Doing glass etching on various projects is a great way to personalize gifts. It’s fairly easy to do, but you do need to be very careful with the etching cream.
I had this glass totem that I made over a year ago. I googled to find a garden phrase and found “Friends are the flowers in the garden of life”.
Decide on a stencil
The image was designed in my Silhouette Studio Designer Edition. I was cutting this out on my Portrait, so I did it in two different cuts. After I cut it like this, I rotated it to cut the other half. Note: the “g” in garden, I didn’t make my outer most circle quite big enough.
Can you see the words? It’s tough to see white on white.
Apply Stencil
I actually ended up cutting out one word at a time and applied it without transfer paper. Because I do stenciling all the time, it was easy for me. This vinyl is VERY sticky and a little difficult to re-position. After applying each word, I transferred the oodles and boodles. (insides of the letters)
There were a couple of places I had to “patch” with a small sliver of the vinyl—where the letter was too close to the edge, and where the two words didn’t come together perfectly. I didn’t want the etching cream to bleed though the edges of the stencil.
After donning rubber gloves I used a plastic knife to apply the etching cream to the stencil.
Use a cotton swab to clean up smudges
There were a couple of places I got too close to the edge, and used a Q-tip to clean it up.
Rinse Etching Cream with garden hose
I scraped the excess etching cream back into the bottle, it’s reusable. It’s best to do this outside (away from pets and plants).
Carefully, I rinsed the etching cream off with the hose. I have used etching cream before and learned the hard way that you shouldn’t rinse it in your sink. When you have a porcelain sink the etching cream can leave visible damage.
Admire your glass etching project!
I love how this glass etching turned out! There are so many applications for glass etching. Think candy dishes, dog/cat treat bowls, oh and I did glass etching on a baking dish for jamie years ago.
gail
Kalamity Kelli says
September 30, 2013 at 6:50 pmDarn! Too late but that’s okay – My husband just bought me a Silhouette Cameo for my birthday that’s coming up in a week or so and when we were there, I saw the fabulous glass etching piece and thought that would be my next purchase!
Angela Yeremenko says
September 29, 2013 at 11:44 pmI have never etched before. I would like to do my sugar and flour canisters first.
Corinne says
September 29, 2013 at 10:49 pmI would love a Silhouette to make some vinyl wall art for my daughter’s room. I would use the etching cream on some glass photo frames that I already have – they would make perfect wedding gifts!
karen chaplin says
September 29, 2013 at 8:51 pmHi,
I have so many great ideas what I would love to make with a Silhouette portrait, but first I’d love to make some mini personalized glass etched candles for teacher appreciation gifts and gifts for my friends – I think they would look wonderful.
thanks for a great giveaway
andie d says
September 29, 2013 at 8:26 pmI’d like to etch some plain glass plates for teacher gifts
Meg Karetny says
September 29, 2013 at 4:37 pmI collect(um, hoard) lots of glass jars. This would be fun to use so I can display them instead of keeping them on dusty old shelves 🙂
Nimrah says
September 29, 2013 at 4:40 amOhhh i would love to win!!! I have so many ideas on what to make! I think I would use it to make greeting cards and decorations especially with vinyl. I would also use the etching kit to make Mr. and Mrs. glasses for a friend who is getting married this winter!
angela walters says
September 29, 2013 at 2:18 ami’d use the portrait to make up some halloween party invites. i’d love to etch some beer mugs for christmas gifts.
Jessica Dobbs says
September 28, 2013 at 10:07 pmI would love to make holiday cards; and if I etched anything it would be custom picture frames
Terri J. says
September 28, 2013 at 7:23 pmWe make customized kitchen canisters for my daughter who just got married.
carol says
September 28, 2013 at 5:15 pmI’m not sure what I would etch. maybe label my glass canisters I have in my kitchen.
ellen b says
September 28, 2013 at 5:00 pmID love to etch flour and sugar jars
cindi says
September 28, 2013 at 12:17 pmwould LOVE to etch! maybe some mirrors?? def some glasses.
candy luvscats kratzer says
September 28, 2013 at 11:50 amI would love to etch my vanity mirrors and whatever else I can etch around the house.
Jen V says
September 27, 2013 at 10:18 pmI would use it to etch my glass canisters. And some etched candle holders for Halloween would be fun too!
Carmen Nuland says
September 26, 2013 at 10:55 pmI want to etch a mirror for my daughter’s bedroom
carolee c. says
September 26, 2013 at 8:59 pmI would love to do some candy containers for our Halloween party!
MKarls says
September 26, 2013 at 3:46 pmI would etch a beer mug for my cousins 21st birthday.
tammigirl says
September 26, 2013 at 12:53 pmI would love to etch the bottoms of our set of glasses with special messages.
Stacey says
September 26, 2013 at 11:48 amPrefect timing for Halloween. It would be fun to etch some ghosts, Halloween says, etc on some candle holders!!
Cindy Freeman says
September 26, 2013 at 11:46 amGail….I have just started etching What happens if you rinse it in the sink?
Thanks
Cindy
Cindy says
September 26, 2013 at 9:29 amI am very excited with the possibility of winning the Silhouette machine. Thanks
Amy says
September 26, 2013 at 8:47 amWhat a awesome idea, I love it!
ellen casper says
September 26, 2013 at 8:26 amI would love to make notecards and labels and etch a mirror for my hallway
Susan says
September 26, 2013 at 6:48 amOk Glass etching is next on my list! That little garden statue is awesome Gail! I think I would use it to personalize
Christmas gifts 🙂
Kari VanNoy says
September 26, 2013 at 3:11 amI would love to etch some cookie jars! Great wedding gifts…yes?
Cindy B says
September 26, 2013 at 2:26 amI’m thinking I’d like to etch something on the glass door of my studio (after some practice on something else!)
mary anne fields says
September 26, 2013 at 2:19 amMy son and his wife are deaf. I’d love to etch the hand-sign I Love You on a set or clear dessert plates and glasses. Thanks for a wonderful giveaway.
Dawn says
September 25, 2013 at 11:32 pmI always wanted to try etching. I have some really funky blue wine bottles I would like to etch one day. I also have many other ideas for window panes and glass doors.
Charlene says
September 25, 2013 at 10:49 pmI really want to etch my own casserole dishes that my sweet hubby bought for me on our last anniversary. Yes, it was what I wanted! I also want them to return to me, so putting our last name on them is imperative!!! Of course my mind has a lot of other vinyl projects rolling around in it…I have some spare cupboard doors crying out for vinyl…
Fawn Strunk says
September 25, 2013 at 10:09 pmWould love to etch gift for christmas
Jen Archer says
September 25, 2013 at 10:06 pmI have wanted to do glass etching for awhile, but have been scared I will mess it up. This looks so easy. I would like to make personalized Christmas ornaments for my children and this would be a great opportunity. With the Silhouette I could make each one special with out having purchase off the shelf generic stencils. Thanks for the opportunity!
Jessica w says
September 25, 2013 at 9:53 pmI would mainly use it for baby shower gifts, but I would love to etch a glass lamp shade.
Nikki says
September 25, 2013 at 8:53 pmMy son is getting married in April, I wanted to etch an entire set of kitchen ware for their wedding.
Connie Haack says
September 25, 2013 at 8:50 pmMy daughter just bought a house and I would love to etch Welcome on the window in her door. I could also make some unique Christmas gifts!
Amy says
September 25, 2013 at 8:36 pmI’d really like to etch baking pans for christmas presents.
Sherry Tune says
September 25, 2013 at 7:42 pmI would etch an old window and also a mirror. I would also make signs, signs signs 🙂
Nicola says
September 25, 2013 at 7:22 pmI would love to etch some old windows or ??? Too many options!
Susanne says
September 25, 2013 at 6:13 pmI would love to do some etching on some old windows, glasses, mirrors and on and on……so many surfaces.
Thank you for the giveaway.
Susie says
September 25, 2013 at 5:25 pmI have shelves of glass in my garage that I use to make totems with solar lights in them to give to people who have lost a loved one. I call them ‘memory lights’. Every day as night falls they are reminded that their loved one is still with them in their hearts. I would love to be able to personalize them with the Silhouette and etching kit. PLEASE!
Laura says
September 25, 2013 at 5:12 pmI’d so love to win to try this…I don’t know where I’d even start — picture frames, ornaments…it’s all so cool.
Cate says
September 25, 2013 at 4:40 pmI would start etching every mirror in the house!
Erika W. says
September 25, 2013 at 4:30 pmThat is such a cool idea! I would etch my glass flour and sugar jars first and then find some glassware for the bathroom and monogram those!
Stevie B says
September 25, 2013 at 4:23 pmI am love everything having a “place” and I would use this on glass jars I’ve collected for storage around the house. Plus, wouldn’t it make personalized gifts easy peasy? Some of the comments gave me some great ideas. Thank y’all!
Olivia says
September 25, 2013 at 3:23 pmI would use it to etch like tea, sugar and flour into glass canisters or candy dishes.. Thanks for the chance to win a awesome prize.
Renee says
September 25, 2013 at 2:52 pmI would definitely use this to make some things for my sons wedding in May.
Kelly C says
September 25, 2013 at 2:46 pmI would put our name on some of the Pyrex and other dishes we got as wedding gifts with the etching kit. I would love to use some of the other Silhouette products to add decals to plain tshirts, create handmade holiday cards and gift tags and create some subway art for the living room.
Dollie says
September 25, 2013 at 2:33 pmI would love to make some projects for around the house, and etch a few glasses 🙂
Catherine says
September 25, 2013 at 2:06 pmI would love to have a Silhouette to enhance my paintings. I am sitting here with the shingles thinking of all the wonderful ways I could use a Silhouette. I would love to give etching gifts on dishware! What a great personal gift. I would love to use both etching and Silhouette to personalize weddings at our old barn. I would like to develop the barn as a wedding site, but I’m not sure I can pull it off. We have had two wedding there so far and one more booked. I made tons of signs and designs for the wedding and believe the Silhouette and the etching would add a professional air.
Kathie Young says
September 25, 2013 at 1:57 pmI would love to give my boring glasses a little personality!
Helen Bisesi says
September 25, 2013 at 1:53 pmI would love to etch some plates to personalize for Christmas gifts! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Brenda Thompson says
September 25, 2013 at 1:17 pmI would do some Christmas Presents on 8×12 casserole dish to give to my daughters, sister and nieces.
Carrie says
September 25, 2013 at 1:10 pmI want to make some vinyl wall art for my sons room and I would love to etch some glasses with my boys favorite super hero logos
Colleen Boudreau says
September 25, 2013 at 12:31 pmI would love to etch shot glasses.
Mindi says
September 25, 2013 at 12:27 pmI would to do some etching on my vases! I would use the silhouette for cutting tons of stuff! I love how your glass totem turned out! So cool!
Irma says
September 25, 2013 at 12:09 pmI’ve tried etching before, but it seems that it will be much easier using the portrait. I’ve lately been researching this product and would to win one to aid in my paper crafting hobby!
Sherry says
September 25, 2013 at 11:59 amI have always wanted to do glass etching and have dreamed of having a silhouette. What would I do with one? There are so many things, Like glasses, mirrors, and the totems that I have made. There are so many.
doreen says
September 25, 2013 at 11:58 amI would love to try glass etching! I have so many ideas floating in my head that I would love to get out and try!
karen says
September 25, 2013 at 11:48 ami am amazed at all the things that i could do with the silhouette/cameo,vinyl,glass etching,inking,,,what else,hmmmm,blinging,,,,,, wow i need the eiching kit!!!!! Endless possibilities:)
heather f says
September 25, 2013 at 11:41 amI’d like to try some small accent mirrors and some Christmas dessert plates
Donetta Wolfe says
September 25, 2013 at 11:23 amI have been wanting to etch a number of things, including glass wear, a table, and a mirror to go in my Louisville Cardinal room.
Christina Ortiz says
September 25, 2013 at 11:17 amI have seen etching creams before, but was reluctant to try it because wasn’t sure if they worked or how hard they would be to use. Thanks for showing us this. First thing that came to my mind to use it on, was a candy jar. And I like the idea of using them on platters or baking dishes to use as gifts.
Stephanie Conner says
September 25, 2013 at 11:16 amI am working on a “family tree” gallery in my house, and I would really like to put each person’s name on the glass of each picture with vinyl and having a Silhouette would make this so much easier and nicer looking.
Shannon Gould says
September 25, 2013 at 11:15 amThe possibilities are endless with the portrait! I would love to use the stamping tool to make stamps for clothing for my daughter. I would also love to use the vinyl cutting tool to create labels and organize things in my kitchen. I would use the etching tool to create fun patterns on vases. I have tried to do it freehand but it is always a mess and never looks that great!
Mariely says
September 25, 2013 at 11:01 amI would make lots of vynil projects 🙂 and I would like to etch glasses for my wedding.
Rae says
September 25, 2013 at 11:00 amP.S. The rafflecopter says the raffle ends in 33 days and 19 hours rather than 3 days and 19 hours. Just thought you might want to know.
Rae says
September 25, 2013 at 10:58 amI’d etch a glass serving bowl to make it more elegant.
Pam says
September 25, 2013 at 10:55 amThat is cute….Love the way it turned out.
Rochelle says
September 25, 2013 at 10:45 amI would love to have the Silhouette portrait because I still have the Silhouette SD…it’s high time for an upgrade! I would love to create some beautiful glass etching on mason jars for sugar and salt scrubs. Those are great give aways for the holidays and great for birthday gifts too! I can see it now…”Sweet Brown Sugar Scrub” and “Luscious Lavendar Salt Scrub”.
Theresa says
September 25, 2013 at 10:45 amI have been thinking of getting each of my cats their own personalized plate, so that’s what I think I would make.
Natasha says
September 25, 2013 at 10:38 amI would make some great monogrammed items for Christmas gifts!!
Theresa G says
September 25, 2013 at 10:34 amWe have a lot of upcoming weddings to attend, so I would etch on bakeware as a personalized gift for each couple. Or even come up with something more original. I love how your project turned out!
Jamie P says
September 25, 2013 at 10:14 amI would love to make fabric projects & make some of those gorgeous etched dishes for bridal showers!
MomQueenBee says
September 25, 2013 at 10:04 amI have three nephews getting married in the next few months–I’d love to etch glass cookie jars for them and fill them with my mother’s (their grandmother’s) cookie recipes.
Barry says
September 25, 2013 at 10:03 amStacy has been bugging me about getting her a Silhouette – I’m sure cake plates would be a first project for this handy little item.
Michelle Smith says
September 25, 2013 at 9:58 amI’d love to etch some casserole dishes or clear glass salad bowls as Christmas presents
Lindsay says
September 25, 2013 at 9:57 amI would etch kitchen canisters first!
Ashley Bell says
September 25, 2013 at 9:57 amI would love to hang a new portrait on my collage wall. I would love to etch My cake domes and some plates.
Pammie says
September 25, 2013 at 9:57 amAll my mirrors and maybe my bathroom window. I love words and phrases. And punnies! Thanks for the chance!
Sandra says
September 25, 2013 at 9:56 amGlass for picture frames with my kids names
Emily Ray says
September 25, 2013 at 9:56 amI’d like to etch a silhouette of my kid’s profile on a glass pitcher.
Paige // Lively Green Door says
September 25, 2013 at 9:52 amI feel so silly, but I had no idea something as cool as etching cream existed. I WANT TO ETCH ALL THE GLASS NOW!
girlfromwva says
September 25, 2013 at 9:52 amthat is a beautiful garden totem!!! love how the etching turned out! i would etch sayings onto the glass in frames/i would etch monograms onto glasses for gifts/etch fronts of wine bottles and or jars!
Fawn B. says
September 25, 2013 at 9:49 amI’d etch a piece of glass to have a favorite quote, something either JRR Tolkien or GMMR or from The IT Crowd. Then I’d frame it and put some bright scrapbook paper (solid color) behind it!
Nadine says
September 25, 2013 at 9:47 amI’m working on assembling parts to make a Trumeau Mirror that I would love to etch a quote in once done. Have the mirror, not I need a great old door and some trim!
Mary Noel says
September 25, 2013 at 9:46 amOh I love this! My amily is making gifts this year for Christmas, and this would give me so many options!
Mary Noel says
September 25, 2013 at 9:47 amI should add that I would make personalized Cookie platters for all my sisters (4 of them)
Chelle says
September 25, 2013 at 9:45 amI have been working on my family history and would love to be able to etch family trees onto old windows to share with my ever shrinking family…
Jill says
September 25, 2013 at 9:44 amI would love to be able to add etched embellishments to the stained glass custom pieces that I make for people.
Beth says
September 25, 2013 at 9:43 amIt would be quicker to list what I wouldn’t use it for! I’d definitely use the etching cream for some Christmas gifts. When I get a Silouette, EVERYTHING with be labeled. Can’t wait!
Cindy says
September 25, 2013 at 9:36 amThat looks really nice and crisp!
Hmmm… what would I etch… I think it would be cool to take an old window and etch something on it and hang it from two chains. 🙂 xo
stephanie says
September 25, 2013 at 9:31 amI would love to win a silhouette. I have a pinterest board full projects just waiting to get done. 😉 I would love to etch glasses for my family.
Colleen says
September 25, 2013 at 9:30 amThanks for the chance to win! So cool! I would like to try etching special glasses for my kids to use and maybe dishes as well! 🙂
Margaret says
September 25, 2013 at 9:30 amLove the garden art and the etching makes it so much more personal!
Carrie eastman says
September 25, 2013 at 9:29 amI would etch names on baking dishes as gifts!
Tracy says
September 25, 2013 at 9:28 amI would love to etch some bottles to go in my vintage bathroom.
Adina @ Simply Country Life says
September 25, 2013 at 9:28 amHi Gail, I have a pinterest board full of silhouette projects! I would etch cheese/cake cloches. Thank you for hosting!
Melissa Semb says
September 25, 2013 at 9:28 amI make bird feeders from glass plates and I would use this to etch designs and words on them. It would make them so awesome. Also Christmas and wedding presents, galore!!!
Melissa
Lorena B. says
September 25, 2013 at 9:27 amI love the idea of glass etching, never tried it but definitely will if I with this puppy :). Great little gadget!!! Perfect for the holidays coming up.
Jeanne J says
September 25, 2013 at 9:25 amI love your project! I’d would love to etch my old window that I found at an antique store.
Kristie F. says
September 25, 2013 at 9:20 amThank you so much for the giveaway. I would love to etch vases for wedding presents. But I would also create scrapbook embellishments like a mad woman 🙂
Stacy says
September 25, 2013 at 9:19 amOmgosh… I would soo love to win one of these..What wouldn’t I do with it..Signs, pillows I have so many ideas. As far as etching goes I would love to try it on some jewelry and my daughter is graduating from H.S this year so making her a shadow box with her cap and senior picture is on my to do list and etching on the glass would be awesome.
Thank you for all you share!
Alysha says
September 25, 2013 at 9:16 amI have been wanting to etch! I have candle holders and vases from my wedding reception that I have always wanted to etch and give to loved ones as gifts.
LinhC says
September 25, 2013 at 9:14 amI would etch my name onto a glass serving platter.
Tara Dandrea says
September 25, 2013 at 9:14 amWould love to make some gifts for my sisters and mom etched with their names and filled with some homemade goodies from my garden!
Kate says
September 25, 2013 at 9:12 amI LOVE glass etching!! People are so impressed yet it’s so easy!!
Taramarie says
September 25, 2013 at 8:51 amIf I were lucky enough to win this great giveaway (or if I magically had $269 to finally purchase one) I’d mostly use it to make signs, I LOVE signs!! The 1st sign I would make using the etching, would be a gift for my parents 50th wedding anniversary in Dec.
Kathy says
September 25, 2013 at 8:47 amMy daughter shares an apartment with six other girls at college. I would monogram plates for each one as a Christmas gift:) I have wanted this tool in my arsenal for a while now. Thanks for this great giveaway.
Be blessed:)
Debra @ Msmoozysopenhouse says
September 25, 2013 at 8:43 amLOVE this machine but can not afford one at this time, would just LOVE to win it. 🙂 Thanks so much for this awesome give-away and have a blessed day!
Bliss says
September 25, 2013 at 8:37 amI love etching. We have some etched cabinet doors done the old school way, and now that I think of it, I have a wedding to go to I should etch something for them as a gift.
Renea says
September 25, 2013 at 8:25 amI would etch the two glass doors on my cupboards in my kitchen. I have so many ideas on using the Silhouette that I can’t list them all. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Abigail says
September 25, 2013 at 8:22 amI would etch all my bakeware to make sure it comes back to me and make hostess and housewarming gifts for friends
Becca says
September 25, 2013 at 8:09 amI would etch some vases I have with a cool design. That way I could make them a bit more visually interesting.
Karen J says
September 25, 2013 at 8:07 amI use glass bowls and serving dishes. The very first thing I would do is etch my name on them so they find their way back home.
Sandy N says
September 25, 2013 at 7:48 amI would love to use it to etch a cake stand and casserole dish like I have seen others do as a gift. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Katy says
September 25, 2013 at 7:17 amI would make some Birthday glasses. I love the etching !
Holly says
September 25, 2013 at 7:14 ami love the saying and how this turned out. Very cool. Haven’t a clue what I would etch, but I bet I could come up with something!
Jo @ Let's Face the Music says
September 25, 2013 at 6:27 amI would love a Silhouette. If I had this machine I would definitely etch windows in our pantry doors and maybe even the laundry room. How fun this would be! Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
keri @ shaken together says
September 25, 2013 at 4:45 amI would love to etch monogrammed wine glasses for Christmas gifts! LOVE the giveaway 🙂