We’ve all seen the lovely etched glasses, etched ornaments or etched windows that are a work of art in themselves.

Not only are they beautiful for our own use, but they make lovely gifts for any occasion.

They are timeless, elegant and oh so easily accomplished without paying an arm and a leg to get them. Its also easy to apply the same methods to the holiday season with a few small clear glass ornaments.

You can make those yourself, or turn your front door window into a classic entryway that really gets noticed.
Working with a mirror, you can make them look like a timeless antique by the right application of a bit of etching cream.

Begin by cleaning the surface you want to etch so that it is crystal clear. In this case three or four small clear glass bulbs such as those which are purchased to be filled at any hobby store.

Instructions to make your own etched glass ornament:

1. Next taking contac paper, cover the surface of the glass.
2. Place the design you want to use behind the glass and trace it onto your glass.
3. Using an exacto knife or sharp scalper cut away the contac paper from the areas you are going to apply the etching cream to. Use care to prevent scratching the ornament and also make sure that the surface of the contact paper is well adhered around the cut out, as on a round ornament it will be more difficult to make it stick.
4. Go around the area that you cut out, making sure all of the contac paper is stuck tightly at the edges of the cuts to prevent leakage of the etching solution under the contac paper.
5. Using gloves and a paper towel, apply etching cream to the area that is to be etched. This cream is an acid, so be certain not to touch it directly with your hands.. wear some type of hand protection.
6. Usually in about ten minutes the etching cream is ready to be rinsed. Run it under cold water to completely rinse it.
7. The design should be well etched into the glassware and ready to go.
8. Don’t leave the etching cream on for too long.. Be certain to wear hand protection, and use a well ventilated area to do the craft.
9. If you use too little etching cream your area of design will appear streaky and not well etched. Make sure that you use enough to coat the area to be etched.