I dabble into all crafts and that's both a weakness and a strength. I sure like trying new things, especially when the results are fast and look professional.
I don't like crafts that are wasteful. I like using every bit of my craft paper, my scraps of fabric, each drop of decoupage and other crafting supplies. Maybe that comes from being cheap, but it's not necessarily a bad trait.
This is one of the reasons I've had some buyers remorse since purchasing my Silhouette machine. The initial and continual costs are high for the products (specialty cutting materials, blades, mats, etc.) and the waste tends to be high too. I won't deny that I have produced a lot of fun crafts with this machine, but there is always that little tinge of regret when I think about that blade wearing dull or my materials being used up in a not-so-efficient manner. I write this in case any of you, like I had for months, are wishing for one of these nifty machines. If you are a cheap crafter, it may not be for you. But that's only my opinion. :)
Anyway, the true topic of this post is GLASS ETCHING. Have you ever tried it? I bought some etching cream yesterday and would like to show you my first completed project today.
Simple picture frame etched glass art
The green color is a scrap of green fabric left after making my couch pillows.
The green color is a scrap of green fabric left after making my couch pillows.
What is Needed:
Glass to etch on
Glass Etching Cream (I got mine from Michael's Craft Store, $8 for 3 oz. with a coupon, which is slightly expensive, but reusable and a very small amount is used each time)
craft stick to apply cream
Contact paper stencil (made by you or a craft cutter) OR adhesive stencils available at craft stores)
a sink
paper towels to dry off
paper towels to dry off
About 5-10 min for one small project.
Apply stencil to glass and press firmly with fingers.
Apply etching cream all over the design with craft stick. Allow to sit for 1-3 minutes.
Remove all excess cream and scrape back into the container.
Rinse with water to remove all cream and remove your stencil.
Once it's dry, you can see your etched design.
I love the subtle design that etching produces. And the fact that it's so easy is a bonus too.
~ Chelsea ~
Chelsea,
ReplyDeleteI am a vinyl hoarder- meaning, the small amount I have I rarely use because it is expensive and there is so much waste! Now I plan several projects at once, and if I can fit different pieces of a vinyl craft in the empty spaces of another using the same color, it is a win-win, even if I still have to eyeball vinyl placement in the end. And I use contact paper like you do, too, for the same frugal reasons. Frugal crafters unite!!