See How To Verre Eglomise With Unicorn Spit
Have you heard of the decorative art technique of Verre Eglomise? Apparently it dates back to the 13th century and according to Wikipedia, the French term Verre Eglomise refers to the process of applying both a design and gilding onto the back of the glass to produce a mirror-like finish. When you combine it with Unicorn SPiT, it creates the most beautiful effect.
That’s my humble attempt at Verre Eglomise with Unicorn SPiT and it was surprisingly easy to do. I’ve never used Unicorn SPiT on glass before. I do know that it works like a charm on wood and material though, and I’ve been dying to try it. Especially after seeing all the beautiful things some of the other talented SPiTTers have been doing. Anyhows, because this was one of those playing around, experiment kinda things, there was just no ways I was going to spend a ton of money. Luckily, we had one of those el-cheapo clocks and a plastic doily in our craft stash that was just perfect.
How To Verre Eglomise With Unicorn Spit
After dismantling the clock we gave the glass a good clean with newspaper and watered down vinegar, before using the doily as a stencil.
The design on the doily was quite fussy, so I took a plastic lid to mask off the center bit. When spraying the doily, I used a very light touch, so the design would come out blotchy and hazy rather than perfect. I think it adds a nice aged feel.
Once the paint was dry, I applied a coat of clear Mod Podge to the glass. Like most water-based paints, Unicorn SPiT won’t adhere to smooth surfaces like glass, plastic, or melamine if it’s not treated first. If you don’t have any SPiT, acrylic paints will also work. Using a combination of White Ming and Zia Teal I just dabbed bits of color onto the back of the glass, being careful to leave some gaps between the colors.
When everything was dry, copperleaf was applied to the outer edges of the glass.
Copperleaf is really, really thin sheets of copper and you should be able to find it in most craft shops. It comes in a pack of between 10 and 25 sheets. To apply the copper leaf, spray the area with a little tacky glue and gently brush on the leaf with a good quality brush. I had to keep flipping the glass over to make sure it looked okay. It was a bit disconcerting to work on the back of the glass, you’re kinda layering everything in reverse 😀
Life is lived forward but judged in reverse - Salman Rushdie
Once I had the look I was going for, I sprayed the back of the glass with mirror effects from Rustoleum. Krylon sells something similar, but it’s hard to find here in South Africa.
And that’s it. The Verre Eglomise with Unicorn Spit experiment was done. The piece of glass went back into the original plastic frame, which got a quick makeover with some spray paint.
Aren’t those colors just lovely?
The photos don’t do the Verre Eglomise with Unicorn SPiT justice at all.
And the colors in the mirror change depending on how the light catches the copper leaf behind the glass. I think I’m ready to go all out now and try the technique on a BIG piece of glass. What do you think? Have you experimented with anything interesting lately? I’d love to hear how it turned out.
And if you like the idea of using Unicorn SPiT to make in Verre Eglomise don’t forget to pin it for later.
BTW, if you love Unicorn SPiT as much as we do and want to spit on some crazy things, here are a few more tutorials you’ll enjoy:
- It’s great for creating faux rust;
- Or you can apply some Unicorn SPiT to fabric;
- And boring melamine is no match for the power of SPiT either ;-);
- You can even use Unicorn SPiT to create this cracked up effect for something totally different;
- Or to make a mixed media mosiac. The posibilities are endless.
Unicorn SPiT has a few sparkling colors too, which are just stunning. This tutorial will show you how to blend the sparkling colors to create jewel-like tones. Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered. Disclosure: If you click on the links below, we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with new crafty ideas to share with you 😉
Or if you prefer to buy rather than DIY
As always sending lots of love and hope you have a stupendously creative week.
I have never heard of this technique, it is really pretty. And the best part is I have everything I need to make one. Winner winner. Such a unique project. ??
You’ll love doing something like this, Anita. It’s a little confusing because you’re sort of working backward but it makes such a big impact once it’s done.
This is breathtakingly beautiful. I can’t wait to try it….but I’m confused.
Did you remove the doily after spraying the black on it. If so, what did you use for the white look that remained.
Thank you so much Rita. Yes the doily was just used as a stencil and was removed afterwards. That white look is just piece of paper. Sorry I probably didn’t make it clear enough. I didn’t want any paint to go on the inside of the circle so I used the paper to block it off. That way when you spray with the mirror paint afterwards the center of the circle can be used as an actual mirror. Hope that helps and thanks so much for taking the time to ask, I really appreciate that
Michelle, I love the design of the doily, and the colors look amazing! Unicorn Spit sounds like such a fun product to use!
Thanks so much Tara. US is the best, you need to try it sometime
Really really pretty! I imagine it was hard to layer backwards like that… but it turned out great! Going to have to go click your links to figure out what on earth unicorn spit is now… 😛
I must admit it was a bit confusing working backwards. It puts a completely different perspective on things, which is a good thing sometimes;-)
This is the first time I hear about this technique (thank you Michelle for the introduction) and what you did is ab.so.lute.ly AMAZING!!!
Must say you got me first with the Unicorn spit – laughed out loud when I read the title 😛
Thanks so much Maya, it’s the coolest paint and wood stain ever. I love the stuff and I’m so glad we finally have a local distributor here in South Africa
I have never heard about that technique and I think I won’t be able to remember that name, but the result is gorgeous! I’ve heard amazing things about Unicorn spit too
You have to try it Pili. It’s such awesome paint and it smells like jasmine too
This is WOW Michelle! I have never heard before about this technique! I suppose we can apply this technique on so many items!!! Excellent work my friend 🙂
Thanks so much Christina 😀 The technique really does produce the most beautiful effects
I have not heard of this before. Thank you for the knowledge. This piece is stunning and love the colours. Like everything you do this is stunning and artsy. I love it. Pinning.
Thank you so much Leanna, I really appreciate that. Hope you have a very happy week
This is an incredible technique!! I think I have a couple of things I could do this with….
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
😀 That’s great Jodie, let me know how it goes. I’m sure you’ll add you own unique style as always
This is so beautiful, Michelle! The colors are incredible. I’ve not heard of this technique at all but, it looks pretty darn cool. I’ve also never used Unicorn Spit and I’m just like Jas, I can’t help but imagine a unicorn spitting all over the place 😉
LOL, yes that image is stuck in my head too now 😀
Michelle, I’ve never heard of this technique but I love it!! The glass looks amazingly beautiful!! What a beautiful statement piece! I’d be glad to design a stencil for you my friend, we’ll have to chat so you can give me a direction that you’re wanting to go with the design.
We need to do that Keri. I’ll give you a shout. There’s no-one I would trust more to make me a big ass overlapping stencil. Hope you have an awesome week my friend 😀
Love it! How do you come up with new and amazing ideas is beyond me. But every time you said unicorn spit I visualized a real (as if) unicorn snorting and then spitting on your project, lol. I can’t help it, I’m a very visual person. 🙂
Bwahahahahahhaaa Jas, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to use Unicorn SPiT without that image popping into my head 😀
Oh my goodness, Michelle, I MUST give this a try. But first, WTH is Unicorn Spit and do I need to find myself a unicorn (they’re hard to come by in my neck of the woods)? I did pin it though in case I catch one galloping by my house.
😀 LOL Marie, we struggle to find them here too. I think you’ll love US for some of your furniture projects. The colors are just WOW
I haven’t heard of this technique before, but now I want to try it! I love how it turned out, and I love trying new techniques. I have heard that Home Depot sells Unicorn Spit, I will have to remember next time I’m there.
OooooEeeee Linda, you have to try it and get some SPiT. The colors are amazing!!
This is the first I’ve heard of the technique, but it is lovely! Looks like there’s quite a bit of room for variation to get different effects. I’m going to be looking for something to try it on. Now I’ve heard of “Unicorn Spit,” but what exactly is it? Paint? What?
Oh you have to try Unicorn SPiT Florence. It’s a gel and wood stain that comes in the most beautiful colors. The lady who developed it, Michelle Nicole, used to work at a day care center for the elderly and disabled and she really wanted to get them involved in upcycling furniture pieces, especially the men. Many of them found it difficult to hold a paint brush so she figured out a way to make a gel stain that was safe and that could be applied with your hands. It’s really awesome stuff. I bought three colors from her about 2 years ago when she was still making it at home and loved it. Now you can get it at Walmart and a whole bunch of other stores. Isn’t that just the most amazing, feel good story.
I have never heard of this before. I love the effect, it looks amazing. I will need to give it a try.
You will love it Debra. I wish I could capture how lovely it looks when the copper shines through the paint on the glass.
Michelle, I love this!
Thank you soooo much Handan 😀
absolutely gorgeous!!!!
Thank you Gigi 😀
I never heard of it before, but now you made me curious and I have to try it. I have an old clock that is not working anymore and has to be redone. Only that awesome paint is a problem but i hope i will get one during my trip to US this autumn. Just lovely! 🙂
Thank you Gabi and I think you’ll really enjoy it. I ordered my Unicorn SPiT directly from the lady who invented it. She’s the sweetest person. Acrylics paints should also work though.
Hi Michelle, I am not good in craft, I have not heard of this technique before, you have changed the old cock into an awesome item. I love the design of the doily. What is a copper leaf?, Is it a thin sheet of copper. Very creative work dear.
Sadhna, your recipes are so creative so in my books you’re “good in crafts”. Copper leaf is the most amazing stuff. They normally use it to gild those highly ornate mirrors. It’s super thin. In fact if you work with it the slightest breeze just blows it away.
I also have never heard of this technique Michelle. But it is so, so beautiful. All those layers of color and on top of that intricate design of the doily. It looks like a beautiful abstract work of art.
And it looks like an antique mirror. I can see myself, just barely. So I always look good 😉
I have not heard of verre eglomise before, but really love how this old clock was turned into such a unique and beautiful decor piece! And you know what, I have this huge frame that I would love to try this on Michelle! Ah lot´s of inspiration, now I want to get home asap!
It’s such a fun technique to try Katrin and the effect in incredible. Hope you’re enjoying your holiday in Canada my friend.