape
die cut machine
alphabet letters cartridge
cardstock (for die-cutting sample letters)
spray bottle with water, paper towels, old hand towel

Here is the window before I used the etchallR  on it. It sure took me a long time to finally get it done, even though it has been hanging on the wall!  The blank window probably posed a question for company; but they were all too polite to ask!  I chose not to paint over the old paint on the frame.  I may change my mind one day, but for now I am leaving the original paint for an authentic vintage aesthetic!

Instructions:

1.  Clean and dry the glass surface thoroughly.

2.  Cut letters out of cardstock first to make sure you get the right size.  I cut a 4" F and the other letters are

      3".  I spaced the letters the way I wanted them and put a small piece of painter's tape below each letter         to mark where the bottom of the letter should sit when I adhere the etchmask letters.

 3.  Once you figure out the right size; you will cut out the etchmask with the etchmask transfer paper           attached to it.  If this is your first time using it; I would suggest going to the website and watching a video showing how you use the product.  Here is the link:  http://etchall.com/getting-started/

4.  Adhere the etchmask transfer paper to the etchmask and cut out the letters with the die-cut machine.  Adhere each letter to the glass above the painter's tape as shown.  Use the Squeegee to remove all of the air bubbles between the glass and etchmask.  Use the detail pick tool to remove the transfer paper from the top of the etchmask, leaving the etchmask firmly in place.

5.  Now comes the fun part.  Carefully pour out the etching creme over the entire surface of the glass.  Spread it using the squeegee and do not press down.  Spread the creme as though you were frosting a cake and make sure it is a thick layer.  Set the timer for 15 to 20 minutes.

6.  Make sure you have a spray bottle of water and paper towels handy.  I also used a soft hand towel.

When the time is up, carefully scoop up the etching creme with the squeegee and return it to the etchall creme bottle.  It will be "good to go" for more uses.  The creme will turn a dark brown color eventually; but it will still work.  

7.  Once all of the creme is back in the bottle; spray the surface with water and clean up with paper towels.  Remove all of the etchmask letters.  Continue cleaning the surface of the glass to remove any residue.  Dry thoroughly. I used the hand towel to make the surface nice and shiny.

8.  Attach a wire to the back of the window to hang.  The windows are fairly heavy so I used a molly toggle bolts to hang it on the wall.  Enjoy your masterpiece!

Oh!  I had a little helper today.  The kitty is always looking for a sweet spot to take a nap in....or maybe just to sit in to give me his support!  This is the spot he found today to watch me work.  I won't tell you what happened when he decided to get down; but it was more work for me!

Thank you for stopping by today.  I appreciate getting comments and questions!  The comment boxes are below.

Make sure to take time to enjoy the small blessings along the way; and

Live Life with a Flourish!

Marilyn

Etch a DIY gift of coffee from a recycled jar!

Recycle a jar and lid to create this special etched jar for the coffee lover!  I think it is perfect for a friend or as a daily reminder for yourself!  It was a quick and easy project with the help of etchall pre-made stencils!

You can find the vinyl stencils here:  http://etchall.com/store/products/category/stencils/

You will need:

etchall:  etching creme http://etchall.com/store/products/etchall-etching-creme/

etchall tools:  Detail Pick Tool  http://etchall.com/store/products/etchall-detail-pick-tool/  

                     Squeegee  http://etchall.com/store/products/etchall-squeegee/

etchall vinyl stencil:  "You are Brew-tiful"

recycled jar with lid

painters tape

ribbon:  black and white grosgrain with chevron design (1-1/2")

tacky glue

glue gun  *optional

clothespins:  spring action

scissors

Instructions:

Remove the release paper to expose the sticky side of the vinyl stencil.  Adhere to the jar; smoothing out all of the air bubbles.  Use the etchall pick to remove all of the letters as that is where you will be putting the etching creme.  This is a good time to watch Barbee's video if you have never etched or used etchall's stencils to etch.  Here is the video:  http://etchall.com/getting-started/

Apply the painter's tape around the stencil and make a lip so the creme won't go past the stencil onto the glass.  Use a couple of heavier objects to hold your jar in place by setting them on either side of the jar as shown.  Follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply the etching creme.  I use the squeegee and a craft stick for this step.  Notice that luscious chocolaty look of the etching creme?  It starts out a light color and over time will turn dark.  This doesn't affect the etching power of the product; so use it over and over.  Return the creme to the container using the squeegee after the 15 minute waiting period is up.

Remove the tape and stencil, then wash and dry your jar.  See the etch?  Isn't that cool?? 

Cut 3 pieces of the ribbon slightly longer than the edges of the jar lid.  Match the pattern with the middle piece of ribbon on the top.  Apply tacky glue to the top of the lid and adhere the ribbons as shown.

Trim the excess ribbon off around the edges of the jar lid.  Use your finger to gently apply a little tacky glue around the raw edges of the ribbon to keep it from fraying.

Measure around the circumference of the jar lid.  cut a piece of the ribbon the same length.  Fold the ribbon in two, wrong sides facing and adhere the sides together.

 I used tacky glue for this step so needed to clip the sides together until the glue dried.  You can use a glue gun if you want the process to go faster.

Once the glue is dry; adhere the folded ribbon around the edges of the jar lid with the fold facing up.  Tuck in any frayed edges of the ribbons on the top of the lid.  You can further embellish the jar by tying a tag around the neck of the jar, etc.

Fill the jar with coffee beans, Keurig cups or your choice of coffee.  Maybe your friend is a tea drinker!

I hope you got a little inspiration here today to make life better for someone; maybe for yourself!

I would love for you to leave me a comment or question.  I enjoy getting feedback!

Take time to enjoy the small blessings along the way, and,

Live Life with a Flourish!

Marilyn

*Designer tip:  If the etch doesn't show up as much as you would like; use a permanent white inkpad and tissue to deepen the etched design.  

I have rec'd a small stipend

for showcasing etchall products

in this design.