The Secret of Thrift Store Find – Glass Block Picture Frame
It was just the right size and weight, with an immaculate surface that betrayed no blemish. Despite its intended transparency, it radiated a magnetic aura that begged for new embellishments, as if it were destined to become a show-stopping centerpiece. Its uniqueness was undeniable, and yet, that only added to the dilemma. The prospect of modifying it was daunting, for once I made my decision, there would be no turning back.
I needed to be certain before proceeding.
Do a Google search for “blank glass trophy” or “block glass picture frame”. Then you will see what was going through my mind when I found a 5×7 block glass picture frame that will make a great trophy.
I’ll show you the transfer techniques we use for the etched glass trays (as seen in our store) and show you how to make a block glass picture frame into a beautiful trophy.
Blocked Glass frames are simple. The picture is placed between two pieces of glass. The block glass structure allows for it to stand up on its own. It could even be positioned for a 7×5 presentation. There is no frame on the edges, it’s just a block of glass (well two blocks of glass).
Goal
This article is about transforming this thrift store treasure by visualizing the finished product with 3D animation to answer these questions.
Preparation
Remember, this article is about visualizing the finished product without altering the block glass frame. We will etch the glass only after we have a final decision on the design.
Preparation includes a 3D modeling of the block glass frame and the SVG files for the designs we want to etch on the glass frame.
To save some steps and get to the heart of what we want to accomplish, we will assume that a model of the block glass frame can be downloaded from the web and that the scene has been created.
All we need to do is create the SVG files for the design.
First Create SVG File(s) for Sand Carving
We’ll use 2 designs for the block glass frame. After all, we are brainstorming ideas and we should be ready to vet a couple of ideas.
I have selected a couple of designs that will demonstrate a challenge. We want to show the potential for complex designs and the desire to meet customers’ requests.
Our process to create SVG files is discussed in another article CREATE SVG FILE FOR SAND-CARVING OR CNC OR 3D MODEL. Weeding vinyl would not be pleasant for these two designs.
Once these SVG files are created, they would be used for the sand carving, but first, we need to decide on which file will be etched.
Let’s model the designs with 3D animation and look at the results.
Modify Artwork for 3D Modeling
Due to the complexity of the two designs, we’ll use the techniques described in our Blender articles. Simple designs can be done in the Inkscape file and prepared before import into Blender. But once you see the second technique it will be your go-to method.
The steps are outlined in this article Design 2 to 3D Model and Etch. We let Blender do the repetitive and tedious steps to finalize the designs into models.
If you are not familiar with our process of 3D animation check them out (Blender articles and Inkscape articles).
2 Designs in Inkscape File
In other articles, we have outlined the process to create SVG files and 3D animation videos. But I realized the technique could be expanded to allow multiple designs in a single file.
I created a custom-sized document in Inkscape to be the same size as the 5×7 picture frame. I wanted to complete both versions of the artwork in the same SVG file. I did this by using the Layer feature of Inkscape for each design. I could keep things aligned and centered on the same page using separate layers.
But when I import the file, Blender will not recognize the layer assignments and all of the vector paths will be in one list. Now both designs are in a single list. I could split the designs into two files and fix that problem. But having two files with common criteria and settings would require you to change one you have open, and change the other file. Importing two files means more steps. Maybe I just want to keep both designs in the same file.
Then I recalled that if I placed one of the designs off the page, Blender would import them in the same relative positions as shown in Inkscape. Now losing layer assignments does not matter. We never needed the layers for Blender to work anyway.
Import the 2 Designs
We start with a Blender scene that contains the block glass frame. It is the core of the product visualization package. This Blender file, product package, is where we will insert design variations to visualize the end product.
The SVG files are imported into the Blender scene and placed in position with the block glass frame model.
Render the 2 Designs
Each design is rendered into a finished product. At this point, we produce screenshots and the product video for final review or approval.
Conclusion
We have created our plaque with 2 design options applied to our block glass frame. We started with a double glass block glass frame found at a thrift store. Once we decide upon which design to sand carve on the face, we will have a precious plaque,
Product visualization with 3D animation has saved us valuable material. There are a lot of commercial services to do the same, but we have shown how it can be done for free. There are many opportunities on gig sites like Fiverr.com.
Watch for the follow-up article when we sand carve the block glass frame and leave your comments and questions below.
