Self Esteem Mirror

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I am a father to three beautiful daughters and one high energy son. I think the world of my kids and think they are capable of anything they put their minds to. But I’m pretty sure you are all aware that the world has different plans. My daughter’s self esteem took major hits going through school. Don’t get me started on the dating part of those trials. Everyday problems from school grades, Sports, friends and the ever present DRAMA!!! So as the ever protecting dad that I am. My heart wanted me to solve the problem. When that didn’t work I came up with a craft project that would both boost her self esteem in the present and be a constant reminder about her self worth for the future.

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There is a quote by Maya Angelou that not only applies to my wife and daughters but everyone. ‘You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.’ A quote that I wish my daughters will always remember. That no matter what life throws at them they are more than enough.

Supplies for the etching

The following is needed for this project.
Etching cream. This is more of a personal preference. The most popular is Armour Etch. But there are other varieties out there. A little goes along way so it should last you for a good while.
Stencil or vinyl. This is the method or pattern you will use to map out your mirror. What material you use will depend on what you want to say and how you want to say it.
foam applicator brush. In my personal opinion the inexpensive foam brushes work the best with whichever cream you decide to go with.
Mirror You can pick up an inexpensive mirror at Dollar Tree or Family Dollar. You can pick up an extra one to practice on if your nervous. You shouldn’t be because it is a really simple process to do.
Design This is basically simple. Most people go for lettering when working on mirrors. But you can use images and lettering. Its all up to you.

Design time

Now is the time to get your creative juices flowing. Try to think on the level of who you are making the mirror for. In my case it proved to be easier said than done. The fact being that I am neither a teenager or a female. That’s where my wife and I truly team together and figure out how to help the three teen age drama queen in our household. We came up with an edited version of the Maya Angelou quote. The decision was made to say “Darling daughter you are more than enough.” Despite all the obstacles that get thrown at them we hope this will keep the balance of everday emotions on the positive side of life.  I edited this a few times because of the length.

Your next step is using a good vector design program like Photoshop, CorelDraw or inkscape. There are many available. I personally use CorelDraw. Its what I use at my nine to five, So I use what I know. The same goes for you. Use the program you’re comfortable with. You can even bypass this and type your saying directly into design space. I admit there is more for me to learn with Design Space. That is why I gravitate to vector design. I’m a creature of habit. When you design your saying make sure it is more of a negative setting. What I mean by that is you need cut out the lettering not cut around it. You can understand better by looking at the project pictures. With the designing done its time to move to,

Time to cut out the self esteem quote

The next step in the self esteem mirror project can either make the project go quickly or slow to a turtles pace. You need to choose the right stencil vinyl to work with. Cricut has a vinyl made strictly to be used for stencil work. I have heard good things about it. What I choose to use for my stencils is a product called magic cover contact paper. I purchased a roll for under ten dollars. It gives you 20 feet. This works well for me and its inexpensive. It sticks well but it is also very easy to remove.

Next up is the weeding of your vinyl. Depending how long your mirror is and how intricate your design. The weeding should be fairly easy and quick. You need to remove the actual lettering and not the vinyl surrounding it. You need to have a frame to hold your etching cream.

Etching cream to self esteem

Now comes the time to do your etching. Before you actually do it you need to prepare your mirror so the Etching cream will be able to take affect. To do this take some rubbing alcohol and a soft dish cloth. Wipe the entire mirror face to remove any finger prints dirt or oil from previous handling. Grab your vinyl and make sure you know where to put it. Make sure you center your design it the desired location and apply it. During this process make sure that all of the edges of your vinyl are sealed down to the mirror. If there are any gaps in you design vinyl, the cream will bleed through and you won’t have crisp lines.

Follow your products recommendations for application and specifics as far as drying time.
Spread etching cream over your vinyl. Make sure only the area you want to be etched should be covered with the cream
1. Stir the cream twice over five minutes. …
2. Leave the cream for five minutes. …
3. Rinse off the cream with water. …
4. Remove the vinyl. …
5. Dry off the glass.

Hopefully you now have a gift for you loved one that will be a friendly reminder of their self worth. Their self esteem can remain higher instead of taking a downward dip every time society throws them a curve.

 

Hard to get a picture of a mirror with all the reflections but you get the idea.

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