Easy Etched Heart Champagne Flutes with #MyFavoriteBloggers

I have an easy and addictive project idea today – if you haven’t done any glass etching before, beware: once you start you will want to etch EVERYTHING.  It’s a perfect understated way to personalize inexpensive pieces and make gifts and one of a kind decor items.  Etching creams aren’t exactly cheap (I think I paid $8 for the small jar a while back?) but they last for dozens of projects, and you can find plain glass pieces that can use some dressing up in thrift stores, dollar stores, and in bargain bins all over.    Today, I’m going to show you how to make a sweet set of Valentine’s Day champagne flutes – these would also be cute for weddings, too!

This project is part of a little blog-hop of sorts – I team up with my favorite bloggers every month, and we all post tutorials, recipes, and tips related to a certain theme.  Whenever you see me use the hashtag #MyFavoriteBloggers, there’s always more to explore from some talented bloggers I’m lucky to call my best friends!  So once you check out today’s tutorial, there are several other heart-themed projects to visit listed at the bottom of this post from these lovely ladies:

From left to right, top to bottom, here are this month’s #MyFavoriteBloggers: Marilyn from 4 You with Love, Sky from Creative Capital B, Adrianne from Happy Hour Projects, Bethany from Pitter and Glink, Lauren from Thinking Closet, Tara from Suburble, Nancy from Do Small Things with Love, Emily from The Benson Street, Kara from Happy Go Lucky, Sarah from Repeat Crafter Me,  ChiWei from 1 Dog Woof,  Melanie from It Happens in a Blink, and Kara from Petals to Picots.

But back to the project!  What you will need:

• Etching Cream (I haven’t tried other brands, but I’ve been very happy with Armour Etch personally) and a paintbrush to apply it
• Champagne Flutes – I found these at the dollar store!
• Craft vinyl – it doesn’t have to be specialty vinyl.  For basic shapes, even contact paper will work well.  (For more intricate designs, though, you will want the stronger adhesive the craft vinyl offers.)
• A way to cut or punch your design.  If you own a Silhouette or other cutting machine – these are PERFECT for creating stencils.  But don’t let it stop you if you haven’t made the investment in a custom cutter – paper punches work wonderfully for etching projects!

I just used a punch for my project, I didn’t need anything fancy and I didn’t feel like going all the way downstairs to design a cut file that was really just a row of hearts.  I punched about 8 per glass but it will vary depending on the size of your punch.  All I’m using is the inside of the punch, the tiny heart – – the outer part of the stencil doesn’t need to be shaped, it’s just what this particular punch does.

I lined up my hearts and stuck them on near the rim of the glass.  Stick them down well; a nice seal will help you get a good clean line.  Unlike using glass paints, it doesn’t matter where the etching is from a food-safety standpoint so it’s acceptable to etch near the rim.

Next, I used a paintbrush to apply the Armour Etch.  Give it as thick a coat as you can without it getting drippy.  The ridge that the vinyl creates will also help it to stay in place.

Now, just let it sit.  I can’t specifically advise you to go against the package instructions, but I’ll tell you my experience… it needs to etch for about 10 minutes. :) I’ve had quite a bit of trial and error in the timing and most inexpensive glass does well with 10 minutes.

Now, rinse your glass really well (I’d recommend rinsing off all the etching cream, removing the stencils, and then washing the glass with soap and water to be extra sure the etching cream is all gone).

And that’s it!  A perfect way to add a personal touch for a glass of celebratory champage.  (Or sparkling juice with the kids.) ;) Enjoy!

For more great heart-themed projects, check out the others in today’s collection!  From left to right, top to bottom: Printable Minion Valentine from The Benson Street, Easy Crochet Heart Pattern from Repeat Crafter Me, Free True Love Valentine’s Printable from Pitter and Glink, Glitter Heart Burlap Banner from Happy Go Lucky, Needle Felted Heart Key-chain from Petals to Picots, Simple Heart Chocolate Valentine’s from 1 Dog Woof, Handmade Valentines from Suburble, Solid Lotion Bars from 4 You with Love, Berrylicious Heart-Shaped Ice Cubes from The Thinking Closet, Felt Valentine Treat Pouches from Do Small Things with Love, Etched Champagne Flutes from Happy Hour Projects, Heart Owl Valentines with Your Kid’s Art from Creative B, and Heat Transfer Vinyl Heart Onesie from It Happens in a Blink.