Glass etching may very well be the easiest craft of all time. That being the case no plain glass surface in my house is now safe. Drinking Glasses, picture frames and vases are not only abundant at the thrift store if you look hard enough you probably have tons around your house begging for a face lift. The hardest part is finding cute stencils to use.
SUPPLIES
Tulip Fashion Graffiti Stencils
Glass
Armour Etch
Paint Brush
Aleene’s Tack-It Over and Over Glue
I decided to raid my own stash of picture frames and glasses, a little up-cycling never hurt anyone. Once you choose your stencil apply Aleene’s Tack-It Over and Over to back side and attach the stencil to your glass surface. The glue will hold your stencil in place long enough to apply your Etching Medium. All you do is apply the medium to your surface, allow to sit for 5 minutes and rinse. Now that is what I call a quickie craft!
Some stencils come already sticky like this one with a guitar and lightening bolt which makes things that much easier. One word of warning is be sure to get a thick coat of the etching medium onto your surface.
Lotta Jansdotter has a fantastical new kit out called Lotta’s Printing Studio
. The book comes with not only adorable stencils like this one I used on a mirror of two birds and an apple but also carving tools so you can make your own stamps.
You have seen me use Ed Roth’s amazing stencils to make my own fabric, applique a skirt and even as a baby shower activity. This sassy lady from Stencil 101: Make Your Mark with 25 Reusable Stencils and Step-by-Step Instructions begged to be etched onto a frame. I mounted a piece of hot pink felt behind her. Another tip, solid darker color backgrounds work better than light colors and prints.
Be sure to check out these easy glass-etched cocktail tumblers that you could have ready by happy hour!
Debate no longer – go for the doors!
I LOVE that idea! These are all super fun and I know I have all the supplies in a drawer somewhere. Maybe this weekend I'll get a chance to make my boring glasses BLING!
super cool! i gave etched glasses as gifts this Christmas, Target has plain drinking glasses in two sizes, set of four for $1.99. also, you may already know this, but you can re-use the etch cream. just scrape off before you wash off & re-use.
I change my mind too often to permanently etch something like sliding glass doors. Frosting spray paint would work and is much more forgiving since you can scrap it off with a razor blade. I’ve also seen some really cool window cling things used on sliding glass doors (I have no idea what they're technically called). That’s just me though. If you go for it I’m sure it will turn out awesome.
Holy macaroni, I had no idea you could do this! I always etched using a sandblaster and I no longer have access.
Long ago, I used to have stencils laser cut at sign shops…
Bonnie your designs on glasses would be so amazing. I'd drink from your glasses any day.
Lemons2lemonade, I had no idea. That stuff is kind of pricey too.
Alana, good point. Plus I'd be scared I'd screw it up.
Erin this glass etching stuff is seriously easy. I had no idea you could do it with a sandblaster. Laser cut stencils is a good idea!
Ooooh, that's SO smart! Great use of the new stencils!! xx, V
Thanks! I thought it was that you, Margot and I all used the new stencils this week. Must be a good sign that the new product is pretty bitchin and pretty versatile (cards, clothes and glass).
Love the mirror with the Lotta stencils. When I was little I had a mirror like that on my dresser that I put my Jean Nate on – I though it was so fancy.