Etched Glass Christmas Plates

Have you ever tried glass etching?  It’s such a fun and easy technique, and I used it to create darling Etched Glass Christmas Plates!

Etched Glass Christmas Plate | oldsaltfarm.com

Glass etching is seriously SO fast and easy…and it’s kind of addicting, once you get started.  :) I found these glass plates at Dollar Tree for yep, $1, and thought they would be darling neighbor Christmas gifts!  Pile them high with yummy treats, and you’ve got a really fun gift for neighbors, friends, teachers, coaches…anyone!

In these pictures, I have the glass plate sitting on top of a cream dinner plate, so that you could actually see the etching. But…how adorable would it be to make them to layer on top of your dinner plates, to dress up your place settings?  SO SO cute!

You can personalize them with a name or monogram if you want to, and I might do some like that too, but I love this super fun “Merry & Bright” design! You can find etching cream at hobby store like Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn Fabrics, or online–Silhouette sells it too!

Here’s how it works…

SUPPLIES:

-glass plates

-etching cream

-rubber gloves

-foam brush

-vinyl stencil

DIRECTIONS:

Etched Glass Christmas Plates | oldsaltfarm.com

1.  Wash and dry your glass plate.

2. I used my Silhouette to cut out vinyl, and used the negative space as a stencil. If you create your own design, or order it from someone, make sure it’s a reverse image, since it’s going on the bottom of the plate.  Apply the stencil to the center of the plate, and use a credit card or popsicle stick to make sure that the vinyl is securely in place.

3.  Put on rubber gloves, and make sure you are in a ventilated area–the etching cream is STRONG. This is NOT an activity for kids to help with, and make sure you keep the etching cream away from their reach.  Use a foam brush to apply the etching cream to your stencil, and it can just glob on there.  Make sure it doesn’t go over the edges of your stencil, because it takes just a few seconds for it to start the etching process.

4. Follow the directions on your etching cream for how long it should stay on there. Mine said 1 minute, but I’m always paranoid it won’t work, and I let it stay on for several minutes.  I’m weird like that.

5.  When the time is up, scrape the etching cream back into the bottle…you can save it to be re-used, and it’s expensive, so I don’t like to waste it.  Just be careful so you don’t get it on your skin, or any other surface. Rinse the cream off of the plate, then remove the stencil.  Wash with soap and water, then pat dry.

That’s it!  SO fun!

 Etched Glass Christmas Plates | oldsaltfarm.com

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28 Comments

  1. If you use a vinyl stencil, is it reusable when you peel it off, or do I need to make or buy several stencils?
    Thanks for any help.

    1. If you use regular vinyl, you can use it once. If you use the stencil vinyl, it is re-usable!

  2. I notice that the glass plate. is different that the cream one you show finished. How dud you do the cream one? Just stenciled on the top of the plate? can it be put in the dishwasher? Thanks! another great craft you’ve got me obsessed with!

    1. The glass plate is just sitting on top of the cream plate, which I had to do so you could see the etching! Sorry for the confusion!!

    1. I used two kinds…I started with Silhouette, but ran out, so I used one that I got at Michael’s. I think it’s called Armour Etch? It’s the only they had!

  3. I might just do this for a teacher or visiting teaching gifts. so, is the etched design not that visible on the plate without the cream plate underneath? Or just not for photographing? What etching cream did you use? I’ve never used any and wonder if you have a brand preference. I didn’t know the stencil vinyl is reusable. Thanks.Jen

    1. It’s just not visible for photographing, but you can totally see it without it being on the cream plate. I have used two kinds, and like both–Silhouette, and the kind I got at Michael’s. I think it’s called Armour Etch, but I could totally be making that up. :) It’s the only kind they had! Both kinds worked well–they’re basically the same thing! Yes, the stencil vinyl by Silhouette is specifically made to be re-used.

  4. I LOVE this “Merry and Bright” design. Is there somewhere I can download or purchase it?

    1. Sure! I created it, based on a similar design you can purchase from the Silhouette design store: http://www.silhouettedesignstore.com Just search merry & bright, and it should come up!

      1. Hi,
        I know this post is from 2014…Hopefully you will still see this. I see you created your own stencil or design. I have a silhouette, but haven’t used it yet. What different stencils did you use to make your design? I love it! Thanks

        1. Hi, Lisa! I used my Silhouette software to create a design (different fonts and an arrow design from the Silhouette store), then cut it out of vinyl, and used the negative space as a stencil. I hope that helps!!

      2. It looks like there might be three different fonts? One for each of the words and one for the & and then what is the “design” called? Thank you very much!

        1. Yes–I used three different fonts for each word and the ampersand, then used an arrow design I found in the Silhouette store. I can’t remember what the design is called, I’m so sorry!

          1. Thanks for your responses! I found the ampersand and the arrows. I am so glad I found your blog! I looked back and saw in October 2014 and for this project you used the font that had the word Merry. I am still having trouble figuring out what it might be called. I also can’t find the font for the word bright. I keep looking at other ones and am obsessed (or in love) with the way your plates look. If you happen to come across it or remember the name of the two word fonts, please send me an email. Thank you! I love the ideas you are sharing! whaleridge@hotmail.com

            1. Hi, Lisa! I sent you an email with all the fonts, but I’ll list them there too, in case someone else is reading the comments and would like to know.

              Merry: Birmingham
              Bright: Ostrich Sans Inline
              Ampersand: My Own Topher

              xoxo

  5. I want to do this but I’m not sure if I’m understanding it correctly. Did you etch it on top of the plate or on the underneath of the plate? I not sure which one needs to be mirrored. I have been wanting to start etching but this has always got me stumped. Thank you for what you do.

    1. You etch on the bottom, and reverse the image/stencil so when you turn it over it will be facing the right direction! Great question!

  6. What happens if you are trying to remove the cream and dump it back into the bottle? In other words, does it ruin the plate if it touches any other part of the plate on accident? Also, where would I be able to get an image/stencil done? Do I have to go to an embroidery or type company? The cost of it all sounds expensive but maybe worth it depending on who it’s for. I’m trying to think of what I can do for Christmas gifts to all the children as I am room parent for my 1st grader’s classroom and last year I asked for donation money to put toward a gift. I just made due with what was donated from the parents. With that said, can you etch on glass ornaments or are they not thick enough? I did DIY glass ornaments last year pouring in Mod Podge (shaking till coated, pouring out excess), pouring in red glitter (shaking till coated, pouring out excess), and then writing each child’s name on them. After answering my other two questions, do you have any other ideas if this seems to be not the best idea for the gifts to the children? Of course with the etching process, I would not do a stencil for everyone’s names. lol ;) But I for sure am interested in doing clear glass dishes for myself and family!!!! :) You have such amazing ideas and I love your site!!! Thanks for sharing your brilliance with myself and the world!! :) I look forward to your reply… <3
    ~ Melissa D. Gordon from Bakersfield, CA

    1. Hi, Melissa! Hopefully I can help answer your questions…

      1. If you wipe up the etching cream right away, it won’t do anything. It has to sit to really do any etching, so make sure you look for any spills as you go.

      2. A stencil can actually be pretty reasonable, depending on what you choose to do. I cut out vinyl on my vinyl cutter and use the negative space, and you can order the same thing through a vinyl company. You can only use them once, so you would need to order as many plates/projects you plan on doing. I highly recommend http://writings-onthewall.com–call and talk to Becky, she can help you with anything!

      3. I’ve never tried etching on a glass ornament, but you could do a little sample one and see how it turns out! Perhaps a mason jar mug etched with the teacher’s name? They could use it forever!

      Hopefully this helps!! Thanks SO much for reading!!! xoxo

  7. Can you etch a plate on the side that will be used for food? I am making cookie plates for Santa and my stencils are not reversible but reusable, so basically only used to place cookies on. Is this ok or is there a health reason not to do the front of the plate?
    Thank you,
    Patti C.

    1. Everything I’ve read is that it’s food safe, because you wash all the chemicals off. (Wash really well in very hot water!) All that’s left is literally an etching in the glass. However, I suggest looking up the the details on your particular etching cream, to see if the manufacturer has any recommendations. I will note that once the glass is etched, that area is no longer porous, which means stains can occur. But if it’s just cookies, it should be fine!!

    1. I’m sorry, I’m not sure what you’re asking. Do you want to paint over the etching? Or etch over a painted surface?

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