I think the “I love of etched glass” bug that bit me originated over at Martha Stewart Living. Come to think of it, I think a lot of my love bugs have originated from MSL, but that’s a post for a different day.
I first noticed the delightful etching on these storage canisters.
I imagined replicating the design on little canisters for decorative displays of cars and balls and vintage baseball cards in Zack’s playroom. Then, I realized he’d always want to play with what was inside of them, and a three-year old and glass doesn’t exactly mix.
I really love these flea market glasses enhanced with etched initials, stripes, and polka dots.
And can you imagine this gorgeous etched window in your bathroom? If I didn’t already have a glass block window in my master bath, I would definitely convince my husband to let me do it.
The thing is, I’ve never actually done any glass etching myself. There are some great tutorials out there explaining the process (try here, here, and here), but I’ve never taken the leap to actually complete my own project. I don’t know why I’ve resisted even though I absolutely love the look. Truth be told, I think I’m just scared of screwing something up. Even my own “What’s the Worst that Could Happen?” mantra hasn’t helped me over that un-Lindsay-like little hurdle.
In fact, when I saw Kathy’s wonderful monogrammed etching on her hand and dish soap dispensers on her blog, I commented whined to her about how I wish I could do that. She used a Cricut to cut her letters out of vinyl to make a stencil. I hardly ever use my old Sizzix cutter, so I haven’t sprung for a Cricut (although I do lust after them every time I visit a craft store).
Kathy came to my rescue via e-mail, explaining that I could use my Sizzix to cut vinyl. Woo-Hoo! Time to dust that baby off! She also gave me some other information about buying glass etching and vinyl supplies (you can also make those vinyl wall words and letters with these cutting machines), so I wanted to pass that information along to you. I’m sure I’m not the only one who hasn’t been quite sure where to buy these supplies.
- Vinyl sheets can be purchased in craft stores. The brand Kathy uses is by Provo Craft and comes rolled into a square container. It’s fairly pricey, so be sure to use a store coupon if you can. The sheets come in different colors, but there may be a limited selection at your craft store.
- Another source of vinyl sheeting is Sign Warehouse. You can purchase many different sizes and colors of self-adhesive vinyl, and you get more bang for your buck than buying the small sheets in craft stores. This may be a good resource if you wanted to make vinyl letters/words for your walls.
- Some crafters use regular contact paper to make their etching stencils. This would be a cheaper route if you only wanted to etch glass. You would just cut a stencil of your design out of it with a cutting machine (or an old school Exact-o knife!) and apply the sticky side to the glass to hold it in place. And yes, I feel like a total dork for not realizing I could just use an Exact-o knife to cut out a stencil, okay? Quit laughing at me.
- For the actual glass etching, Armour Glass Etching Cream is available at craft stores. Again, use a coupon when possible because it’s not cheap. Armour even has pre-cut stencils in several different fonts and themes available if you aren’t interested in making your own.
Man, after learning all of this, I’m totally ready to tackle this project. I’m also very embarassed at how much whinning I’ve done over something extremely easy. As I told my son just today, “Don’t say can’t, because can’t never could!” Now, I just have to figure out what to etch. Thanks for your help, Kathy!
Has anyone else used these products? How did your projects turn out? Feel free to include a link if you blogged your project in the comments so we can all check them out.
I learned to do this in high school art. We always etched mirrors and used Contact paper and Exacto knives. They usually turned out pretty good. I'm not sure how you would do a window or anything that was stationary, as you have to rinse off the etching creme completely before you remove the paper. Can't wait to see how your projects turn out. And really, it's not hard. If my high school art teacher was willing to turn a bunch of 15 year olds lose with knives and etching cream, I know you can do it. 🙂
I want to do some etching too. I saw a bathroom window that looked like lace. They actually took a piece of lace and put it over the window and then used the spray etching. They made it look easy. Just a ton of old towels to place underneath when they started to wash it all off. I havn't tried either,but maybe a few $1 store glasses would be a good start. Hugs, Marty
I love the look of etched glass, as does my mother, so for mother's day this year, I bought some cheap-y vases at Michael's for about $10 (for 3) and some Armour Etching Cream. And the stencils! There are so many lovely designs! I got some with butterflies, and an abstract design, and they turned out lovely. I want to etch just about everything now! (If only my landlord would let me etch my bathroom window….)
That's funny that you blog about this. I have a seller bookmarked on etsy that sells the vinyl like this…I was going to get some monogram ones for some Pottery Barn glassware that I have.
My dad etched about a hundred glass hurricane globes for my wedding. They have our married monogram on them, and turned out so beautiful! I now use several all over the house. But I still have boxes (by the way, anyone have the initials cBr and need some hurricanes?)I know that you can do it with chemicals as you talk about above, but he used an etching tool. Now it will be no surprise that he used a tool for this, as the man has every tool known to the free world! He found his at an estate sale, so you might keep a watchful eye out when you go flee marketing/yard sale/estate sale-ing!
Thanks for sharing!!!
I have always wanted to try this, but have been intimidated too! I will be eager to see your results.
You can do it Lindsay!
Believe ME! If I could do it! You can!! LOL!
I am glad you were inspired!
I haven't tried it, either, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that bathroom window. I remember loving it back forever ago when it was first in MSL, and fell in love all over again when I saw it was in MS Crafts.
Sounds like it is time to break out my etching supplies. I used to etch mirrors. I have a mirror shrine to my favorite band (The Smashing Pumpkins) that showcases artwork from each of their albums. I'll have to post a picture sometime…I did it the old fashoned way–exacto knife and contact paper.
I definitely want to try this. What a great way to personalize a gift for a wedding. I can't wait to share this with my daughter too. Jackie
I love etched glass as well. LOVE those canisters, and I had no idea that you could even do it yourself. Please give it a try and let us know how it goes.
If it works for you, I have a little project in mind…..
I have wanted to etch glass for as long as I can remember! I am particularly inspired by the photo with the flea market glasses. I'd love to do something like that.
ooohhhh, I love the bathroom window idea!! I'm too timid to try the etching. Maybe after you share yours, I'll try. 🙂 I did pick up some beautiful vases this weekend at garage sales and from a freecycler. It doesn't hurt to try.
Hi Lindsey,
I am a avid glass etcher with different techniques. I would love to provide you and your readers a step by step tutorial to expand this hobby to more people. Please email me at
ericrobertetching@yahoo.com
-Eric
We have several supplies and tools for glass etching, but are always on the lookout for great examples of fun projects.
Thanks for sharing!