Glass Etching - This Buds For You!

Glass Etching - This Buds For You!

I have a very special friend who has seen me through some really rough times lately, the death of a friend, a heart attack and recently the removal of a 'suspicious mass' that I am still waiting for a pathology report to find out what it is.

Through it all she had been at my side, even staying in my home to be close for whatever I needed mentally, emotionally and physically. She helped me fight through major depression during this time and wouldn't let me give up. I wanted to do something really special for her in return and give one of those one of a kind gifts from the heart to be a reflection of her love and kindness and this is what I made for her.

I began with my Cricut Expression Machine, but this can also be done by hand or using stencils purchased from a craft store.

First I designed my template using regular contact paper with repositionable adhesive on the backing for ease of removal once the template is in place on the mirror.

Design your Template according to the cutting directions below. Apply Contact Paper to cutting mat according to directions and load into the Cricut Expression Machine (above).

To make this project you will need:

Cricut Expression (*optional)

Cricut Design Software (*optional)

Cricut Cartridge Plantin Schoolbook (*optional)

Cricut Cartridge Home Décor (*optional)

Cricut Tool Kit (*optional)

Cricut Cutting Mat 12 x 12 inch (*optional)

Cricut Transfer Tape or Masking Tape with medium tack

Armor Etch Glass Etching Cream

¾ to 1 inch Round Paint Brush

10 inch Round Mirror

Plate Hanger

Contact Paper with repositionable adhesive back

Windex

Paper Towel

Stencils *if not using the Cricut Expression

Start Making Your Project Here:

Press 'Cut with Cricut' on your PC and let the machine cut your template.

You will need to cut:

1 large 10 inch circle

1 large 9 inch circle centered inside the 10 inch

2 Roses size 1.250 x 2.250 [1 ¼ x 2 ¼ ] (Last button on the top row of Home Decor Cartridge)

Center Roses at top inside 9 inch circle:

•·         Rotate the left Rose to an angle of -49.99 and position the X 3.011 and Y 2.189

•·         Rotate the right Rose to an angle of 131.06 position X 7.007 Y 1.682

1 Phrase per line, height 1.07 to the specified widths:

For who you are (width 8.118)

For all you do (width 7.057)

This bud's for (7.038)

YOU! (3.074)

•·         Between each word on the first three line nudge left 15 spaces

•·         Between each letter on the first three lines nudge letters close but not touching and equally spaced

•·         Position first line X 1.121  Y 3.398

•·         Position second line X 1.452  Y 4.939

•·         Position third line X 1.553  Y 6.534

•·         Position fourth line X 3.489  Y 8.002

Cut your design template.

Follow directions starting with the second picture on the upper right hand side.

Remove the excess contact paper around the template leaving it complete with backing still attached on the cutting mat.

Apply enough Transfer Tape to the backing of the contact paper to cover all of your design.

If you do not have Transfer Tape available tear strips of Masking Tape long enough to cover your project and touch it on your work table several times to reduce the tack then apply to your project making sure to cover all cut areas.

Using the Cricut spatula remove your entire template from the cutting mat.

Replace the cover on your mat and put it away along with the Cricut Expression so you will have adequate work space.

Remove the backing from the Contact Paper making sure to leave only the area of your template you intend to etch open. Use care when removing backing around letters and intricate parts of the pattern. You will need to leave the centers of letters covered such as 'O', 'A', 'E' 'D' This is where the Cricut tool kit comes in very handy for holding them in place while you remove the backing.

Lightly spray a paper towel with Windex (Do Not spray the mirror directly) and clean your mirror to remove any dirt, grime or skin oils. Try to avoid touching the mirror with your hands as much as possible.

Center and position your template on the mirror. Using the scraper from the Cricut Tool Kit, a tongue depressor or any flat edged non metal item smooth your template to the mirror making sure to go over the centers of letters and intricate design parts well so they adhere to the mirror.

Begin lifting the Transfer or Masking Tape off of your template, again using the Cricut Spatula or any other fine edged but not sharp tool to keep the center of letters and intricate design parts in place.

If you happen to scrape up a part that needs to stay on the mirror simply press the transfer tape back down over the area and try again. Sometimes it can be tricky. Don't be afraid to cut off excess Transfer or Masking Tape that has been removed form an area you won't need to go back to, it makes for easier handling

When all the Transfer or Masking Tape has been removed all the areas you will be etching should be exposed by mirror. Lay your mirror on a piece of plastic or towel larger than the mirror, this will aid in ease of turning your project without touching it during the etching application.

Again slightly dampen a paper towel with Windex and dab the open areas to remove any skin oils where you may have touched the mirror. Let dry for a minute or two.

Take your bottle of Armor Etch and shake it. Pour out a small amount on one of the open areas and begin dabbing it into all the open spaces, making sure to cover every bit of the template design.

You need a nice heavy coating of Armor Etch to get the results you will desire in your project.

Before moving to another area turn your project and inspect the finished area from several angles to make sure you have gotten every spot covered well.

When you are satisfied that you have your template completely covered let it sit for 5 - 10 minutes while the Armor Etch does it job.

Rinse the mirror, template and all under moderately warm running water until all the Armor Etch is gone.

Don't worry if bits of the template wash off and the design disappears, it will come back out as the mirror dries.

Polish up your mirror with Windex and a paper towel. The Armor Etch is permanent, washable  and won't even come off with a razor blade.

Add a plate hanger, picture stand or frame and display your work of art proudly!

My Other Cricut Creations and Articles:

Me 'n My Cricuts - A virtual Tour Through The World Of Provo Craft

The Cricut Cake

Glass Etching On Mirrors

Glass Etching - Dragonfly Mirror

Glass Etching - Cookie Jar

Visit My Arts and Crafts Photo Album to see more

Join Me 'n My Cricuts Group!

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