I got this hutch at an antique store back in October when I went to the Covered Bridge Festival in Indiana. We cleaned it (and boy did it need it), painted it, spray painted the hinges and handles, and frosted the windows. It’s a completely new hutch! If you are interested in how we frosted the windows, read on…

(Numbers correlate with picture above)

1. Supplies: Cricut (I used expressions), Adhesive-Backed Vinyl, Transfer Paper, and Armor Etch Glass Etching Cream

2. Using the quatrefoil image provided by Designed to the Nines and importing it into Sure Cuts a Lot (This is program I use to cut images with my cricut. Beware if you are interested in this program, the latest version is not compatible with Cricut cutting machines. However I’ sure there are other similar programs out there if you look.)

3. This is my finished “cut” after peeling off the unwanted sections. I used a piece of electric tape on the edge because I wanted a border of glass showing through around the edges. I couldn’t get this using Sure Cuts a Lot, so I improvised with the tape. It worked fine.

4. I covered my stencil with transfer tape. It is easer if you do not peel the backing off the transfer tape before you apply it. Instead peel the backing off as you go. How to do this: Peel about an inch of the backing off and fold it down so it is not in your way. Line up the corner of the tape with the corners of your stencil. Smooth your tape down evenly. Then continue to smooth the tape down as you peel off the backing. This will help you reduce the amount of wrinkles.

5. Once my transfer tape was on, I lined my stencil up on my windows (They just happened to be the exact width of a cricket cutting mat!) I used the same method or peeling the backing as you go to peel the backing off my stencil. (As you can see my stencil was not the same length as my window. I had to cut more stencil for that part.)

6. After applying the stencil, I applied Armor Etch with a paint brush using a dabbing motion. It is important to look through your glass to make sure you haven’t missed any spots. I shined a flashlight through to make those spots easier to notice.

7. After about ten minutes (I think the bottle says five, but I’ve always done ten), I washed the cream off using water and a rag. I started the etching at the bottom so that when I washed it off the water would run down already etched glass (versus starting at the top and water running down just applied cream or clean glass). Also, it is important to use gloves and a well ventilated area this armor etch stuff is pretty serious. Make sure you read the precautions on the back!

8. Last step! Pealing the stencil off the glass- the most fun part!

9. Finished product! I can’t wait to go shopping and fill it up with pretties!

This is a pretty big etching project. If you are interested in doing something like this, I’d start out small first, just to get the feel for it. Here are some other ideas for glass etching using the same method as above. If you don’t have a cricut- no problem. Your local craft store should have a selection of stencils you can use.

Project Descriptions:

1. Root bear mug (my classic Christmas present to people… I usually find the  mugs as thrift stores for cheep!)

2. Pyrex dish with last name (my go to wedding shower present)

3. Monogrammed canister (I gave this to my aunts one year with homemade hot chocolate powder inside.)

Happy Etching!