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.
Kenora
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!
Tiffany
Sweet and simple, perfect.
MomofTwinGirls
Where did you get the lovely pillow in the background of your last shot?
emily
I made the pillow using this lovely fabric: http://www.housefabric.com/WAGGAMAN-FESTIVE-P1473.aspx
Lauren Michelle
This is adorable! I will have to make some for my new house!
Heidi @ Decor & More
Great idea with simple supplies! My favorite — would make a lovely shower gift!
xo Heidi
Anna
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!
Kelly Barkhurst
Love, love, love!! Great idea for me as we’ll as Christmas gifts. Thank you :)
Sarah Barksdale Design
What a cute idea! And it looks so easy! Thanks for sharing Emily
Jill T.
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!