Would you like to see my etchings?


That sounds like a bad line from a tawdry romance novel (and I should know, because I love me some romance novels!)...

I'm making several Christmas gifts this year, and one of the things I decided to try was etching glass. I thought it would be a cute added touch to some of the gifts, making them more special. Of course, I don't have any experience with etching, but Pinterest assured me that it was quick, fun, & easy.


After a little research, I decided to use Armour Etch ($7.79 for 2.5 oz. at consumercrafts.com), which is a cream for D-I-Y glass etching. I bought some reusable, self-adhesive stencils with a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby ($2.50 with coupon), and also picked up a round stencil brush while I was there ($1.47). I already had the glassware, so I was ready to go!


First, you apply the self-adhesive stencils to the glass, making sure that there is a good seal.


Next, using the brush, you apply a thick layer of the etching cream to the stencils, making sure that you don't get the cream anywhere other than the openings for the letters.


The instructions said to leave the cream on for 60 seconds, then rinse well with water. The angel on my right shoulder said "Follow the instructions", but the devil on my left shoulder said "60 seconds isn't long enough - leave it on longer". I compromised. The first time, I left it on for 60 seconds...


It etched the glass, but I really wanted it to be more "frosty".


So I reapplied the stencils, added more etching cream, and this time I left it on for 5 minutes. I was much happier with the results this time. The little devil was right!


I decided to go ahead and try another round. This one is for my niece. I hope she doesn't see this, LOL - but this is only part of the gift, so even if she does, it's okay. I put the stencils on, added the etching cream...


and left it on for 8 minutes...love it!!


This really was an easy project. The most difficult part is lining up the stencils - and even that isn't hard to do. I'm going to be etching everything, LOL!

BTW - I have projects for both of the glass items, and I'll be sharing those with you soon!
Kim
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