(Continued...)

You can then take your steel wool and lightly dip in the stripper again to "rough up" the edges of your removed areas. It will look like the glass slowly feathers into the mirror that way, and when the cut-outs are in place, it will be very striking.

Now take some Windex and clear the back of the mirror. If you don't get all of the backing residue removed, it will come off on your cut-out pieces. You can then arrange the cut-outs in their appropriate spots, and make sure you've removed a large enough space for them. Next, tape on the cut-outs tightly. Some people use glue -- but with tape, you can rearrange if needed. Place the frame around the mirror, and seal up the back...and voila, an inexpensive, unique, and beautiful gift. Curious as to what the "final result" looks like? Check these photos.

If you need any further help, please feel free to e-mail me. My family has been making these for years. And as soon as our friends invitations go out, we start getting requests for them.

As a side note, this homemade craft idea works well on high school and college graduation announcements with senior photos, too -- and also for birth announcements with baby photos.

For more unique gift ideas, please see our homemade gift idea for fiances and newlyweds -- and also our great (and free!) wedding, anniversary, and birthday gift idea!