Introduction: Hand Etched Redwood Tree Mason Jar

About: N E A P is an acronym for “Never Ending Art Project”. Neap is a small contribution to promoting recycling, reuse, and sustainability while celebrating our Portland, Oregon community. Working with glass allows…

Learn the techniques to transform any Mason Jar into a one of a kind etched work of art. Make your own drinking glasses, storage containers, or any job where only an air tight glass will do.

Materials can be found around most artistic/maker households, at your local favorite craft store, or online.

Your imagination is the limit. Let that artistic flag fly!

Step 1: Materials

▪ Armour Glass Etching Cream (a little goes a long way)

▪ Removable semi-permanent vinyl

▪ Favorite Cutting Tool

▪ Painters Tape

▪ Clean Mason Jar

▪ Latex Gloves

▪ Sponge or Paint Brush

▪ Mason Jar Lid and Straw

Please work in a well ventilated area, preferably with a window cracked open promoting good air circulation.

It's recommended to cover your worktable with newspaper and to cover your hands with latex or plastic gloves.

Eye protection is also a good consideration.

Step 2: Prepare Your Jar

A. Cut a piece of semi-permanent vinyl into the desired shape.

Draw onto the vinyl using a marker (permanent marker such as Sharpie) either free hand, or using a stencil.

Cut the vinyl with your favorite sharp tool, leaving attached to the backing during cutting. Note: Laser cutters may also be used to create high definition vinyl stencils.

B. Remove vinyl from backing and apply to glass jar.

Smooth out bubbles and edges of the vinyl so it completely adheres to the glass. Etching cream can leak into unwanted areas if the vinyl isn’t firmly attached. Run fingers across each etch edge and line until vinyl and glass feel as one.

If the vinyl moves during the application, the image can blur and run!

Use Painters tape around the outside of the vinyl image, eliminating run off, image blur, and splatters.

Step 3: Apply Etching Cream

A. Mix your Etching Cream and place a small amount on your paintbrush or sponge.

B. Apply Etching Cream evenly to the glass where you would like the image to appear.

C. Once the application is complete, set your timer for 5 minutes. This will give the solution time to work into the glass and perform it's magic.

D. Wash off your tools in warm water while you are waiting.

Tips for the Perfect Etch

▪The etching cream should be applied fairly thick, to a constancy where you cannot easily see the glass underneath.

▪If small crystals appear (balls of concentrated etching solution), remove by pushing it off to the side of your image onto the painters tape.

Step 4: Final Step

After 5 minutes, remove the etching cream.

A. Rinse the mason jar in warm water until the etching cream no longer appears. Rub your gloved finger over the image until no etching cream remains.

B. Remove the vinyl and painter tape. Place the glass under warm water a second time. Rinse until etching cream is removed and glass feels clean.

C. Wipe glass clean with a towel. Air dry for 3 minutes.

Congratulations!

You've etched your first mason jar. Add various mason jar accessories and the possibilities are endless.

If you are interested in more glass artwork please visit www.prettyneap.com or #prettyneap on instagram

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