By CherEtched River Rock Paperweight
One of my kiddos is getting ready to fly the coop… By “fly the coop”, I mean move out of state to follow his dreams of pursuing a degree and a career in the music industry as an audio engineer. I’m only sort of sad and more proud than anything! Anyway, before he leaves, I wanted to make him an etched river rock paperweight for his desk.
I used the symbol for Om, a mystic syllable considered to be the sigh of the universe. It holds a special meaning between the two of us. In every song he produces, he adds a “sigh” somewhere in the music. The sigh has become his signature mark. I wanted the symbol to remind him to continue to make his mark, so to speak, in everything he does!
Supplies:
- A river rock with a large flat area (I bought mine at the hobby store)
- Stencil or vinyl cut-out
- Etching cream (<– affiliate link!)
- Paint brush or wood craft stick
I started by cutting a vinyl stencil using my vinyl and paper cutter.
Then, I applied the vinyl stencil to the rock, smoothing it down to make sure there were no wrinkles in the vinyl.
Next, I applied a thick coat of the etching cream with a wood craft stick and let is sit for an hour. An air eraser (a small sandblasting tool of sorts) can also be used.
Finally, I rinsed off the etching cream and removed the stencil to reveal the symbol on the rock. It came out beautifully! Then, of course, I had to make an extra etched river rock paperweight for myself!
The paperweight was such an easy project. The symbol can be sentimental or whimsical (or even a monogram), and the paperweight will make the perfect gift! What symbol would you put on an etched river rock paperweight? Something fun, I’m sure!
Originally posted 2016-07-13 08:00:25.
I didn’t know you can use etching cream for surfaces that are not just glass. Live and learn.
It’s true!! I’ve used it on ceramic mugs, as well. Thanks so much for stopping by!