The residents of my apartment complex are constantly throwing out stuff - and most of it is still usable - A lot of bookshelves, desks, etc. It drives me a little bonkers when I see stuff next to the dumpsters that someone else could still use (I feel better when I see other people dragging them away though).
Well a couple years ago, I found a really nice piece of glass - looked like part of a table top, so I took it home and cleaned it. I finally did something with it last night (and I'm going to see if my dad will still build me a table for it (with a light underneath the glass)). It'll be a pretty piece when it's totally finished (and all mine - I'm keeping this one)!
Steps to Etch Glass:
1. Clean glass.
2. Cover surface with contact paper (I used the white colored contact paper)
3. Draw design on contact paper.
4. Use an Exacto knife to cut out design. Make sure the kitty stays far away from you and the knife (mine wanted to help me, just like she does when I sew)
5. Peel off contact paper where you want the glass to be etched.
6. I used Armour Etch Cream - brush it on thick. Use gloves and do not get this on your skin or it'll burn!
7. Let it sit - the packaging said 10-15 minutes I think, but since it was such a large area, I let it sit for 25 minutes. Keep the kitty away from the poison (If it can burn our skin, just think of what it would do to the kitty's stomach)!
8. Wash off (still use gloves to handle it) all of the etching cream; make sure it's all gone before taking off the contact paper.
9. Take off the contact paper and wash any sticky residue off. Dry and enjoy!
Happy etching!
This was my first etching attempt, so I'm excited to do more experimenting!
And here's the little kitty who kept wanting to help!
I was working on this at the kitchen table (covered in trash bags of course) - because I was standing instead of sitting down, Mei Mei (kitty's name) decided she would stand next to me the entire time (she was supporting herself on her hind legs by leaning (using her front paws) on my leg). I swear she uses her cuteness against me :-p
Oh and here's a purse I made in December - I can't read patterns, so this is my own design!
Someone actually bought it off me when I was using it for the first time!!! It's a quilted brocade purse with bamboo handles.
Well a couple years ago, I found a really nice piece of glass - looked like part of a table top, so I took it home and cleaned it. I finally did something with it last night (and I'm going to see if my dad will still build me a table for it (with a light underneath the glass)). It'll be a pretty piece when it's totally finished (and all mine - I'm keeping this one)!
Steps to Etch Glass:
1. Clean glass.
2. Cover surface with contact paper (I used the white colored contact paper)
3. Draw design on contact paper.
4. Use an Exacto knife to cut out design. Make sure the kitty stays far away from you and the knife (mine wanted to help me, just like she does when I sew)
5. Peel off contact paper where you want the glass to be etched.
6. I used Armour Etch Cream - brush it on thick. Use gloves and do not get this on your skin or it'll burn!
7. Let it sit - the packaging said 10-15 minutes I think, but since it was such a large area, I let it sit for 25 minutes. Keep the kitty away from the poison (If it can burn our skin, just think of what it would do to the kitty's stomach)!
8. Wash off (still use gloves to handle it) all of the etching cream; make sure it's all gone before taking off the contact paper.
9. Take off the contact paper and wash any sticky residue off. Dry and enjoy!
Happy etching!
This was my first etching attempt, so I'm excited to do more experimenting!
And here's the little kitty who kept wanting to help!
I was working on this at the kitchen table (covered in trash bags of course) - because I was standing instead of sitting down, Mei Mei (kitty's name) decided she would stand next to me the entire time (she was supporting herself on her hind legs by leaning (using her front paws) on my leg). I swear she uses her cuteness against me :-p
Oh and here's a purse I made in December - I can't read patterns, so this is my own design!
Someone actually bought it off me when I was using it for the first time!!! It's a quilted brocade purse with bamboo handles.
Your table top is very nice and yoru kitty is adorable!
But I'll take the free glass!
Thanks!
Does your apartment comples have a place where you can place notices? A bulletin board of some sort? (My old place did...and it came in quite handy) If so, you might post a notice about www.freecycle.org. There are chapters in tons and tons of towns and cities, and close enough to many others. If you're not familiar with freecycle, the premise is this: it's an online organization that makes an effort to reducr the amount of usuable things that are discarded to landfills. You post an OFFER when you have something to give away, and someone who can use it contacts you via email, and makes arrangements to pick the item(s) up. The one of you posts that the items has been TAKEN, so others won't keep emailing you. If you're looking for something, you do a WANTED post, and people that have the item you need can contact you.
The only stipulations are that all items posted are to be totally free, and they have to legal, so obviously no drugs (even legal prescription ones - someone here was trying to give away her dead father's heart medications) no weapons, child porn, etc. Some local groups also prohibit pets, as there's little means of being sure the animal goes to a good home. Ours *does* allow pet posts, and there hasn't been a problem.
Mostly, you find household goods like furniture, appliances, cookware, clothing, children's items, and in summer loads of folks offer the remainder of their garage sales, but I've also seen vehicles that are running, art supplies, an above ground 18' X 25' pool, moving boxes, working computers, etc.
There's no bulletin board, but I can tape signs on each dumpster, and in the entrance of each apartment building. Thanks for the idea!
So true - Helping really means in the way/center of attention - and she is too cute to get mad at.
Also - who knew etching would be so fun?! I love this, & now I am going to keep my eyes out for some glass to play with.
Ooh - have fun etching and please post photos when you're done. And thanks:)
is there a strong smell to Armour Etch Cream? do you have to use it in a well ventilated area at all?
I recommend working in a well venilated area - it does smell a little and it contains hydroflouric acid (corrosive to skin and irritating if inhaled). You don't want to get this stuff on you (guess it has to be pretty tough to eat glass).
That was two years ago. BB.
BEFORE BEDBUGS.
If you think bedbugs are a thing of the past you are wrong, and they are a growing epidemic that nobody wants to discuss.
BTW your stuff IS really neat!!! I just wanted to be the voice of doom because I keep bringing them back to my apartment because I'm a teacher, and if people just start DISCUSSING it, it won't be so taboo and maybe we can tackle it.
Done Being Debbie Downer. Tra la.
I tend to only take things from the dumpster that are solid (like glass), and not anything fabric/cushion like. I remember seeing a Volkswagon ad years ago - these people are driving down the road and see a free couch on the side of the road. They ooh at it and load it in their car. A little while later, they start smelling an awful stench. The next scene shows them driving away with the couch on the side of the road. So everytime I see something like that, I remember the ad!
And thank you :)
I hope people find this helpful.