| Etching glass is one of the most beautiful kinds of | | | | that do not have much detail until you get the |
| crafting a person can do. The results often are so | | | | hang of the technique. Clip art works well, or you |
| high quality that people never believe you did it | | | | can find etching kits that have stencils ready for |
| yourself. Want more good news? Etching isn't | | | | you 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 for | | | | best. You can then cut the design from the |
| stunningly detailed results. The process is not hard | | | | contact paper using a small scissors or a utility |
| for avid crafters, and even beginners can learn to | | | | knife. 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 cream | | | | glass, making sure that all the edges are firmly |
| that is relatively inexpensive for your first try at | | | | stuck down, and then follow your etching cream's |
| this technique, and practice on glass that is easily | | | | directions to apply a thick coat of the cream with |
| thrown away before you sit down to etch your | | | | a foam brush or paper towel. |
| windows or favorite wine glass set. Be sure to | | | | After applying the cream, you'll need to let your |
| gather all the supplies your etching creams says | | | | glass sit for a specific period of time. Read the |
| you need, including gloves and a face mask if | | | | directions, since every etching cream is different. |
| necessary. Etching cream can be very harmful for | | | | Your local craft supply store will probably carry a |
| you body if not used with care. For this reason | | | | few different brands, so be sure that you |
| alone, etching is not a good craft to do with your | | | | understand 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 flat | | | | cream and wash the glass. You should find |
| surface for your first attempt. Hand mirrors work | | | | wonderful results! You can give your etched |
| well and are inexpensive. You can also try etching | | | | projects away as gifts, beautify your house, or |
| glasses, jars, windows, picture frames, and any | | | | sell your crafts at a local fair. Whatever you |
| other type of glass. Be sure that your glass is | | | | decide 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 prints | | | | store-bought. |