How to Make Etched Glass Canisters

This easy craft project will teach you how to create etched glass canisters. These charming etched glass canisters are a great way to store coffee, sugar, flour, tea and even pasta. Etched glass canisters, look fantastic on a kitchen counter and are suitable for any home decor from country to contemporary.

You can also create these etched glass canisters as a gift. Fill a glass canister with candy and etch the word candy across the front. Nuts will stay fresh in a glass canister etched with a peanut and the word nuts etched on the glass. If you enjoy making your own cocoa mix, etch a steaming cup and the word cocoa across the front and fill the canister with your special cocoa mix, be sure to attach a small card with directions. Now top your etched glass canisters with a bow and gift tag.

Materials:

Clear glass canisters or air tight jars with lids
craft knife
self adhesive paper
paintbrush
rubber gloves
etching cream (available at most craft stores)

Directions:

Before you begin your etched glass canisters, you need to determine the words or phrases you plan to use. To make a stencil, you can use the computer to print out the words in the size and style you prefer. Now tape the printout to the self adhesive paper and trace the outline of the letters using the craft knife.

Apply the stencil you created to the glass canister, rubbing it firmly in place. Before you proceed, be sure to put on the rubber gloves and read the directions on the etching cream. Using the paintbrush, apply a generous amount of the etching cream into the openings of the stencil. Leave the etching cream on for five minutes or as directed by the manufacturer. Now thoroughly rinse the canister with warm water to remove the etching cream and then peel off the stencil.

Tips:If you would like to add shapes and designs to your etched glass canisters, you can use pre-made stencils and trace the designs onto the self adhesive paper and cut out the shapes using the craft knife. Then follow the steps above for etching the designs onto the glass canisters. Some designs you might consider are:flowers, leaves, steaming coffee cups, circles, stripes etc.

Once you have learned how easy it is to etch glass, you can customize wine glasses, clear glass vases and so much more. Glass etching is a way to turn any flat glass surface into a work of art. Just imagine the different etched glass gifts you can now create!