Honeymoon Fund Jar

My sister is getting married this weekend. The bartenders’ gratuity is already figured into the cost of the reception, so she thought it would be fun to collect donations to her honeymoon trip (in Australia!) at the bar. So I made her this jar … I was, of course, finishing it at the last minute, so I just took quick pics with my phone, but it was a fun project filled with tecniques and I wanted to share them with you …

I started with a Gordon Food Services’ pickle jar … I threw out the lid, cleaned the jar and got ready to etch the glass.

I wanted the jar to last beyond the reception. Since my sister is always traveling, I thought it would be nice for her to be able to remove the wedding stuff and keep it as a change jar for whatever trip she is planning in the future. So, I decided to etch a monogrammed heart on the front.

I cut out both a heart and a monogrammed S from etchall® etchmask using my Cricut. etchmask is a sticky vinyl … personally, I find it works much better for etching than a traditional vinyl since it is thicker, sticks better and doesn’t stretch as easily as vinyl does.

My sister likes things simple, so after I applied both the heart and the monogram, I trimmed off the fancy swirlies on the letter with a craft knife.

After making sure all of the edges were tight, I added my leftover pieces of etchmask to the edges of the design to make sure I didn’t etch anything I didn’t mean to.

Then, I applied a thick, even layer of etchall® etching crème to the design and let it sit for 15 minutes. I scraped the crème off and put it back in the bottle (it’s reusable) and then washed the jar with soap and water, removed the stencil and washed it again.

The metal tags are from Art C. My husband used sandpaper to remove the sharp edges and then stamped the words Honeymoon Fund into one of them (they are a pretty thick steel and I wasn’t hammering hard enough). I then used a fine-pointed Sharpie to make the letters dark and prominent.

Since the wedding colors are University of Michigan blue and gold, I used the chipped sapphire Distress Crayon to color the heart and the word love. I used my finger to smooth out the color on the heart … I love the streaking effect it gave.

I used a sticker and label set from Tim Holtz to add their wedding date. I tied gold ribbon to the top of the jar and used jump rings to adhere each of the tags.

Since the banquet hall is pretty dark, I figured the tags can sort of layer over each other and the etching on the jar during the reception and then she can remove the tags and ribbon and just have the jar with her new last initial monogrammed for later.

The entire project, because I already had most of the supplies on hand, was® inexpensive. The only thing I purchased were the tags, which were on sale at JoAnn Fabric and Crafts for $2.39 each — and they come three to a pack, so I have quite a few left for additional projects. Oh, and I figured it was bad luck to give a tip jar without any money in it, so I threw in a few $1 bills to get them started.

Dance Like No One Is Watching

So, I found this little mirror in the clearance section at Michael’s one day and knew it would be perfect for an etchall® etching creme project.

And it is!

My problem is photographing it … I tried inside, outside, in light, little light … nothing would work. I wasn’t going to share this project, because I couldn’t photograph it, but it was so fun to make — and, I think, perfect for a little girl’s room, bathroom or foyer — that I decided to share my horrible photos, but fun techniques with you.

I started by designing the quote on my tablet using Cricut’s Design Space app. Then I used the Cricut to cut out the words using etchall® etchmask.

Next, I adhered the  etchall® etchmask transfer sheet to the surface so I could pick up the little dots in the “e” and other letters.

I then pulled the etchmask off of the Cricut mat and placed it on the mirror.

Then, I coated the surface with etchall® and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, I scraped up the etchall® and placed it back into the bottle for another time. I rinsed off the mirror, removed the etchmask and gave it a final cleaning and it was done!

It really is crisp and clear, but I couldn’t get the letters to not reflect in the photo — unless I focused on something in the mirror and then you couldn’t see the letters. So, trust me when I say it is perfect and crystal clear in person!

 

Etched & Altered Frame

I receive lots of comments about my etched art, so I decided to teach it!

In this class, we will alter an 8″x10″ wooden picture frame with acrylic paint and alcohol. Then, we’ll add the word “beautiful” to the glass with etchall® etching creme.

This class is offered at Green Door Studio in Brighton on Friday, Aug. 12 at 11 a.m. You must register for this class so I have enough frames. Click here for details.

Hope to see you there!

Etched Shadowbox

I created this shadowbox to showcase our new love of rock hunting. I included a map of the area (although it ended up getting mostly covered up), some of the rocks we collected and photos from our vacation. But this idea would work with any theme — memories from a wedding, birthday celebration, anniversary or any special event. And, with etchall etching creme, you could include names, dates and other things on the front glass. For my piece, I used the word “found”. Here’s how I did it …

I started with a shadowbox from a big box store.

I adhered a map of the area to the base of the shadowbox. I used glaze and paint to calm down the bright colors a bit.

Then, I used stencils, pastes and inks to create the background. I added photos and rocks and then put the shadowbox back together.

I took a piece of etchall etch mask and used my Big Shot to die cut the word “found” from a Tim Holtz die. Etch mask is stronger than the vinyl sold for electronic cutting machines, which means it doesn’t tear and is easier to work with. But, I used a Thinlits die and it cut like butter!

After pulling out the word from the etch mask, I peeled off the backing and stuck it to the glass. Then, I carefully replaced the inside of the o, d and f. I used the etchall Squeegee to make sure everything was well adhered and to remove any air bubbles.

I taped off the edges and poured on the etchall etching creme. Then, I set a timer for 15 minutes and walked away.

When I came back, I scraped the etchall etching creme back into the container (it’s reusable!) and then wiped away any residue and removed the mask and tape.

I love how the word seems to float because it is on the front of the glass and the other elements are at the back of the shadowbox.

This is the perfect way to remember our trip rock hunting!

Be Amazing with Etchall

This project has been working in my mind for some time … it started life as a medicine cabinet someone removed from a house and sold at an antique show. I wanted to put a positive saying on it so that whenever you look in the mirror, you will get a bit of a pat on the back.

I cleaned it up and started its transformation.

I used my Cricut to cut out the words “Be Amazing” on etchall etchmask stencil combo pack. Once I cut out the yellow vinyl, I placed the white transfer paper on top and then pulled it off the mat.

I then positioned it on the mirror and carefully removed the transfer paper. Then I used a craft pick to remove the letters, followed by a brayer to make sure everything was stuck down tightly.

etchall etching creme is extremely simple to use … about the only way you can mess it up is if you drip onto a surface you did not want etched. I always think I’ll be careful and then I drop a tool or something and mess it up, so I was careful to tape off and mask any glass areas I did not want etched.

Then, I placed the etchall in a thick, even coat across my vinyl and set the timer for 15 minutes. NOTE: Those air bubbles would not be a good thing if they were by my design. Normally, I would have taken the spatula and worked them out. But since they were on a part of the mirror I was not etching, I didn’t worry about them.

When the timer went off, I used the spatula to scrape all of the etchall into my plastic container and then poured it back into the bottle. It is reusable, so you don’t need to worry about ever getting too much!

Then, I took a wet paper towel to remove any residue and ripped off all of the vinyl and tape.

One more pass with a wet paper towel and it is amazing!

I then taped off the mirror again and painted the frame with three colors of Distress Paint. When dry, I covered it with a coat of white chalk paint and then sprayed it with rubbing alcohol while still wet. I let it sit for a few minutes and then used a baby wipe to remove the color. In some places, it went down to the original white finish. In other places, the Distress Paint shows through. And some places are just pretty white.

I had planned to do more, but it looked so perfect the way it was, I decided to leave it. I had intended this project to go in a craft show, but I love it so much, it might stay in my house. After all, we all could use a bit of encouragement now and then!

Are you ready to try your hand at making a custom mirror with etchall? Visit etchall.com to purchase yours, today … use the code CANDYS and you will get 10% off your entire order! Click here and get creating today!

This post is sponsored by etchall.

Faux Sea Glass Charm

When I was little, my grandmother and mom would take me along the shores of Lake Erie, where my mom grew up, to pick seashells and sea glass. Technically, it isn’t sea glass, since it is from one of the Great Lakes and not the sea, but I was never sure what else to call it. It is actually pieces of glass from windows, bottles and other things that have fallen into the water. The current then tumbles the glass making it milky colored with rounded edges. Both my mom and my grandmother had Mason jars filled with the treasures we collected from the beach.

These days, between recycling and so many treasure hunters, the beaches around Lake Erie are pretty much clear of sea glass. But, I have figured out an extremely easy way to make some!

I started with clear glass beads. Be sure they are not crystals — the amount of lead used to make crystals may not work with the etchall.

I placed them in the bottom of a container (use plastic so it doesn’t etch the container) and then covered them with etchall dip ‘n etch liquid.

After 15 minutes, I used a plastic spoon to pick them out of the solution, draining off as much of the etchall as possible, and placed them on a thick paper plate covered with paper towels to catch any liquid I missed. Then, I poured the etchall back into the container. (It is completely reusable and you will be amazed at how little you use each time!)

I put my beads into a colander and rinsed with dish soap and water to remove any remaining etchall and then put them on another paper towel to dry.

The etchall dip ‘n etch liquid gave the beads a milky white or frosted appearance, as you can see in the beads above.

Next, I put the beads into a small plastic bag and added a couple of drops of alcohol ink. I’m not sure if pink is a “natural” color of sea glass, but I was feeling pink, so that’s what I used.

After swishing them around in the alcohol ink for a few seconds, I dumped the bag onto another paper towel covered paper plate to take off an excess ink and allow them to dry. Note: I found the plates and paper towels worked great for this project. There is not a lot of liquid to absorb, but the etchall and/or alcohol could damage surfaces, so this kept everything safe, neat and clean.

I love the variety of hues I got with the alcohol ink.

If you decided not to use the etchall, you would not get the creamy, milky hue of sea glass. It would look more like pale stained glass. The etchall is what makes it look as if it came from the sea.

The photo above shows my test beads. Notice how much of a difference the etchall makes … it takes away some of the transparency, but it also holds onto a lot more color. The results are stunning and the beads have the exact weight and feel of sea glass!

Once my beads were created, it was time to make the jewelry. This is a new type of art for me and I struggled a bit with the technique. Fortunately, I have two friends who came to my rescue with additional tools and supplies and the know-how to help me turn my vision into reality.

Basically, I placed the beads on a pin (I used a couple of different ones in my design), bent and cut the pin, and then turned it into a loop and attached it with a jump ring to either the bezel or chain.

The bezel and glass are from Craft Fantastic and the paper (of the Hawaiian lady) is from Authentique.

Then, for a final touch, I added a seahorse charm and a clip so it can go on a key ring, purse or bag.

Are you ready to try your hand at making faux sea glass beads with etchall? Visit etchall.com to purchase yours, today … use the code CANDYS and you will get 10% off your entire order! Click here and get creating today!

This post is sponsored by etchall.

Upcycled Lamp

This adorable lamp began life as a bottle of avocado oil from Costco. When the bottle was finished, I noticed it was colored. Most “colored” glass today is actually a film put on the glass. To test it, look through the opening to the bottom of the vessel. It will usually be clear because manufacturers do not waste time coloring the bottom. When I tested this one, it was green. Since colored glass is rare, I washed the bottle and set it aside for a future etchall project.

When Barbara Bosler, the owner of etchall, asked me to create a lamp using the new Lighten Up Kit, I remembered that green bottle and thought it would be perfect as the lamp base. Here’s how I did it …

Cut the butterfly image using the Cricut and etchall etchmask.

Carefully peel the etchmask off the backing and adhere it to the bottle. Remove any air bubbles and be sure the image is pressed tight on all sides.

Spread a thick, even layer of etchall etching cream over the cut out image. Wait 15 minutes. Scrape up the etchall cream and return it to the jar to use again. Wipe off any remaining etchall cream, remove the vinyl and then wash the bottle with soap and water.

I love how etchall works on colored glass. Now it is time to decorate.

I cut three images from Prima’s new Tales of You and Me collection. I wanted the girl to blend in with the etched butterflies, so I fussy cut around her hat. I then inked the edges and used a Xyron machine to adhere them to the bottle.

Wrap the bottom of the bottle in twine and add flowers.

Now, onto the shade …

Trace the template that comes with the Lighten Up Kit onto a 12×12 sheet of paper. Cut just inside the line.

Remove the lid from the top and adhere the paper onto the shade.

Use Elizabeth Craft Designs Clear Tape, Scor-Tape, Red Line Tape or something similar to adhere lace to the edge of the lid, and the top and bottom of the shade.

Adhere a knob to the top of the lid. Once dry, turn on the light by pushing the button under the shade and then place it on the jar (It will light up after placed on the jar).

This light also looks amazing when the light is off …

You can make your own lamp with any jar using this new kit … Visit etchall.com to purchase yours, today … use the code CANDYS and you will get 10% off your entire order! Click here and get etching today!

This post is sponsored by etchall, but the designs, instructions and opinions are my own.

For the Birds

Spring is just around the corner and the songbirds are starting to return. Welcome them to your yard with these unique feeders made from thrift-store finds.

I started by collecting some glass pieces at my local Salvation Army and Goodwill stores. I even found the little mice figurine there (I sprayed it with a UV protector so it will not fade in the sun.)

Next, I got to work etching with etchall.

I used a Cricut to cut out the etchall etchmask and used the etchmask transfer sheets to transfer the images to the plates.

Then, I used a pick to pull out the pieces where the etchall will go.

I used painter’s tape to mark off the rest of the plate and then applied etchall. (It gets brown with use.) Apply a thick, even coat for the best etching. Let it sit for 15 minutes, scrape the excess back into the jar (it is reusable!) and then rinse it off and remove the tape and etchmask.

I used silicone to adhere my pieces of glass together. I let each piece sit for an hour before adhering the next piece.

I tucked the little mice in one of the pieces.

Here are the two finished pieces … perfect for the garden.

And here is each piece with birdseed … they hold about a cup of seed each. But you could also use it as a bird bath.

My chickens tried them out and loved them. However, chickens weigh too much to leave these where they can try to roost on them. These are meant for the little songbirds in my yard. I cannot wait for spring to officially arrive so I can put them outside!Are you ready to make one for the birds in your yard? Visit etchall.com to purchase yours, today … use the code CANDYS and you will get 10% off your entire order! Click here and get etching today!

NOTE: I received compensation for this post.

Let the Light Shine!

Today is a beautiful fall day, but my heart is ready for Christmas. I am not ready for the cold outside, but I am all set for a little faux snow, like I put on this lantern.

The lantern began as a plain, black lantern I found at a big box store for less than $20. I love that it has a battery-operated candle that screws to the base and can be turned on and off from the base. It was the perfect blank slate to transform!

I started by removing the glass panels so they could be etched. Then I added a bit of Distress Paint to the filigree on the top of the lantern and to the latch that holds the front door closed.

Then, I coated the ledges with Art Glitter Vintage Glass Glitter.

I cleaned each of the glass pieces with water and a paper towel (do not use Windex) and then added stickers from Elizabeth Craft Designs. (I should have taped the backside of the glass pieces as well — since the etchall got a bit messy and some of the pieces were etched on the wrong side. You cannot easily see the mistakes in the finished lantern, but I thought I should pass along my lesson learned!)

Next, I coated each piece with etchall. (it gets brown as you use it, but it still works well) and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, I scraped off the excess and put it back in the jar and rinsed off each panel.

I love the soft, frosty feeling the etched glass provides.

And it still allows the light to shine through!

Are you ready to make one of your own?

etchall is ready to help … use the code CANDYS and you will get 10% off your entire order! Click here and get etching today!

NOTE: I received compensation for this post.

Plate of the Dead

I’m not one for Halloween, but when I saw these new stencils from etchall, I knew I had to have them to make something for my cousin. She loves skulls. Personally, I do not understand her obsession, but I knew they would be the perfect gift.

These Etchnet reusable stencils are quick and easy to use. You simply cut them apart, tape to your project and apply etching cream. Then, rinse and dry and use again and again.

I started with six dinner plates I found at Goodwill. I love how the scratches created a spooky feeling to the dishes and thought they would be perfect for this project.

I taped the stencil to each plate with painters tape. In order to get the stencil tight, I taped one side to the plate. Then I placed tape on the opposite side of the stencil and pulled it taught before sticking it to the plate.

Next, I used the squeegee to push the etching cream through the stencil and then piled it nice and thick to sit for 15 minutes.

Because I planned to use three of the stencils from the package, I was able to do three plates at a time, so the entire process went quickly.

When the first three plates were finished, I removed and washed the stencils and then reapplied them to the remaining three plates. That is the great thing about these new stencils — you can use them over and over, which makes them perfect for party favors, or dishes!

Here is the first one …

And the next one …

And my personal favorite … super scary!

Can you imagine sitting down to dinner and slowly seeing these creepy skulls appear as you finish your meal?! My cousin is sure to love them.

Are you ready to create your own creepy masterpiece? etchall is ready to help … use the code CANDYS and you will get 10% off your entire order — including the brand new Etchnet stencils. Click here and get etching today!

NOTE: I received compensation for this post.