Thursday, July 15, 2010

Etch It Up!

A couple years ago for Christmas my sister recognized my deep desire to etch some glass ball ornaments and she gave me some stencils and some Armour Etch Cream.  Due to my lack of time (and fear of the cream itself) I never actually etched the ornaments or used the cream at all.  Have you ever been at the craft store and looked at etch cream/read the back label on it???  It's really intimidating..."Do not come in contact with your skin; if comes in contact with your skin first aid is needed immediately..." Uh...YIKES!  This summer, my friend Amy and I decided that we were going to get together once a week and partake in a "craft day".  Our husbands were way sad by our decision because they really love to join in on our craft projects...yeeee---aaaah riiiiiight!!!  :)  Our first project that we decided to tackle was etching glass.  It was super easy, just a little time consuming but the outcome was worth it!  I plan on etching a vase later on this week :).
Supplies Needed:
*Roll of Contact Paper - $8
*Foam Paint Brush - $.99/bag
*Etch Cream - $8.50/3 oz bottle
*Thin Tip Sharpie - $2
*Exact-O Knife - $4
*A print off of what you want to etch - Free (assuming you have a computer and printer at home)
*Something to Etch - (Mine was a picture frame from the Salvation Army - $1.50)

Step 1 - Trace your design onto your contact paper...make sure you have your paper facing the correct way and don't be like me who traced it and then spent time cutting the entire design out only to realize that it was backwards...doi!



Step 2 - Use your Exact-O Knife to cut out your design


Step 3: Wash and dry your glass surface to prepare it.
Step 4: Peel off the backing to the contact paper and carefully adhere it to your glass surface.  Be sure you work out any seams or bumps in it that could allow the cream to seep under.


Step 5: Generously apply the etch cream to your glass in an up and down motion until the entire design has been filled in.
Step 6:  Wait 5-10 minutes for the cream to attack the glass.


Step 7: Run your glass under the faucet until all traces of the cream have been rinsed off.
Step 8: Dry off your surface and peel off your contact paper.
Step 9: Admire your work :)

I added some scrapbook paper to my frame to make the monogram pop - obviously, you would skip this step if you were etching a vase.





Go get your hands on some etching cream and a glass piece you want to personalize!  You can do this, it's super easy! :)

I've linked up to:

13 comments:

  1. Oh! The final product looks awesome, Kare Bear. :) Can't wait to see it in person.

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  2. That turned out just wonderful! Great tutorial too! I've been wanting to try this...I've been to nervous though. I might just have to try your instructions. :)

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  3. Cute!

    You added this to my scrapbook link party, so you want people to see it, add it to my motivate me monday party.

    Kaysi
    Keeping It Simple

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  4. I really like this and have always been intimidated by the warnings too! Great job, the hubbies have no idea what fun they're missing out on ;)

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  5. I recently started Etching but this is great I see a wedding present in my near future thanks!

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  6. Ooh, I've been wanting to try this! I've been too nervous, though. Maybe I should just go for it.

    Thank you for participating in the Therapy Session with Life in the Pitts!

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  7. Oooooooo Pretty! Thanks for linking up!

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  8. Thanks for joining us for another great Anything Related! ~Bridgette

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  9. Love etching cream!

    Thanks for linking up to Socialize with me Monday til Sunday!

    hope to see you this week! :)

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  10. I've been afraid to try etching cream also. Your piece turned out great!

    I’m having a new link party “Cheap Thrills Thursday” starting this Thursday the 29th. It’s for creative ideas that cost under $20. If you have a project you’d like to share, I’d love for you to stop by and join in!
    Kat
    www.BlackKatsDesign.blogspot.com

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  11. That is really pretty. Glass etching is one craft I have not tried...yet. You made it look not as scary as I thought. What a pretty outcome. Thanks for linking to tickled pink.

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  12. I love this. I have been wanting to etch all of my glass baking dishes so when you take them somewhere there is no mistaking who's dish it is.

    Cheri

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