Reminders from a Reclaimed Mirror featuring etchall® crème

I found this mirror on one of our treasure hunting days in Canton (TX). I actually passed it up (only for a moment) …the price was too good to be true so I didn’t think it was. I looked at and then moved onto the next booth. But it was just nagging at me to go back and to double check the price… So, I did “Is this mirror really $4.00?”. “Yes” was the answer and money changed hands and I was now a proud of owner of a not so perfect mirror that was going to be perfect for my new kitchen wall!

Etching was immediately on my mind.  I love to etch mirrors- it can be a little tricky when removing the crème but with a little a patience and practice, it turns out beautiful every time!! With etchall®, the etching is deep, beautiful and permanent!  On mirrors, the etching also adds to the beauty as it reflects what is in view and the words or images gently create depth and richness. Reclaimed or Used Mirrors are easy to find at treasure (thrift) stores, garage sales and estate sales and sometimes it’s easier and a little less stressful to try something new on an inexpensive item.  Once you’ve finished one mirror, you will be on the lookout for that perfect looking glass to etch your next word or beautiful image!  Let’s get started….

Gather

Mirror

Painter’s tape

Stencils of your choice

etchall® stencil spray

etchall® crème- you may need a larger quantity, depending on the size of your mirror

etchall® squeegee

timer

sponge

paper towels

glass cleaner

rubbing alcohol

Make

1.     Clean mirror with glass cleaner and then follow it with rubbing alcohol. Make sure it is free of lint, dust and dirt.  Let dry.

      Using stencil spray, spray back of stencils.  Give it a minute to get a little tacky and then place on mirror.

2.     Using painter’s tape, tape securely around your stencils and cover every part of your mirror that you do not want etching.  ***This is so important.  As you can see in the photo, I covered the entire mirror.

3.     Using squeegee, spread the etchall® crème over the stencils.  I try to spread it in the same directions so as not to move the stencils or accidentally spread the creame under the stencil.

4.     Set the timer for 15 minutes

5.     Using squeegee, pick up the crème and put it back in the jar! Remember the crème is reusable!!

6.     Using a wet sponge, wipe the remaining crème. Once all crème is sponged up, remove all painters tape and stencils. You can clean it one more time with water but be sure you have all the crème up!! Let it dry.

Until next time,  enjoy your beautiful mirror that also will remind you of just how loved you are!!!

Pumpkin Paradise- a painter's delight featuring Fusion mineral paints and a sea-inspired finish

It is always exciting to welcome a new season and to greet it with anticipation, highlighting the uniqueness to each time of year.  In the fall, I love to see all the magazines, view Pinterest and see all the pumpkin-laden porches.  However, in Texas it is really too warm to set out the real deal, the parade of pumpkins become a mush in just a few short weeks (sometimes, days depending on the temperatures).  SO, I am so thankful to our big craft/box stores for giving us the faux pumpkins in plastic, papier-mâché and sometimes ceramic…but sometimes, they need a little help to match our décor.  For this pumpkin project, I chose the cream-colored plastic pumpkins at .98 each – I grabbed all they had and of course shared some  with my mom!! These little gems don’t need a pre-paint prep, no primer – they are a great base just as they are.  Using fusion paints, two coats was all they required.  I decided to continue with a dark wax to highlight and give definition.  Deciding what to add to give them a touch of my style was easy- a little string, wire, shells and ICE Resin® paper were the perfect palette!!  Let your style come through- in selecting your paints, choosing those things that speak to you, embellishments that you love – ribbons, buttons, vintage jewelry…the pumpkin possibilities are limitless.

 

Since these are plastic, they are too light weight for outside but they will grace our fall table (once my kitchen remodel is finished) nestled in a wood tray that will be filled with shells and reindeer moss. My perfect blend of fall and the joy of gathering –shells, memories and more as   we gather around the table. To create your pumpkin paradise, let’s gather a few things and get started…

I love these little jars!!!

Gather

Faux pumpkins

Fusion Paints™ mineral paints  in Algonquin, Inglenook, Sterling Gris and champness or acrylic paints of your choice

Sponge Brushes

Painter’s tape

Annie Sloan® Dark wax

Rustic wire

Bamboo skewers

Wire cutters

Jute

ICE Resin®

Disposable cup, sponge

Vintage papers

Adhesive such as Glossy Accents™

Sea shells

Glue Gun, glue sticks

Make

1.      Cover stems with painter’s tape.

2.     With sponge brush, paint 2 coats of fusion paints on each pumpkin.  Set aside to dry between coats. 

Second coat and look great!!

3.     Once dry, remove painter’s tape and wrap stems with jute* and tie in a simple knot.

4.     To create wire curly ques, cut a manageable length of wire and from the middle of the wire, begin to wrap around a bamboo skewer or a pencil.  Repeat on the other side.

wire curly question and the start of the ICE Resin® leaf

5.     Add wire to the stem. Secure by tightening the wire around the stem.

6.     Using a leaf punch, punch leaves from the ICE Resin® Paper**

a little light from the studio gives them a fall glow

7.     Using adhesive such as glossy accents, adhere leaves. 

8.     Using glue gun, glue shells to the pumpkin.

*To curl the jute, wrap the jute around a pencil; spray with water and heat dry.

**To create ICE Resin® paper, mix the resin according to package directions.  Laying vintage paper on a nonstick craft mat, spread the resin with a sponge gently across the paper in one direction.  Coat one side and turn over and coat the back.  Let dry on the craft mat for 8 hours.  Now it is ready to use!!

 

Here are a few more finished.  I actually think
the ones my mother did!!!

Until next time, I hope in addition to painting and decorating with pumpkins that you will enjoy a little pumpkin pie and enjoy not only the décor of the season but the deliciousness too!!