Etched Mirrors

Sewing isn’t my only craft. I’ve always loved dabbling in various crafty type things. I took all the art classes in high school, a few in college. I’m not overly good at most of them, but I do thoroughly enjoy the time spent creating something. One of those art classes in high school taught us how to etch mirrors and glass. It is ridiculously easy, so something in our house gets fancied up with some contact paper and etching fluid every few years. (They can also make fun and unique gifts!)

This is the mirror I etched in high school. We got to design our own thing, etch it on the mirror, then solder on some beautiful stained glass. I’ve always loved geometric shapes (probably why I have a Frank Lloyd Wright tattoo!). I find them soothing and beautiful. It is so fascinating to watch basic shapes come together into something that is so much more. This has survived all my moves and hangs in my bedroom now. A great reminder to always enjoy the crafts, because they brighten up my life.

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Anyway, we saw these hexagonal mirrors in the bullseye section of Target and I knew we needed to etch them!! Hexagons are my favorite shape (what, you don’t have a favorite shape?!) and the white framing is perfect for our style. When I picked them up off the shelf, I KNEW they had to be fancy swears. So ridiculous, yet so fun.

They sat FOREVER. Collecting dust, mocking me with their boring mirror faces. Until we had to break out the Silhouette for another project (for a present, so I can’t share yet! Keep an eye out.) If we’re going to pull it out and sit down with it, we might as well do the mirrors!!! Perfect!!

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Now, mostly I ask Virginia to run the software while I prep or do other projects. I don’t know why, I’m not very good at describing what I’m visualizing, so we both usually end up frustrated (sorry, Sister). This was one of those projects. I said fancy, scroll-y font with flowers around it. How vague can I get?! Well, she left for work and I dove in to see if I could create what I was picturing. Sent her a snap of it for approval, since they’re planned to hang in shared space. Got the go and started to cut.

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It turns out I do not have the patience to weed contact paper. Hell no. Never again. So, I tossed the first cut and used some permanent vinyl instead. WAY EASIER!!! I highly recommend the more sturdy, easy to transfer vinyl over contact paper. Got them both weeded and placed on the mirrors. Throw some etching fluid on there (safety is recommended here. Use a popsicle stick to spread, in a well ventilated place. Gloves are suggested. Blah, blah.) Let it sit. Wipe it off. Peel the vinyl. Then wash it off. Seriously the easiest process, once you’ve got your design stuck to the glass.

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Of course, after I finished, I realized the mirror comes out of the frame and this could have been a way easier project. Oh well, it isn’t perfect, but, I LOVE how it turned out!! Subtle swears are my aesthetic. These now hang fantastically in the living room and I can’t wait to see reactions as visitors notice (for those that don’t know about them already, because I’ve told everyone!! Hah!!)

Next etching project, glassware. For sure.

Stephanie xx

(Y’all, its really hard to take photos of mirrors.)