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You are visiting: Home » Decorating/DIY » Create Your Decor » Create an Etched Glass Silhouette Mirror

Create an Etched Glass Silhouette Mirror

by Lindsay Ballard on September 17, 2009 29 Comments

A few weeks ago, Kari of UCreate asked me to create a little project for her readers. Of course, I jumped at the chance. I mean, who wouldn’t?

With her permission, I’m sharing that project with you guys. I think (or hope!) you are going to like it, as it’s one of my favorite projects ever. EVER.

Enjoy! And be sure to visit UCreate for lots of great projects each day.

********************

Hi, Guys! It’s Lindsay from Living With Lindsay! Kari has allowed me to take over her blog today to show a little project I created just for you. I sure hope I don’t break anything while I’m here. ::looks around sheepishly::

Anyway, just minutes before it was time to put my 3 year old down for his nap a few weeks ago, I came up with the idea of an etched glass silhouette mirror. Believe it or not, the entire project was finished before he woke up. Folks, you can do this one very quickly!

I’m really obsessed with silhouettes right now. In fact, as I was working on my new project, I realized that Jill’s adorable silhouette pillow from right here at U create may be the original source for my new obsession. I’m totally blaming her. No one’s profile is safe in my home – my dogs and cat have even sat for their profile photo session. I kid you not, but that’s a blog post for another time.

Etched Glass Silhouette Mirror

Supplies:
Mirror
Waxed paper
Contact paper (sticky shelf liner)
Etching cream and foam brush
Tape
Pencil

1. I began with a cheap framed mirror I found at a local thrift store. I was originally going to use it for another project but had a change of direction, so this mirror was just sitting in my craft room screaming to be used.

2. I took a photo of my son’s profile. It must have taken me 50 pictures to get this one. Little, wiggly 3 year-old boys don’t sit still for very long.

3. I printed out his photo so that it was the size I wanted on my mirror. It took a few attempts to make sure it was just the right size to fit in the mirror. Once printed, I taped it to a window and then taped a layer of waxed paper on top of it. Then, I traced the outline of his silhouette. I took the artistic liberty of smoothing over the cowlick on the back of his head so that it wouldn’t look like I didn’t comb his hair (Well, I didn’t comb it, or change his dirty shirt, but still).

4. I cut the shape out of the waxed paper and traced it onto the contact paper. Then, I cut out the negative of the image.

5. After removing the mirror’s frame, I applied the contact paper directly to the mirror, placing the cut out exactly where I wanted it to be etched, and smoothed the bubbles from the paper. I transferred some etching creme into a plastic bowl and used it to paint the cut out area with the foam brush.

Make sure to apply the cream thickly and evenly. Allow it to sit for five minutes and then rinse the mirror off under running water. It’s hard not to think of the etched glass as painted glass, but don’t worry, it won’t run or smear. You can dry it with a towel and even use glass cleaner.

6. I spray painted the frame an antique white and put the mirror back in the frame.

Ta Da! Now, it’s just ready to find a new home. That’s always the hardest part for me!

P.S. I’m adding this to the “Get Your Craft On” party over at Today’s Creative Blog. Stop by and visit!

About Lindsay Ballard

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.

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Comments

  1. Kelly says

    September 17, 2009 at 7:57 am

    I have the PERFECT photo from my wedding to try this with. Thank you! Featuring you again…

    http://tearinguphouses.blogspot.com

    Kelly

    Reply
  2. Happy Nester says

    September 17, 2009 at 8:40 am

    This is such a cute project! Thanks again Lindsay with all of your wonderful help with me blog issues. Monica

    Reply
  3. Stephanie says

    September 17, 2009 at 10:40 am

    Wow, I didn't even know they made etching cream! Now a flood of new projects are pouring into my head, thanks!

    Reply
  4. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    September 17, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    WOW!!! Neat project, Lindsay. 🙂 Love that sweet silhouette. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Patsy says

    September 17, 2009 at 8:01 am

    Great project!! Looking for old mirror now!!!

    Reply
  6. Ruth says

    September 17, 2009 at 1:54 pm

    Great idea!!

    Ruth

    Reply
  7. Isabella & Max Rooms says

    September 17, 2009 at 10:05 am

    Adorable…another idea to file in an ever expanding file!!
    Janell

    Reply
  8. High-Heeled Foot in the door says

    September 17, 2009 at 5:34 pm

    Too funny. I just went out to get supplies to do the same thing this weekend! I saw somwthing similar on an old re-run of Martha and thought it would be good to try out.

    Thanks for sharing the project! It came out great!

    Reply
  9. Room to Inspire says

    September 18, 2009 at 12:10 am

    Very unique! Thanks for sharing a very personalized project – this would be a great gift.

    Chelsea

    Reply
  10. Miss Mustard Seed says

    September 17, 2009 at 9:12 pm

    What a cool way to personalize a mirror. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Reply
  11. Martha says

    September 18, 2009 at 9:16 am

    You are too smart! How very very lovely this is and I agree with Chelsea, a great gift idea. Hmmmmm, do I have a photo I can use? ~Martha

    Reply
  12. Britt says

    September 18, 2009 at 6:29 pm

    This is so cute! I love the silhouette trend, but combine it with mirrors and wow! Love this!

    Reply
  13. angela says

    September 19, 2009 at 1:03 pm

    AH! I Love it! Thanks so much for sharing. I just found your blog recently and I think you are very inspiring!

    Reply
  14. Anonymous says

    September 19, 2009 at 10:28 pm

    What a great idea! I think this is one that I might try. Thanks!
    debbie

    Reply
  15. Kim @ Forever Wherever says

    September 20, 2009 at 4:17 pm

    You are so creative girl! It looks great!

    ~Kim

    Reply
  16. Isabella & Max Rooms says

    September 20, 2009 at 3:18 pm

    I've just awarded your blog the Honest Scrap award, check out my latest post for details!
    Janell

    Reply
  17. Its So Very Cheri says

    September 20, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    Be sure to come by tonight around 9pm (Eastern time) for the announcement so you don't miss out. I promise-it good-really really good.
    Cheri
    Its So Very Cheri

    Reply
  18. The Whispering Creek House says

    September 21, 2009 at 1:11 am

    Hi its stephanie from http://thewhisperingcreekhouse.blogspot.com/ I really love this idea because it could end up being an heirloom peice! thank you for sharing it with us and I think I will try this out some time!

    Reply
  19. Centsational Girl says

    September 21, 2009 at 8:55 pm

    You are crazy clever… fabulous tutorial !

    Kate

    Reply
  20. Karen- The Graphics Fairy says

    September 22, 2009 at 9:25 pm

    This is so sweet!!

    Reply
  21. Judy @ In His Grip says

    September 23, 2009 at 10:13 am

    This is great!!!! I am going to try it.

    Reply
  22. Kelly West says

    October 11, 2009 at 10:05 pm

    Damn. This is almost as cool as our new beer glasses. And I'm beyond jealous of Zack's blackout curtains. You continue to impress me lady! (and thanks again for an awesome wedding present).

    Reply
  23. Ashley says

    December 1, 2010 at 2:34 pm

    Hello! I stumbled upon this post from Tip Junkie. All I can say is “WOW!” This is such a great idea! I have decided to make my mother, mother in law, and sister in law these for Christmas. All together I will be making 8 of these! Can you tell me how much etching cream costs and if Wal-Mart perhaps has it? I am not close to a Hobby Lobby or crafts store unfortunatly. Can I find the contact paper there too? Thanks so much! I LOOOVE your blog!

    Reply
  24. lauren says

    January 31, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    thoughts on using this technique to personalize glasses/beer steins?

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 1, 2012 at 7:03 pm

      It works great! I actually made some beer steins for a wedding gift.

      Reply
      • lauren says

        February 1, 2012 at 7:06 pm

        are they dishwasher safe? or would that make the etching come off?

        Reply
        • Lindsay says

          February 1, 2012 at 7:08 pm

          Completely dishwasher safe – the etching won’t come off. It essentially scratches the glass where you put the etching cream, so there are no worries about the design getting messed up. It’s permanent.

          Reply
          • lauren says

            February 1, 2012 at 7:09 pm

            WOW! this is even better than i thought!

Trackbacks

  1. Unique Craft and Project Ideas » Blog Archive » Etched Silhouette Mirror says:
    May 22, 2010 at 6:44 pm

    […] around or even search garage sales and thrift stores for eclectic mirrors that add some extra jazz. Found here! Bookmark […]

    Reply

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About Makely

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Lindsay lives outside of Austin, Texas with her husband (Tom), children (Zack and Emma), and dogs (Duke and Jill). She plays roller derby for the Rockin' City Rollergirls out of Round Rock, Texas.


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