| I searched the internet for simple designs for you | | | | sealed well the etching cream may seep under |
| to make for your beginner glass etching project. | | | | the tape and etch the glass where you don't |
| I wasn't satisfied with anything I found. | | | | want it! |
| It's not that they're aren't wonderful, easy | | | | Then decide how thick you want your stripe and |
| designs. It was just that I didn't want to use | | | | add another row of tape (I decided on two |
| them. | | | | stripes so the first row was about 1/2" and then |
| I got to thinking about MY first project - it was | | | | I repeated with another row of masking tape |
| really quite simple and I was delighted with the | | | | about 1/4" from that). Then add a row of hole |
| results. I have even used those same techniques | | | | reinforcers just under the masking tape.Rub them |
| over and over again for many gifts throughout | | | | on hard. You don't want any of the etching cream |
| the years. | | | | to seep under. Using a paintbrush, apply a thick |
| It creates a wonderful pattern which transforms | | | | layer of etching cream to the glass. Remember |
| flea-market finds and dollar store specials with | | | | the etching cream will etch the glass where it is |
| stripes and whimsical polka dots. | | | | applied so be sure to apply it only in the open |
| You'll need: | | | | areas on the hole reinforcers to make dots. |
| - Etching cream (available in craft stores) | | | | Clean any spilled cream IMMEDIATELY with the |
| - Plastic gloves and an old shirt with long sleeves | | | | paper towels. Following the directions on the |
| - Masking tape | | | | etching cream, allow to set for the recommended |
| - Adhesive hole-re inforcers (for loose leaf paper | | | | time, then rinse off the cream with warm running |
| pages) optional | | | | water, and remove the tape and reinforcers |
| - Glassware | | | | stencil. |
| - Disposable paint brush | | | | Wash with soap and water. If your design looks |
| - Paper towels | | | | like it has disappeared, don't panic. |
| - Running water from your sink | | | | It needs to be dry to see it. |
| When glass etching wear plastic gloves and an old | | | | Dry your glassware. Shine it up with some glass |
| shirt with long sleeves. Be sure to work in a | | | | cleaner if you like and enjoy! |
| well-ventilated area. | | | | I have used this simple technique so often and |
| Clean and dry your glassware thoroughly. | | | | made wonderful gifts. Did you know you can use |
| I used dessert glasses from a yard sale for my | | | | pinstripes (from the auto dept.) for teeny tiny |
| first venture into this wonderful medium but wine | | | | stripes or stars sheets from the dollar store for a |
| glasses or candy dishes or just about anything will | | | | different look (remove the design and use the |
| work. (Tip: colored glass works great too!) | | | | background sheet) |
| Start at the top of the glass and apply a strip of | | | | Next time I'll show you how to etch your cabinet |
| masking tape, making sure it is completely around | | | | doors! |
| the top. Rub out any bubbles in the tape as if not | | | | |