Introduction: Personalised Glassware

About: Working with silver, wood, glass, FX makeup and many other materials in a crafty sense has been amplified by being taught how to conduct basic mechanics, home renovations and other 'hands-on' activities from a…

A unique and fast way of creating a personalised gift (or even something fun for your own collection)...

Granted, you will need to acquire the main 'ingredient' (etching paste) in this project; but once you invest in some, it'll last for years and many, many projects! I've found it handy to have around for those last minute gifts!

**This project is working with chemicals so you will need to prepare the work area and include appropriate safety in your preparation. Follow the safe use instructions on the bottle of etching paste.

Step 1: Set It Up

I've experimented with a few different stencil types and there are options....

Get yourself:
- flat surface glassware (stencils don't sit on round surfaces very well!)
- contact (the thicker the better)
- a cutter/blade you can hand cut with (something comfy you can use like a pen)
- cutting mat (or a suitable surface to cut on)
- glass etch paste (if you 'Google' it, I'm sure you'll find some online) just a small bottle will last for aaaaages and mine was only about $25, worth it!

*best to clean the glass with something like acetone first to ensure the best stick

Print your image either directly onto the contact if you can, or trace it from a copy. Now here's your other option; cut it out then place the stencil on the glass, or if you have lots of small detail you can gently cut the stencil after you affix it to the glass - it's personal preference I think...

Step 2: Make It Happen

Once the stencil is placed and you're satisfied there's no bubbles or chances for the paste to leak outside the stencil, apply the paste.
(there will be instructions on the paste bottle also)
After around 5 Mins, place the glassware under a running cold tap & remove all traces of paste and finally the stencil.

For additional depth and texture, you can take the stencil off in sections and reapply paste each time; this will make some areas more etched than others, creating a 'depth' to your image.

Serious fun to play around with.... can be used to make personalised wine glasses, platters, vases, candle holders etc etc.... enjoy! :-D