For a long time I never considered myself crafty, but I know I am an artist at heart. My soul hums with happiness when doing creative projects, but they have to be easy to execute. I don’t own a lot of special tools or cutting machines. I don’t know how to knit or crochet or sew, although my mom did buy me a basic sewing machine and I really need to start trying.
I love those Pinterest projects that say “no sew” or “simple” in the title (see above).
What I HATE are creative projects that end is a huge mess. I despise the clutter and the clean up. My dining table, which in reality is the “craft/homework/drawing table” often ends up a total disaster. So it’s nice to find a creative outlet that’s easy, relaxing and doesn’t end in a big mess. There are not a lot of crafty things required. You do need some special glass etching cream, but it’s relatively inexpensive and goes a long way.
Simple and Beautiful Glass Etching
What you’ll need:
Disclosure: Affiliate links below.
Regular Paint Brush or Foam Brush
Stencils (Adhesive stencils work best, but you can also print and make your own.)
Glass Item of Choice (jars, glasses, coasters, etc.)
Paper Towel and Glass Cleaner
How to Etch Glass:
Step 1: Clean Your Glass Jar (or other item)
The first step is to make sure that you’ve removed any dirt, oil, fingers prints, etc. from your glass jar. You can use any type of glass cleaner or even vinegar for this job. But it’s important so that the glass etching cream is not disrupted by any grime.
Step 2: Stencil Placement
Choose your stencil and adhere it to your jar. I purchased these adhesive stencils on Amazon to make the job a little easier but you could also print and create your own stencils and tape to your jar using a strong tape like duct tape. If you print your own, be sure to print them out on heavy card stock or even adhesive paper like shipping label paper. But if you purchase reusable plastic “sticky” stencils, things might go a bit more smoothly when you get a few steps down and less printing and cutting mess! Be sure to use pressure to stick the stencil on strongly. You could even use a burnishing stick to push it down further.
Step 3: Brush on Glass Etching Cream
Using your paint brush, “glob” on the etching cream in a thick layer. This cream that I purchased says to only leave on for 60 seconds.
Step 4: Rinse with Warm Water
After waiting 1-2 minutes, rinse your jar in warm water until all of the etching cream is removed. You do not need to use soap at this stage. Plain water will wash all of it off. You can use your paint brush to help remove it.
Step 5: Repeat
Do not remove the stencil just yet. After rinsing, dry off your jar using a cloth or paper towel. (Cloth is better so that paper towel remnants are not left on the jar as you see below.) For a very opaque glass etch effect, I found that I needed to use the etching cream twice. I did try leaving it on longer than 1 -2 minutes but honestly it was still not fully opaque. So I then repeated the steps above to double etch the glass.
Step 6: Etch More, Clean Glass and Enjoy!
You can continue to etch other areas of your jar like I did for a really fun effect. I did three flowers on this jar that will be an attractive storage container.
Have you tried to etch glass?
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Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links.
