Etched Glass Salt & Pepper Shakers

 

For my latest project, I wanted to try something I had never done before...etching glass. I started small with Salt and Pepper shakers, but a new can of worms has been opened.

I found the small glass jars at Hobby Lobby for about $3 total. You could also re-use baby food jars. I used Armour Etch glass etching cream, which I also purchased at Hobby Lobby for about $7 for a small bottle. The only other tool you need is a small paint brush.

For the letters, I used the Silhouette machine at work to cut the letters S and P on vinyl. I cut a bunch of different fonts, but I liked Century Schoolbook the best. You could also use masking tape and an X-Acto knife, if you don't have access to the $300 cutting tool. 

When I cut out the letters from the vinyl, I made sure to leave a large border to avoid getting any excess etching cream on the glass.

Then I just start dabbing the etching cream onto the glass in the area I wanted to etch. Don't try to "paint" it on, just glob it on thick and heavy making sure to cover all corners.

The directions said to wear gloves and a mask, but I like to live on the edge. The cream is toxic, so be very careful. The directions also said to leave on the cream for 60 seconds, but I left it on for about 5 minutes. Then, I just rinsed it off with warm water. The cream is safe to rinse down the drain. Then peel away the vinyl...and voila!

The next step is to "drill" the holes in the lid. I just used a hammer and small nail. You might want to use a sharpie to mark the spots for the holes, but I just eyeballed it. 

I used a piece of twine to add some decorative flare.

 

And finally, I added the salt and pepper!

It's a little hard to see the etched glass in these pictures, but I like the subtlety of it.