Make Your Mark : Etching

Etching glass is one of the most beautiful kinds ofthat do not have much detail until you get the
crafting a person can do. The results often are sohang of the technique. Clip art works well, or you
high quality that people never believe you did itcan find etching kits that have stencils ready for
yourself. Want more good news? Etching isn'tyou to use. Use carbon paper to trace your
difficult either. If you can follow simple directions,stencil onto contact paper-white paper works
you can etch any of your glass or mirrors forbest. You can then cut the design from the
stunningly detailed results. The process is not hardcontact paper using a small scissors or a utility
for avid crafters, and even beginners can learn toknife. When you cut out the design, leave at least
etch fairly well.an inch or two of paper around it to make
Your first step, as in any kind of crafting project,application easier. Stick the contact paper to the
is to gather your supplies. Find an etching creamglass, making sure that all the edges are firmly
that is relatively inexpensive for your first try atstuck down, and then follow your etching cream's
this technique, and practice on glass that is easilydirections to apply a thick coat of the cream with
thrown away before you sit down to etch youra foam brush or paper towel.
windows or favorite wine glass set. Be sure toAfter applying the cream, you'll need to let your
gather all the supplies your etching creams saysglass sit for a specific period of time. Read the
you need, including gloves and a face mask ifdirections, since every etching cream is different.
necessary. Etching cream can be very harmful forYour local craft supply store will probably carry a
you body if not used with care. For this reasonfew different brands, so be sure that you
alone, etching is not a good craft to do with yourunderstand how each works. When the etching
children.cream is done working its magic, remove the
Of course, you'll need glass to etch. Find a flatcream and wash the glass. You should find
surface for your first attempt. Hand mirrors workwonderful results! You can give your etched
well and are inexpensive. You can also try etchingprojects away as gifts, beautify your house, or
glasses, jars, windows, picture frames, and anysell your crafts at a local fair. Whatever you
other type of glass. Be sure that your glass isdecide to do, the finish product will be something
clean and dry before you begin.that was easy to make, but that looks like it was
Next, you'll need a stencil. Start with larger printsstore-bought.