Here is a step by step break down on how to make an etched Mario Mirror!

Step 1: Collect Your Supplies...

For this project you will need the following supplies:

- A rotary tool (Such as a Dremel)

- A diamond tipped glass bit for your rotary tool

- A Mirror

- A permanent marker in a dark colour

- Paper towels or rags

- Dish cloth or towel

- A hard surface such as a table

- Glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol

- Gloves

- Hearing protection

- Eye protection (not pictured)

- Water (not pictured)

Step 2: A Note on Bits...

Glass bits for rotary tools look like this. People say that you can get a sharper point and therefore finer detail with the pointed bit; however, I have found equal, if not superior, success with the round topped bit. It all comes down to personal preference.

Step 3: Draw Your Mario...

Using your permanent marker free hand draw the Mario you wish to have on your mirror. The one I chose was for a little girl and she loves Paper Mario hence why he is adorning this mirror.

With this done you are ready to start etching...

Step 4: Etch Your Mario...

To set up your work area lay down your dish towel or bath towel on your hard surface. Place your mirror on the towel, safely away from the edges of the surface.

Put on your gloves, hearing protection, and eye protection now.

Setting your rotary tool on a low setting (on my WEN rotary tool set I have it either on a one or a two when etching)

Turn on the rotary tool.

Using light pressure while holding the rotary tool at a 90 degree angle begin "redrawing" over your permanent marker lines with the rotary tool. Do this in short deliberate strokes or else you may risk cracking the mirror. It will likely take a few goes over the same area to get the line to your desired thickness. Complete for the entire drawing.

If your mirror or tool start to heat up place a small amount of water on the mirror in the area where you are etching or take a break from etching for a while.

Step 5: Wash Your Mirror...

When you finish etching there will be glass dust and permanent mark residue on the mirror. Using either a window cleaner or rubbing alcohol wipe down the mirror until all of the residue is gone. Note that water will work in completing this task; however, the ammonia in the window cleaner and the alcohol will break down the residue of the permanent marker much easier.