How To Etch Glass

I recently googled how to etch designs onto glass and to my delight, the instructions looked very simple! So I decided to give it a whirl and monogram the letter "c" for Caroline on a glass candle jar that I already owned.

Here's what I used (all of these supplies can be found at any craft store):

-Clear glass surface

-Shaped paper cutter

-Vinyl that is sticky on one side

-Petite paint brush

-Etching solvent

Once I had my supplies, I used my paper cutter to cut a "c" out of the vinyl so that it created a negative space. Naturally I have a paper cutter that is serious business (haha, of course I do), but you can find small and cheap paper cutters at any craft store. I placed the sticky side of the vinyl on the clean glass surface and generously applied the etching solvent in the negative space with a paint brush. I let the candle sit undisturbed for about 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, which felt like an eternity since I was so excited, I washed off the solvent with cold water. I anxiously peeled off the sticky vinyl and washed the glass surface again under cold water. It's hard to tell in the bottom picture, but my etched "c" turned out GREAT. Yay, I am so excited for myself that this project was so easy the first time around! Imagine how much better my etched items will turn out after a little practice. There's a weekend project for you to try for yourself, have fun and good luck!

Candy Filled Boxes

We all have small matchboxes laying around the house. Use these empty boxes to create cute Valentine treats for your friends. Fill the empty matchboxes with small candies, gum or mints. Wrap the boxes with pretty paper and ribbon. Have fun with it and be creative. They make great little Valentine gifts!

 

 

A New Twist On Ribbon

I just created this cute ribbon for a gift I am giving. It was so simple to make. I cut by hand felt shapes that relate to the gift. I secured the felt shapes to a long ribbon using a glue gun.

I tied the ribbon around the present and added a cute embellishment. You can add an ornament, bells, feathers, artificial flower, cookie cutter or anything small that can be easily attached and relates to your gift. I hot glued pom poms to the end of my ribbon too, how cute!

Post Holiday Cleaning Tips

Before heading back to work on Monday, you may be taking time this long weekend to put away the holiday décor, take down the tree and get your home organized and cleaned. Here are some useful post holiday cleaning tips.

-Store ornaments in egg crates. The separate compartments will keep them from breaking.
-To remove the remnants of candle wax from a glass votive, freeze the votive and the wax will come out easily.
-When cleaning the fridge, never use disinfectants. Foods will pick up taste and odor. Vinegar and water work nicely.
-Add detergent to the washer first before adding your laundry. Pouring detergent on clothing can cause fabrics to fade.
-After dusting electronics, use a dryer sheet to wipe down TV and computer screens. The anti-static in the dryer sheet repels dust and dirt.
-Remove pet orders in the carpet by sprinkling baking soda and then vacuuming.
-Drain de-clogger recipe: 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup vinegar. Pour baking soda down drain first then follow with the vinegar. Close drain and let sit until bubbling has stopped. Pour a bucket of hot boiling water and your drain should be clear.
-After you wipe down a mirror with glass cleaner, go back over it with a dry paper towel to avoid streaks.
-Lemon extract will remove scuff marks from luggage if you just got back from a vacation.
-Vinegar and water will remove salt stains from shoes and boots if you have been trekking around in snow.

Once your place is clean…

-Spray a bit of perfume on a light bulb to create a lovely soft scent in the room
-To maintain a fresh aroma in the house, place a fabric softener sheet at the bottom of each waste basket.

Cleaning your place doesn't have to be a daunting task. If you do one or two small chores a day, you’ll never have to spend a whole day cleaning. Start off your next work week with a clean slate by doing some quick post holiday chores this weekend!

2010 Resolutions

Alright, enough of the same old resolutions... Let's think differently this year. What do you love, love, love to do? Whatever it is, make a resolution to devote more time to that activity in 2010. You'll be excited to follow through and the positive change will come easy!

We are conditioned to think of resolutions as difficult, often insurmountable tasks.  Why does a resolution have to be something that you hate to do or something that doesn't come easy? Start off 2010 with something you love. This year is going to be about your passions and strengths. So throw out the scale and pick up a paint brush. 2010 is going to be your year to shine and it all starts with a great resolution!