Last night, my girl Dana came over for a little convo and crafting. With Nick working second shift, it’s a special treat to have a friend come over in the evening, and even more special when we get to be creative together!
And even MORE special when she brings Funfetti Cake mix and Smirnoff Cherry Limeade.
Yep, that happened. It was a delicious mess.
After cleaning up our disaster in the kitchen, we got to work on this little project! Dana, is known for her amazing etching projects… coolest thing EVER. This is one arena of creativity that I have no knowledge or experience whatsoever. So it was super fun for me to learn!
We started out with a bunch of baby food jars that I had stashed away for a rainy day. (Literally! It was raining outside too!) …As well as a few jelly jars.
We cut out the names of each spice on vinyl with my Silhouette machine.
The next step was to ‘weed’ out the parts of the vinyl that we WANTED TO BE ETCHED. It seems backwards, but it’s the right way!
We did this using a special tweezers with a tiny hook on the end to ‘grab’ the edges of each itty-bitty vinyl piece and pull them away.
This may have been tedious work for some, but I loved it. Strangely therapeutic. The good conversation didn’t hurt either. If you order vinyl from her, they will come already ‘weeded’. But you can cut your own vinyl if you have a Silhouette or Cricut!
Next, Dana unrolled some ‘transfer paper’ and we pressed it on top, making sure all the bubbles were gone!
And cut each spice out with scissors.
Next, we peeled off the backing (leaving the sticky vinyl on the transfer paper), and carefully slapped her onto each jar jar… making darn sure it was straight first! And then we pressed it down real good.
…And slowly peeled off the transfer paper.
So what you see here, is the ‘stencil’ for the etching! EVERY step of this process was sooooo fun!!
Next, Dana broke out her special ‘etching compound’ (we used this stuff) … apparently you can get this at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s, or I’m guessing any crafting store.
Using a paint brush, we just globbed on the goop, making sure the areas of exposed glass within the ‘stencil’ were completely covered. This stuff is basically acid that’s eating away at the glass to give it that etching effect.
You’re supposed to leave this stuff on for about 7 minutes, so by the time we were done applying it to all the jars, it was time to wipe off the excess goop…
And simply rinse with water!
Then just peel back the vinyl…
So stinkin’ awesome, right? It’s beautiful and dreamy.
The aroma was a little overwhelming while transferring all our spices into their new homes! But the colors are so amazing.
As you can see, some of my spices need a refill! That another huge benefit to have clear jars… you know when you’re getting low. That way you’re not in the throes of making chili, and realize you only have a pinch of chili powder remaining!
So here’s my spice mess BEFORE:
And now! So chic and organized, right? RIGHT! (It was soooo difficult to try and capture the etching in the pictures! They really show up better than this, I promise!).
Anyone can totally do this!
Check out all the other projects we’ve done using vinyl as a stencil by clicking each pic below!
Have you done any etching? We’d love to see your projects!
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So, I want to ask how are you enjoying having all your spices on the magnetic board? Are you still using them that way? Do you wish you had etched the bottom of the jars? Inquiring minds want to know!
I still love it so much, and wouldn’t change anything!
Please dont take this the wrong way because what I have seen on your website is most awesome. But please note the safety warnings on the front of the label of the “Armo Etch” It is there for a reason. I know you pictures are great, but “gloves” should be used. Acid does damage to skin no matter what kind it is. Please remind your readers to read the safety and hazard warnings. Please be safe.
I love that font! Do you know the name of the font? I would love to use it on a project I am working on.
The font is called ‘Peake’
Thanks! 🙂 I love your blog!
UGH!!! its 11 pm and the store is closed….i can’t wait to do this….no glass will be safe in my home….
I love this idea! I don’t know how you come up with some of the things that you do, but everything is always great. I don’t know that I would have the patience to cut those vinyl patterns for the jars, so more power to you ladies! I’ve only used vinyl once or twice for designs, but absolutely love it. I’m hoping to use it more in the future, since my husband and I recently got an apartment. Keep on crafting. You’re wonderful at it!
Etching stuff is so much fun! I etched my initials and some flower designs into all my pyrex and glassware before I went to college. No roommate EVER got confused about which pan belonged to whom. Also great if you find yourself with a lot of potlucks to go to =)
I’ve used contact paper applied straight to the bottle and cut out with an exacto knife when I didn’t have time/money to buy a good vinyl, but it takes a lot more patience and the edges are still funky occasionally. I’d definitely recommend ordering vinyl for any gift or if you’re a complete perfectionist.
Saw your blog over at All Things Thrifty. LOVE your blog…I am an infertile crafter myself. Love all the ideas I’ve seen so far. Your newest follower.
So cute! The spice jars, for sures, but you have to dish on what the heck you’re doing w/ cake mix and the waffle iron (and cherry limeade vodka??? You didn’t MIX those, did you?). I grew up in Iowa, so i’m pretty sure it’s not an iowa thing. My two boys (okay, 3 including DH) LOVE anything that involves a dangerous appliance and sugar ;)!
Bahaha! Ok THAT’S a legit question. Here’s the story:
I had put on my FB status yesterday morning that I was craving a Funfetti cupcake. So Dana came with a Funfetti cake mix! The Cherry Limeade Smirnoff was just for fun, not for mixing :). So we made 12 cupcakes (according to package instructions), and used the remaining batter in the waffle-iron (Dana apparently does this all the time with TONS of things)… it was a genius idea… except we put WAY to much in. 🙂 OH WELL!! it was amazing.
I have been at two stores this morning looking for etching cream. I’m going to make pyrex gifts for the MIL / SIL for Christmas… funny that you guys just did an etching project last night! SO!!! Joanne’s does NOT carry etching cream! How weird, eh? I’m going to Michael’s tonight.
Your jars turned out great!
Looks like a really fun night! Lucky girls!
I LOVE this! It looks amazing! If only I had an excuse to buy baby food… BUT- I do buy jam, so that’s a start 🙂
oooh!!! I feel so happy that I have been collecting jars of baby food! LOL!!!
I told my husband! I’m not a pack rat! LOL