Q: I have an acrylic window between my kitchen and living room. I want to frost or etch a design on it. Can I use glass etching or frosting products on acrylic?A: Unfortunately, glass etching and frosting products won't adhere to acrylic. The best way to etch on acrylic is actually use a rotary tool and carve out your design. There's a simpler solution to your dilemma, however: how about creating a pearl look on your window? It's very easily done using a pearl spray.
1. First decide on a sticker pattern you like. Make sure the acrylic piece is clean and dust-free, then apply the stickers in a pattern that is pleasing. Burnish the edges of each sticker down with a spoon.
2. Spray on Make It Pearl spray paint, following the manufacturer's directions. (Be sure to shake the can for two minutes before applying.) The can needs to be held at least 10" from the acrylic piece, and you will want to apply one thin coat for a sheer, frosted finish. A heavier coat will create a more opaque finish.
3. Carefully peel off the stickers with the tip of a craft knife and let the project dry for at least two hours before handling.
Good luck on embellishing your window!
Q: I have a plain photo album that I want to decorate with magazine pictures, but I want the cover to be smooth. How can I do this?
A: Of course, whenever you add anything to a scrapbook album cover, it will change the texture somewhat. To obtain the smoothest finish, I would use nontextured papers, so magazine photos should work well. Apply them with decoupage glue. Once they are all adhered, apply several more coats of decoupage glue to really seal them in and provide a smooth surface. If you are applying the cutouts to a wooden album cover, you can also use polyurethane as a top coat, which really provides a slick surface as a sealant.
Q: How do I make my own ribbon belts with D-rings?
A: These are very popular right now and retail for about $40. But I have a creative way to make them for just a few dollars. You will need ribbons that are at least 1-1/2" wide (you can select contrasting or identical colors); they need to be 54" long. You will also need the same amount of interfacing. Cut it slightly narrower than the ribbon.
Place the interfacing between the two lengths of ribbon and pin it in place. Now sew the ribbon lengths together, as close to the edge as possible. Slip the D-ring onto one end of the ribbon belt, fold over and stitch it down. Now you have a ribbon belt, and you've saved money by doing it yourself.
