I’ve always said that home-made items make the best gifts for loved ones because it shows you put a lot of time and effort into it for them. And with us glass etchers, we can also customize those items with their name and create something elegant.
Here is one Valentine’s Day gift DIY idea I did a while back which is inexpensive, fun and meaningful. I etched a glass heart bowl with the text that said Happy Valentine’s Day on one side and their name on the other. Then I placed red, pink and silver Hershey kisses in the bowl.
1. Get Heart Glass Bowl & Supplies
I purchased this bowl at Walmart which originally was only $3 or $4! However, I am not sure if they still offer these since I haven’t seen them in the store in a few years. However, I found Amazon offers these Libbey heart-shaped glass bowls with the 1 pack here, the set of 3 here and the set of 6 here. The more you order in a set, the lower cost it is each. A set of 6 usually costs a little over $4 each which is a great idea if you customize items to sell on Etsy.
The other supplies I used are a piece of adhesive backed vinyl such as contact paper and a razor blade. To etch you can use etching cream, a sandblaster or rotary engraving tool.
2. Apply Stencil & Cut Out
I then applied the stencil and pulled out all the lettering that I cut.
3. Mask Around Stencil
It is a good idea to mask around the stencil with masking tape to protect the outer areas from being accidentally etched. It’s most important with sandblasting, but it’s also a good idea for cream etching also.
4. Etch Over the Stencil
Here I used my sandblaster, as I like the depth and high visibility of the etching it creates.
5. Remove Stencil and Clean
6. Fill with Candy
I also etched the other side with a name as shown below.
I hope this gives you some DIY ideas for Valentine’s Day. This would make a great extra little gift to what ever you have planned next week. Please leave me some comments letting me know what you think, what ideas you have to etch or ask any questions below. Thank you!
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Thank you for your concise explanation and great pictures. Corliss
Another great job! I have found heart shaped bowls similar to this at Dollar Tree. They don’t always have them sonit is a good idea to stock up when you find them. I’d love to know more about your sandblaster. Could you please share what you have – name of sandblaster, size of air compressor, etc. I’d love to look into getting one. TIA!
@ Lisa, good to hear others are using these nice little heart bowls! I always thought they were nice for the price. I have this sandblaster http://amzn.to/2nNDZHk because I use it for carving into glass also, but if you are doing simple surface etching, you could easily use a cheap siphon sandblaster. My air compressor is 20 gallon – can’t remember the air rating off the top of my head.
@ Corliss , thank you!
Jeanette, I tried to reply to your comment on Facebook but couldn’t. This is the reply to your question:
I actually did this a few years ago and just now got around to posting but I think it was 180 grit aluminum oxide. I lean toward 150 or 120 grit more these days. I switch it up a lot and depends if I am using photoresist at the time. 3/32″ ID nozzle is my favorite size- not too big, not too small. I use the ROC here: https://www.glassetchingsecrets.com/ROCTEC-sandblaster-nozzle-tips
very very nice work
That’s so cute I just love it, really nice.
I’m just looking forward to doing some of this when I get my tank and compressor not sure of the size I need though I just finished my work shop and bought some acid looking at a lot of fun I think love the idea of names on it. Have a great day 👍🖖😎👽
Beautiful work, Eric. Noticed in the photo it appears you are using some type of gun instead of the straight valve blaster. Can you tell me what type of blasting gun this is it appears to be much easier to use. Thanks
Hi Eric thanks for your helpful guides
I would like you recommend me a good and professional SAND BLASTING GUN
Tks
Lelio
see up
Beautiful gift for Valentine’s Day.
Love your work!
pls recommend me a good sand blaster gun
@Lelio, thanks for your comment. I would need some info before recommending a sandblaster. It really depends on what you are trying to achieve (sandcarving or surface etching), what your budget is (some professional setups cost upwards of $10,000 while others $10 which all can do the job), and how large the items will be or how large production would be.
hello Eric,
thanks to sharing all your new ideas ,this idea is soper.
can you guide me from where I can get this sand blaster machine ?
and from where I can take this etching cream.
thanks and Regards
Nosheen.Gill
I love this memonto