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