Diy craft Glass etching

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There is a wedding reception coming up and You are invited to attend. Next problem is what do take as a gift for the happy couple? Money might be tight as you are in between paychecks. Well there is an inexpensive diy craft idea that will save your day and bank account.  And that easy DIY craft glass etching.

As with all crafts, the sky is the limit on what you can create. A good imagination is a necessary tool in the process though. It will become clear that etching glass can be one of the most special crafts that you can do. The happy couple you bless with your talent will rave about your gift forever or at least until their future kids break it “on accident”. That phrase has done in some cherished gifts in our house. All joking aside etching will provide a method for many gift giving ideas for years to come.

Etching Glass as a DIY craft

As you delve in to the world of etching you will find that you can make some of the most beautiful objects by using etching as a technique. Many people will be admiring your craft and they may even not believe that you are able to make such eye catching designs. Another bonus to etching is that you will find that this craft is not hard either. Etching will allow you to be able to do any glass that you would like, including mirrors. Once again another bonus you will find is that the process of etching will make you find relaxation and peace during your project.. Even beginners can and will learn how to etch quickly.

Practice make perfect

Like any other project, you will find that your first step will be finding an etching cream that is relatively inexpensive for your first try at this technique. Practice makes perfect. So your first few attempts will need to be done on glass that is easily thrown away, before you sit down to etch your windows or favorite wine glass set.

On my 1st attempt I wanted to put a design on a curved glass.  Wow that was a stressful time.  If you attempt to try and apply a round design on a curved surface, I suggest patience.  It did not go as well as I had anticipated.  My advice is to start on flat surfaces.

You do need to practice safety though when etching. Make sure you follow the directions on the bottle of etching cream. Commons sense sould say use in a well ventilated area and a good pair of gloves is needed to protect your hands. Also you may need a facemask, depending on what the etching cream says that you need. Etching cream can be very harmful for you body if not used with care. For this reason alone, etching is not a good craft to do with your children. Make sure you ask your craft supply store to recommend a brand so that you will be able to get the best type of cream for you and your projects.

DIY craft glass etching

What to etch for this craft?

Of course need to get material for your gift like a piece of glass to etch.. Hand mirrors work well as well as champagne glasses and both can be found inexpensively. You can also try etching glasses, jars, windows, picture frames, and any other type of glass. Make sure that you clean and dry all of the glass pieces that you plan to use for your etching.

Then you will need to gather up a stencil. You can buy some precut stencil’s or you can use your cricut and design your own. Read here about that. Start with larger prints that do not have much detail until you get the hang of the technique. Clip art works well, or you can find etching kits that have stencils ready for you to use.

Art work for stencil etching

Use carbon paper to trace your stencil onto contact paper—white paper works best. You will want to use a utility knife to cut out your design from the contact paper or you may even use a pair of small scissors.  When you cut out the design, leave at least an inch or two of paper around it to make application easier.  Then stick the contact paper to the glass, making sure that all the edges are firmly stuck down, and then follow your etching cream’s directions to apply a thick coat of the cream with a foam brush or paper towel.

I designed my stencil in CorelDraw and then transferred it to Design Space.  After that I cut the design on my Cricut.  It was a fairly simple design.  You can’t really get elaborate with the amount of space my glass allowed.

DIY craft glass etching

My project was putting a J on a curved drinking glass.  It was not an easy task for me but my patience paid off.

DIY craft glass etching

DIY craft Glass Etching Time

Once you have applied the cream you will want to allow it to set for a specific period of time. Read and follow the directions carefully so you can make sure your designs work.   Also that you are able to make your designs according to need. Following the directions you will find that the cream will work it’s magic. Once it is done and ready.  You will be able to peel away the contact paper and you’ll have a beautiful piece of glass.  A new talent of diy craft glass etching will save you money for years to come.

DIY craft glass etching

 

It will be a great way for you to make a little bit of money on the side also. Just make sure that whatever you plan on doing with your projects.  That you put all your heart and soul into them so that they become works of art. Look out happy couple you are going to be the recipient of one of the greatest DIY craft etching gifts there is.

A quick youtube video can be found here.

Etching can create a lot of beautiful home decor items.  Let your imagination loose and watch out.  Check out this other DIY home decor blog that I came across just that perfect piece.com

Another blog that deals with glass is myfloridalife.com.  She has a really great project here

pin these images to pinterest please.

 

39 thoughts on “Diy craft Glass etching”

  1. this is the best thing i´ve read recently !! you just gave me the best idea for future wedding gifts!! i love your ideas and i never saw them before!! thanks for sharing
  2. It's the first time I came across such kind of activity and I think I want to try it too. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful idea. I will check on this and will see if I could do it too.
  3. I love the wedding idea because next year I am getting married and thought about what I could give my wedding party . Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog at https://treasuredinkblots.com/2019/04/09/allowance-part-2/
    1. first off congrats on your wedding. This is an easy but elegant idea for any one to use. Especially for weddings.
  4. I've always wondered how to do this! it doesn't look that hard after all. we need some nice bridal shower take home gifts for guests, this looks inexpensive and so pretty!
    1. Its is really inexpensive and easy to do. They would make great take home shower gifts. Thanks for reading and congratulations,
  5. Oh this is a super cool idea. I'm actually thinking of doing something for my husband involving glass for our third wedding anniversary but don't think I'll learn this skill in less than a week haha! Thanks for the idea though.
    1. I think you should. You could even create a silhouette of one of your pictures to include in a package deal.
  6. You make it look so easy! But I am sure I will end up making a big mess :-(. Love the end product.
  7. Hand made gifts are always so lovely. This looks like it took a lot of work/time to make but the end result is special.

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