I had the honor of subbing for the Silhouette School blog a while back. This is an update to the post I shared there. We have come a long way baby in materials for Faux Etched Glass. Since I wrote this post you can now find window cling readily available. I still is more cost effective to use the frosted vinyl you find at the fabric store but it depends on your needs.

 Here are my suggestions as to which material to use for each type of project you are making. 

  If you are using Window Cling Vinyl consider these attributes of the product.

1) Durable 2) Reusable 3) Higher Cost 4) Better for long term ex: Home Decor 

When using Frosted Vinyl yard goods there are different attributes to consider. 

1) Disposable 2) Delicate 3) Lower Cost 4) Great for Party Decor 

As you will find as you continue to read I decorated my door at the lake. The climate is always damp even on on a sunny day or draught. There is moisture everywhere. The original post that I have updated is more than two years ago. The dragonflies on the Back door are still there. The K is gone but the rest of the faux etched glass completed on the original post did not come off. I did wash the window and rearrange them since then. Watch my Keep on eye on my instagram during the next few weeks and I will snap a picture during my next visit.

               

  

A DIY Stenciled Inspiration Board

    We look for inspiration everyday, in many places. I have read about achieving your goals, by placing them on a board, and looking at it daily. A place to organize your thoughts, where, what & how will you get to your next goal. The far off future goals too. Now you can see where the idea for the DIY stenciled inspiration board came for this post. In my Fall Mod Podge Pumpkin post I mentioned buying two carts of goodies at +Michaels Stores. I bought several framed cork boards that were on a great clearance sale.
To be honest I struggled with what would be the best approach to make this board inspiring. Then in a series of unrelated life circumstances, I was in Pompano Beach, FL. looking for document boxes with Prince Charming.The Office Depot was having a clearance sale because, they were moving. I found what I needed at the store 30% off and Gelio Gel pens for 50% off. Hmm. This would work on the cork board but, now what should I stencil?

I chose the inspirational phrase by Kolette Hall and +Silhouette America Flourish design.

Kindred Spirits

A Handmade Gift Exchange started by my friend Tori

 created a journey of Kindred Spirits.

 Two Karens, same country, different states, 

Married 10 and 30 years, Loving Husbands (different men) LOL. Two children all boys, SAHM one starting the other finished, 

both creative, and talented in the many ways.

Handmade Gift Exchange

 Tori was following our Facebook Group called the Silhouette Challenge. All of this handmade work swirling through the words of our members. Each post a person, pictures of a new project, with loads of encouragement below. Others asking for an opinion, which looks better?  Where do you get the best vinyl? Tricks to keep your machine running smoothly, and money savings tips too.

Tori Set up an event Handmade Gift Exchange asking people to participate, then she split us into pairs sent us our present partners, gave us ideas how to get to know each other, and of course a deadline for when the packages to ship.

Facebook

As you can see from above, is how I met my kindred spirit Karen. We have not met in person but, we have corresponded like modern day pen pals.