I got bored yesterday morning...

[karyn-rocks.livejournal.com]

 

I've recently discovered stencil paper. This stuff is AWESOME, when combined with stencil adhesive. I've had this mirror from the dollar store sitting around here FORRREEVVVVER, so I finally decided to do something with it.

 
 

So the first thing you need to do, is gather up your stuff. Basically all you'll need is your design, stencil paper, painter's tape (that's the blue stuff) stencil adhesive, a slice of cardboard, etching cream RUBBER GLOVES, and an exacto knife.
 

Cut your design and stencil paper to relatively the same size, making sure they're going to fit on whatever you're planning on sticking it to. Very, very carefully, cut out the image with your knife. This is the part that takes the longest and is the least fun. I have yet to figure out a comfortable way to sit while I do this. =/
 

 
Take your stuff outside (HIGHLY recommended, as this stuff smells. Bad.) Turn your stencil upside down and spray the back with your stencil adhesive. Let it sit for a few minutes to dry a little. Should be sticky, but not sopping wet.
 

 
Slap your stencil on the project, which is in this case a mirror from the dollar store. I love the dollar store. Make sure that you adhere it pretty good. I have a tiny wallpaper border roller I got for like $2 from Ace Hardware. I used that.
 

PUT ON YOUR GLOVES. Seriously. Before you even open the etching cream. I've used etching cream on three projects, and I have yet to discover just how badly it burns to get it on your skin. Not really in a hurry to find out either. So, gloves on and open your etching cream.
 

Glob it on there nice and thick. I recommend a thickness to where you can just see the outlines of your stencil through the etching cream. Let that hang out for about five minutes. I always end up doing it longer but that's just because I'll forget about it. Take it to a sink (make sure there's no dishes or anything IN the sink) and, while still wearing your gloves, rinse it off under plain old tap water. Peel off the stencil and rinse well. Just to make sure I get all the etching cream off, I'll give it a once-over with some soap, too. When all the etching cream is off, remove your gloves. Dry off the finished project and:

Tah-dah! Please forgive my Crazy Person Hair. It was Sunday morning. =)