Always a fan of anything monogrammed, I decided to embellish a few inexpensive lowball glasses with a couple of craft store supplies and just love how they turned out.
Here’s what you’ll need to etch glassware:
:: clear glassware
:: etching cream {like this}
:: sponge brush
:: clear contact paper
:: exacto knife
STEP ONE // print letter or number on contact paper
I don’t have a photo of this step, but you’ll just want to choose a font and size that works for your glass {I used my favorite font for numbers called Engravers}. Tape a piece of contact paper to a sheet of cardstock so that the clear side is facing the paper {this just allows the contact paper to go through the printer}. Print your design as a mirror image {it should be a setting in your printer dialog box}.
STEP TWO // trim around your number leaving a 1/2″ margin around all sides.
STEP THREE // use an exacto knife to cut out numbers.
STEP FOUR // remove the paper backing and stick number to glass.
STEP FIVE // clean up any rough edges with the exacto knife.
STEP SIX // dab a generous amount of etching cream onto glass. Be very careful not to touch the cream with bare skin {wear gloves if you must}. Leave the cream to do it’s work for a few minutes {read the back of the bottle for specific instructions}.
STEP SEVEN // rinse off the cream in cold water and wipe dry with paper towel. Peel off the contact paper stencil and enjoy your etched creation!
For a few more ideas and inspiration, here are two other great etched glass tutorials:
Click the images to see the instructions.
I’m a lazy crafter so I do these with my Cricut which cuts the letter for you, then you use the negative space for etching. Since it cuts the initial on vinyl, you also have a sticker initial to use as the gift tag. Another idea is to etch a baby’s name on a glass frame for a gift. I love your blog!
Sweet and simple, perfect.
Where did you get the lovely pillow in the background of your last shot?
I made the pillow using this lovely fabric: http://www.housefabric.com/WAGGAMAN-FESTIVE-P1473.aspx
This is adorable! I will have to make some for my new house!
Great idea with simple supplies! My favorite — would make a lovely shower gift!
xo Heidi
Great tutorial! I did some cute mason jars with handles for my sons rehearsal dinner. The rest of us were drinking out of plain ones. I put lips on the brides and a handlebar mustache on his. They were adorable and went well with our theme. I recently purchased some nice Beer glasses to etch for my husband. I love the thistle wood farms design. Thank you for sharing!
Love, love, love!! Great idea for me as we’ll as Christmas gifts. Thank you :)
What a cute idea! And it looks so easy! Thanks for sharing Emily
Love this! I’ve done glasses for gifts too and they’re always loved. Who doesn’t love to see their initials, a fun design, or even words on a glass or clear mug!! I gave clear coffee cups/mugs one year for a Christmas gift with the words “coffee” and “cocoa” on them. Package with some flavored coffee or homemade cocoa mix and it’s the perfect gift!