Etched Mirror for Christmas Decor

Peace on earth and good will to all men!  That phrase rings in our heads as we prepare to celebrate Christmas.  We all want peace.  World peace, peace at work and in our families.  It seems to be more and more elusive as our technology changes and we race to keep up. 

I found a beveled mirror at the craft store and a simple wooden easel to go with it.  Etching is the perfect way to personalize a mirror like this one and the message and image can be changed up for the occasion.  I like this idea for the table decorations at a winter wedding.  A monogram could be etched on each mirror for the wedding couple.  Of course there are many other themes to be designed around; but  Christmas and weddings are two of my favorites.

Etching is easy to do and etchall creme is my favorite product to etch with.  You can see all of the etchall products on the website at http://etchall.com/

You will need the following supplies:

etchallR etching creme
detail pick tool
squeegee
etchmasktm vinyl
transfer paper

Beveled Mirror
Easel
Snow-Tex by DecoArt
Sugar Shimmer Glitter by Clearsnap
Die-cut Machine
Scissors

1.  Calculate the size of the pattern you will need.  Apply etchmask vinyl to the cutting mat and cut out the design.

2.  Remove the mat from the machine and apply transfer paper to the top of the design.  Turn over and use the pick tool to remove the letters from the transfer paper.

3.  Position and adhere the etchmask and transfer paper to the mirror.  Remove all of the air bubbles with the squeegee.  

4.  Peel the transfer paper away from the etchmask. Use pieces of the transfer paper like you would use painter's tape to cover the mirror around the etchmask design as shown in the photo below.

5.  Follow the manufacturer's direction to apply the etchmask to the stencil.  Make sure to use plenty as you will be returning the product back to the bottle when you are done.  You can use it over and over until it disappears.  The creme will turn a dark brown eventually, but it is still good to go!  Wait 15 minutes; carefully return the creme back to the bottle and rinse off the entire piece.

6.  Remove all of the etchmask and transfer paper.  Wash the glass thoroughly and dry.

7.  To finish:  Follow the manufacturer's instruction to apply the Snow-Tex to the sides of the mirror. (I would use a light hand!)  Before the snow dries, sprinkle with the glitter. 

This is going to be a Christmas present for a friend.  I am planning to make several more with a different message and design.  I think "Noel" with a snowflake will be nice for one!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with Peace, Joy and Love!  Make sure to take time to enjoy the small blessings along the way and,

Live Life with a Flourish!

Marilyn

I received moderate compensation 

for posting this design.

Fall Decorating with Deflecto

FALL is just around the corner!  Deflecto has some great products to help you with your holiday decorating.  Since it is difficult to see clear acrylic, I will tell you where to look in the photo shown here.  The bag is sitting on top of a deflecto Riser.  The risers come with 3 varied sizes in a package.  These are perfect for showcasing table decorations and candles when decorating the table.  The paper turkey is attached to the adhesive end of a deflecto Sign Dangler.  I curled it for more effect and adhered the other end to the back of the small sign holder.  The angled sign holder is in the forefront with the Happy Thanksgiving card in it.  A dangler is attached to the sign holder and the top end has a pumpkin sticker attached for decoration.

Here is the link to the Deflecto website.  Check out their products once you get through this blog.  Most are available on Amazon and there are lots more new and exciting products to come!  http://www.deflecto.com/craft/

I have added more photos for you to get an overview. There is a diagram at the bottom of the page that will show you how I made the paper turkey that is on the sign dangler.  I die cut most of the pieces on my electronic die-cut machine.  You might also use some punches.  A scalloped circle punch will also work to create the tail feathers.  I used varied sizes of maple leaves for the tail feathers on the turkey shown here.

 Close-up view

Diagram for Turkey Embellishment

I hope you have been inspired to start decorating for Thanksgiving if you haven't already.  The deflecto mini signs make wonderful place card holders.  There are so many options!

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

Live Life with a Flourish!

Marilyn

Sign Dangler & Angled Sign Holder

Disclaimer:

I have rec'd complimentary product for this blog post.

I have not rec'd monetary compensation.

Handmade Gifts ( I am thinkin' Christmas!)

Handmade gifts are gifts straight from the heart!  I treasure the gifts of love that I have rec'd over the years.  I also love designing and making my own gifts.  Much of the excitement I feel for the holidays comes from anticipating making gifts and ornaments for friends and to share some creativity as well.

I was perusing through pictures and came upon some projects that I created last year for the holidays; Christmas in particular.  I thought I would share, as I am feeling inspired to get started on some new projects for this year.

This guy was made from some paintbrush handles that my friend gave me.  They almost got used for fire kindling!  Noooo!

Selfie Santa pictured above has a pocket on his back for a gift card.  I love designing tag/ornaments every year.  These make perfect little add-on gifts.

I have loved making little dolls with wooden clothespins and ball knob heads for years.  Last years little kewpie doll was perfect on the tree.

My little tree at Aunt Bee's vendor store was filled with original handmade ornaments and other goodies.  The store closed this Summer.  These pictures provide good memories from last Christmas.

I am thinking about new projects to make this year.  I love the whole creative process!

 

One of my favorite little gifts to give and sell are my little bag clips.  I make them for every season and with just about every character design that I can think up.  They are perfect for small gift giving and I will be selling them on my Etsy shop in the near future.

Below are a couple more little ornaments from years gone by.  It is always fun to find photos from the past.  They inspire me to create for the future!

Well, this has been my little trip down memory lane.  I hope you are inspired to get creative for the holidays.  No matter what the gift; a gift from the heart is the best!  If you don't like to make the gifts; we have online shopping opportunities for handmade gifts on sites like Etsy.  My shop needs some attention and I plan on adding some fun things for the holidays.  If you would like to check it out; go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/stuffandthingsandco?ref=hdr_shop_menu

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

Live Life with a Flourish!

Cheers!

Marilyn

Make sure to click on the Designer Crafts Connection (blue) button at the top of my blog.  You can check out what the other designers on the team have been creating.  Handmade is the word of the day!

Etch some French themed party favors! Place cards included!

How do you make a party gift extra special without spending a lot of money?  You use etchall etching creme!  I will tell you how on this pictorial tutorial. 

Check out the etchall website for a complete product list and lots of tips! http://etchall.com/

I love all things French!  Because Christmas is just around the corner, I wanted to make some special party favors that could also be used every day.  Follow along and I will show you how I made them.

You will need:

etchall etching creme

etchmask transfer and stencil

Painter's tape

6 pak of bottles with lids

Smoothfoam: 1-1/2" w x 12" long rod, 1; 1-1/2" wide half balls, 6

Cardstock:  black, red, black and white stripe, white

Acrylic Paint:  Black and Red

Pine stem

Paintbrush

wooden skewers

Glue gun

1.  Cut out stencil.

 2.  Apply etchmask to stencil.

 3.  Follow manufacturer's instructions and apply the stencil to the clean glass surface.

4.  Liberally apply the etchmask to the stencil.  Make sure to protect the glass around the stencil with the painter's tape.  The etchall can be used over and over.  Well loved etchall starts to take on a dark brown hue.  This doesn't hurt the product.  You can use it until it is gone.

5.  Set the timer for 15 minutes.  When the time is up; put the etchall creme back into the container and wash the excess creme off of the glass.  Remove the stencil and tape and wash thoroughly.  Dry.  This is when the "magic" happens.  The dry design will become very clear.

I etched 3 bottles with fleurdelis and 3 with the Eiffel Tower.  It is difficult to show the etch in a photograph; but they are very pretty!

To finish this project you will have to complete a few more steps.

1.  Adhere the flat side of one half ball to one side of a disk cut from the Smoothfoam rod. Repeat for the remaining 5.  Paint 3 half balls black, the remaining 3 red.  Use a wooden skewer for a handle.  Allow to dry.  Adhere the flat side of one to the center of a cardstock circle.  Repeat for each hat, matching the cardstock to the painted half ball.

2.  Embellish each "hat" with a 1/4 wide strip of striped cardstock. Spiral one end of pine stem and make a 1' circle.  Cut excess and adhere the circle to the side of one hat.  Glue a 1/2" paper flower to the pine circle.  Glue rhinestone trim to the base of the hat crown.  Repeat for the remaining hats.

3. More Embellishments:  I used black tulle and 1" sheer ribbon to complete the decorations on the jars.  I used items that would lend a French theme.  This is where you can use your imagination and make them look however you want for the occasion.  I think even a Steampunk theme would be cute with the embellishments and papers that are available.

4.  For the box:  I cut pieces of striped cardstock to fit each side and adhered the paper to the box.  A strip of red cardstock and some extra die-cuts completed the project.

5.  I made place cards to do double duty on the favors.  Each guest will have a lovely favor with her name on the place card.  The place cards were cut out on my die-cut machine.  

Here are some more photos to help capture the details of this project.

Hope you got some inspiration on the blog today.  This project will take most of a day so I would recommend getting a head start if you intend to have a party!  Oh, I almost forgot!  I didn't go to the store today.  But, I would fill them with some special goodies.  French mints would be nice!  Loose candy would be easier to pour out of the bottle.  Bath products would be great too!  Again, let your imagination be your guide!

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

Live Life with a Flourish!

Marilyn

I received financial compensation for this blog post.