As an avid recycler, I often find myself admiring the numerous
boxes of glass bottles in our garage, awaiting their fate.
When I noticed more than a dozen empty bottles from one particular
product, I knewI had a problem there must be something else I
could do other than toss them into a recycling bin once a week.
In order to justify my purchase of a caffeine-laden treat, I decided
to repurpose and upcycle the glass containers from my favorite
splurge. Enter Starbucks Frappuccino. (I know, I know, but I'm trying...)
And no, we're not rich. I realize these drinks can be over two dollars each,
but one a week is hardly a crime. Come Friday, by golly, I'm worth two bucks.
AND a cup of ice.
With a few supplies, and as many glass bottles as you can find,
you can quickly organize a spice cupboard or pantry in a very attractive manner!
For those who often cook, a cupboard full of oddball plastic bottles is not very
helpful. With clear glass, you can see what you are looking for, and if
you aren't quite certain (Oregano and Basil come to mind), read the label.
Drink bottles, salad dressing bottles, there are so many options, so many
different sizes and shapes. The wonderful thing about glass is that it is
recyclable, inexpensive, and readily available. If you feel as though you've
'goofed up' a bottle during the etching process, rinse it off and chunk it into
the recycling bin. Then try again. Consider practicing on a few scrap bottles to
get the hang of it before embarking on etching something nice. Some of you
may even have glass jars now, maybe you'll be inspired to etch them?
Come on, let's see what we can come up with!
boxes of glass bottles in our garage, awaiting their fate.
When I noticed more than a dozen empty bottles from one particular
product, I knew
could do other than toss them into a recycling bin once a week.
In order to justify my purchase of a caffeine-laden treat, I decided
to repurpose and upcycle the glass containers from my favorite
splurge. Enter Starbucks Frappuccino. (I know, I know, but I'm trying...)
And no, we're not rich. I realize these drinks can be over two dollars each,
but one a week is hardly a crime. Come Friday, by golly, I'm worth two bucks.
AND a cup of ice.
With a few supplies, and as many glass bottles as you can find,
you can quickly organize a spice cupboard or pantry in a very attractive manner!
For those who often cook, a cupboard full of oddball plastic bottles is not very
helpful. With clear glass, you can see what you are looking for, and if
you aren't quite certain (Oregano and Basil come to mind), read the label.
Drink bottles, salad dressing bottles, there are so many options, so many
different sizes and shapes. The wonderful thing about glass is that it is
recyclable, inexpensive, and readily available. If you feel as though you've
'goofed up' a bottle during the etching process, rinse it off and chunk it into
the recycling bin. Then try again. Consider practicing on a few scrap bottles to
get the hang of it before embarking on etching something nice. Some of you
may even have glass jars now, maybe you'll be inspired to etch them?
Come on, let's see what we can come up with!
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- Common sense. You will be working with potentially harmful blades and substances
- Eye protection. Better safe than sorry!
- Rubber gloves. Repeat. Better safe than sorry!
-
Armour Etch Glass Etching cream (10 ounces costs approximately $20.00 in our area). Be sure to check your local newspaper or scan the internet for 40-50% off coupons on occasion to save money. Smaller quantities are available, I prefer the larger bottle as I etch quite a bit.
- Contact / Vinyl / Duct paper
- Tweezers, pins, or other method of picking up teeny little stickers
- Stopwatch, timer, or other time-keeping device
- Soft bristled paint brush
- Razor blade or X-acto knife
- Stencils
- Soap and water
- Drawings, pictures, letters, etc. (Public libraries are a great, and free, resource!)
- Lids for bottles - It would be nice if the original lids are available, but you can always use cork, small circles of fabric tied with ribbons, etc. for replacement lids. I look for lids that have rubber gaskets in them to keep my spices fresh.
equipment is not necessary. You can also purchase stickers of letters and other designs
for etching purposes. Use the letters themselves and etch outside of them, or etch the
inside frame of the cut letters as I have.
Don't let me scare you from this project, but use of the etching cream comes with plenty of warnings.
Be sensible, mindful of your surroundings, and use caution.
It is advised to rinse the etching cream off your project outdoors so as to avoid any dangers in your kitchen or bathroom sink.
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I had one thought in keeping the letters together when doing a positive. I've used this procedure but not with the vinyl.
That is, apply a tape (clear or not?) over the letters before lifting them from the backing. Apply and carefully remove the tape.This would be similar to applying vinyl lettering which uses the backing for "holding" the letters during application. Maybe even us a sacrificial piece of vinyl although it is more expensive.
Again, Thanks.
I'll definitely give it a try. Thank you!
I didn't want the labels to be too 'in your face', which is why I like the
etched letters. It may also be due to the angle of my picture.
The good thing, though, one can always look at the herb in the bottle, or
smell it, or tilt your head for better lighting. LOL.
I'm not sure if you could mix paint with the etching, but I would definitely
do plenty of research just in case.
Thanks for your help and thanks for such a great idea!
No matter which cartridge you use, there should be a dial on the Cricut to increase or decrease the size. I can't remember which one I used, but I only
have a few cartridges. Something Plaintain, or Schoolbook? (Not at home right now to make certain.) :-)
Karen
You have a good writing style, by the way. Informative and organized but very readable.
Thank you so much! Wow, my ego is lifted today, thank you!
I've favourite'd this and now am following you for more!
Thank you for the kind compliments!
great idea!
What's the font you've used for the letters?
Thanks!
What happens if I leave it on for 10 minutes, 15 or a half hour or more?
Will the Armour Etch dig deeper? or what?
There was no appreciable difference between 15, 10, and 5 minutes. 1 minute was definitely kind of swirly and uneven.
Oh, and if you dry your own herbs or pepper (I do both) make sure they are fully dry before storing. If you see any moisture on the inside of the container dispose of anything in there. You don't want to eat moldy herbs.
I'd probably slice them open first if I were to ever do this myself.