I heart glass etching!

This past Christmas season, I found out I love to etch glass vases. I can’t figure out why I didn’t post how to make my super cute vases with the letters JOY etched on to them.  Too many things going on inside my head I guess. The holidays is a wonderful and crazy time; I forgot to post that tutorial and I just found half of my Christmas cards that I supposedly mailed in a dresser drawer! Note to many family and friends; you’ll be getting them as Valentines instead. And all of my friends on blog-dom who I cannot see but I have faith that you actually exist, can now make etched Valentine’s vases with LOVE on them instead of JOY! Adaptability is a great attribute for mothers and bloggers, right?

So…without further ado, now we can make Valentine’s etched glasses!  Etching is super easy. You can do so many different patterns and designs.   Hearts, polka dots, numbers, robots…. the possibilities are endless. Organizing fanatic that I am, I love etching bottoms of glass baking dishes and labels for dog treats, honey, and spices.  If you are not up to trying this DIY technique on your own yet, there are many options to buy on the internet. Looking at them might get your creative juices brewing.  Think hearts, love,  or monograms for Valentines. Here are a few of my favorite etched glass artists on etsy:

I especially love these mustache mugs!

Bread and Badger

Whitewash Sundries

Anne Two Braids

1. Pick out a glass and clean it.  I recommend something cheap from the dollar store for your first try. That way you won’t weep if you are a bit impatient and it doesn’t turn out perfect.

2. Pick a design. If you are a newbie to etching then I recommend keeping your design simple and clean. I love a single monogram letter on a orange juice glass.  Print out your design on a piece of paper

3. Place your printed design over a layer of contact paper.  Use an Exact-o knife to cut out your design. To not ruin your table, make sure you have a cutting board or matte underneath the contact paper.

4.  Peel your design from the contact paper. Stick it to the glass.  Rub all edges down. Any imperfections will be seen in your final etching.

5. Paint on a glass etchant found at your local craft or art store. Follow the directions for that product. If the product has a certain time limit you can follow it, but I just like to paint the etchant on in a thick layer, then allow it to dry overnight.

6. Rinse off the etchant and gently peel back the contact paper but not completely removing it. Do the edges look good and the etched glass look even? If so completely remove the contact paper and clean. If not, repeat step number five after securing the contact paper again.

7. Fill your glass with valentine goodies!

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