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Personalized Etched Glass Bakeware Tutorial

Okay, so my long-awaited Glass Etching Starter Kit arrived on Thursday, and I pretty much spent the entire weekend playing with it!  The verdict?  Well, I’ll let this photo speak for itself:

Personalized Etched Casserole Dishes...the full step by step tutorial! via thinkingcloset.com

Pretty snazzy, right?  4 of my most frequently used bakeware items are now etched using 3 unique designs (I’ll be offering those up as free cut files in this post, don’t you fret!), and I already know what my Christmas gifts will be this year.  Personalized etched glass bakeware for everyone!  (Family members, you never read this.  These are not the droids you are looking for.)

Below, you’ll find my tutorial with more photos and details than you’ll ever need, so you can get a head-start on your holiday gift-making, too!

First, let me show you the magic I found inside my Glass Etching Starter Kit when I ripped open the box:

Glass Etching Starter Kit

Glass Etching Starter Kit:

  • Etching cream (2 fl oz)
  • Stencil vinyl (9 in x 3 ft) – clear – more sticky than regular vinyl and able to withstand liquid over top of it
  • Transfer tape (9 in x 3 ft) – clear with brown backing
  • Silhouette hook – my favorite tool!
  • Silhouette scraper
  • 10 exclusive etching designs
  • Instructional DVD
  • Idea/Instruction book

Personalized Etched Glass Bakeware Tutorial

Step 1.  Create your design.  I created my first design for my 8″ x 8″ casserole dishes using Century New Gothic font (my all-time favorite font!) to spell out our last name for a simple, modern look.  Then, I found a free clip art file of some cutlery that I traced, then selected “release compound path,” so I could delete any unwanted parts of the traced shape and reorient the fork and spoon as I wanted them.

Creating personalized glass etching designs in Silhouette Studio.

I created my second design for my 9″ x 13″ casserole dish using the free font, Callie Hand, for a more playful version of our last name.  Then, I pieced together some bunting with bows on the ends because…who doesn’t love some festive bunting?

Creating personalized glass etching designs in Silhouette Studio.

Lastly, for my glass pie pan, I went a more “flowery” route, using the free font, KG Hard Candy, to spell out my text.  I replaced the “o” in love with a heart because I’m cheesy like that.  And for the palm embellishments, I used Bergamot Ornaments.  *NOTE: Make sure if you are etching on the bottom of a glass pan to flip the design horizontally (so it’s backwards) prior to cutting, just like you would with HTV!

Creating personalized glass etching designs in Silhouette Studio.

Free Cut File

And although you’ll obviously have your own personalized text to create, I thought I’d share all of my designs to give you a sense of scale and also so you can use the embellishments!  You can sign up to download your free .studio cut file by clicking HERE. {Fine print: this design is for personal use only and is not to be used for commercial purposes. Thanks!} Have fun!Free Cut File with Glass Etched Bakeware Designs via thinkingcloset.com

Step 2.  Cut your design.  Cut a piece of the stencil vinyl (white roll) large enough for your design, place it on your mat and load it into your machine.  You can also directly load the vinyl into the machine; just be sure to select LOAD MEDIA in that case, not LOAD CUTTING MAT.  Select “vinyl” in your Silhouette Studio software cut settings window, set your blade at the recommended setting of 2, and cut away!

Silhouette Machine at work!

Step 3.  Weed your design.  If you thought weeding regular vinyl was therapeutic, stencil vinyl is even more calming somehow.  Just remember that whatever you weed away is what will be etched.  You’re essentially creating a stencil with the negative space left behind.

Weeding the stencil vinyl.

Step 4.  Apply transfer tape to your design.  The transfer tape is clear, but came stored on brown paper in my kit.  You want to apply the transfer tape on top of your stencil, and I recommend peeling back just a small portion of the transfer tape, starting on one end, and working your way across.  You can use your scraper tool to smooth the transfer tape atop your stencil as you go.  Some air bubbles will remain, but as long as you smooth out the ones close to the edges of your stencil, you should be good to go.

How to apply transfer tape to your stencil vinyl.

Step 5.  Apply the stencil to your glassware.  This is always the scary part for me, mostly because the stencil vinyl sticks so strongly to the glass, it can be easy to get off kilter and end up with a crooked design.  So, if you can, just apply a small section of your stencil and transfer paper to the top of your glassware, make sure it’s centered, then use your scraper tool to apply it smoothly across the rest of the glassware.  Peel away your transfer tape, checking to make sure all parts of the stencil remain on the glass, and then use your finger to work out any air bubbles near the edges of your stencil.  (This probably goes without saying, but your glassware should be clean and dry to start.)

How to apply the stencil to your glassware.

Step 6.  Apply the etching cream to your glassware.  First, make sure you are wearing rubber gloves and long sleeves…you might even go so far as to wear protective eyewear.  Also, I recommend working in a well-ventilated area (I had a fan running the whole time).  The etching cream contains strong chemicals, and you want to make sure to avoid direct contact to your skin.  Also, if you ever get a headache while working with it, take a break!  This is serious stuff.

Supplies for Glass Etching!

If you’re working on the side of a casserole dish, you’ll want to prop up your dish on its side to get the best angle; I leaned it against a heavy textbook that I draped in a paper towel.  Give your bottle of etching cream a good hard shake to smooth out any clumps, then tap out a generous amount of the etching cream onto the negative spaces in your stencil.

Applying Etching Cream to the Bakeware

Silhouette recommends using the scraper tool or a cotton swab to even out the cream across your design, but I preferred using a thin foam brush.  I felt like it gave me more control over the application of the etching cream.

Spreading out the etching cream in a thick, even layer.

Once you have a thick, even layer of the etching cream across your design, set your timer! How long?  Well, Silhouette recommends 30 – 60 seconds.  But you know, when the boxes of hair dye said to let the dye set in my hair for 10-20 minutes, I always waited at least 30 minutes…and I took the same philosophy here.  I didn’t want to risk a faint design.  So, I let it set for 3 minutes.  Call me a rebel.

Step 7.  Remove the etching cream and clean the area.  After your timer goes off, you can use your scraper tool to remove the excess cream from your design and put it back in the bottle!  (Hooray for less waste.)

Save the excess etching cream by scraping it off and putting it back in your bottle!

Then, you can use a paper towel to carefully clean off any extra etching cream residue.

Clean off any residual etching cream!

Lastly, run the glass under some water and use a rag to thoroughly dry it.  Be vigilant not to accidentally rub any residual etching cream on parts of your bakeware you don’t want etched…it only takes a few seconds to start the etching process!

Thoroughly rinse your bakeware to get rid of any residual etching cream.

Step 8.  Remove the stencil from your glassware.  The last and final step is to peel away the stencil from your glassware (it does take some force), and use your hook tool to weed out any of the small pieces of your stencil.

Peel off that stencil to reveal your handiwork!

You can wash your glassware one more time, dry it, and admire your handiwork!

Your casserole dishes aren’t going to get accidentally taken home by someone else ever…again.  And I can almost guarantee they’ll be the talk of the town at your next pot luck dinner!

Don't let your casserole dishes get taken home by someone else! Personalize them with glass etching cream. Tutorial via thinkingcloset.com

Create classy custom casserole dishes using glass etching cream and stencil vinyl.

Personalize a glass pie pan with etching cream! Detailed step by step tutorial via thinkingcloset.com

Personalize a glass pie pan with etching cream! Detailed step by step tutorial via thinkingcloset.com

So, does etching cream really work on Pyrex bakeware?

Now, I’ve heard rumors that Pyrex dishes “reject” etching creams.  I’ve been told that you need to stick to inexpensive, non-name-brand glassware from places like the Dollar Store.  But since I’m stubborn, I thought I’d give it a whirl.  Let the record show that yes indeed, you can etch Pyrex bakeware using Silhouette brand etching cream.  (Which is a good thing considering I have a whole Pyrex collection.)

Lauren’s Tips & Tricks for Glass Etching

How to create Personalized Etched Glass Bakeware! Tips, tricks, and a step by step tutorial. Christmas gift-making, here I come! via thinkingcloset.com

After etching three different pieces, here are some tips and tricks that I learned along the way:

  • Make sure you’re working in a well-lit area.  You’re dealing with clear stencil vinyl and clear transfer paper and clear dishes…you’ll want to be in the best lit area in the house with your glasses on!
  • Give yourself more margin than you think on your stencil.  You don’t want to worry about the etching cream going over the edge of your stencil and onto areas you don’t want to etch…so give yourself an inch or more around the edge of your design so that you have plenty of room for spillage.  You could even use painter’s tape to mask off more area if you want to save your stencil vinyl.
  • Cap your etching cream in between projects and also shake it well between projects…even if your projects are just 20 minutes apart.  Otherwise, it will start to clump.
  • Lay out paper towels beneath your workspace and have a roll of paper towels nearby.
  • Don’t be dismayed when it appears your etching has completely washed away when you run it under water.  It does appear to fade away, but after it dries, you’ll find the design should be clear and visible!
  • Avoid applying your stencil to the curved parts of your bakeware or atop letters, otherwise your etching cream might leak beneath the stencil.
  • If you can practice first on a small piece of glassware that you don’t care too much about, I recommend it!  You’ll get the swing of working with the materials.

UPDATE!

Since originally publishing this post, word of glass etching’s awesomeness has spread…and I have received a slew of “frequently asked questions” on the subject.

So, I decided to dedicate an entire follow-up post to answering all of your questions on the art of the etched casserole dish.  Together with this post, you’ll have all the info you need to become a glass etching rockstar.

Just click HERE to check it out!

The Art of the Etched Casserole Dish: Your Questions Answered! | Here's a comprehensive list of the most frequently asked questions I receive on how to use your Silhouette and glass etching cream to create a personalized DIY gift. Prepare to learn everything you ever wanted to know AND MORE on the subject!
Click HERE to check it out.

Silhouette Winner!

Silhouette Portrait Giveaway! Sept 25 - 29 at thinkingcloset.com. Enter to win the craft-cutter of your dreams!

Thanks to everyone who entered my Silhouette Portrait Giveaway!  I really enjoyed your comments about your favorite casserole and pot luck dishes…it certainly got my stomach rumbling!  Now, it’s time to announce the lucky winner of a brand new Silhouette Portrait machine.

Can I get a drumroll, pah-lease?

The winner…as chosen by Rafflecopter and powered by random.org is…

Giveaway Winner!

Congrats, Kirsten!  Now, start dreaming up some etching designs so you can put your new Portrait to use a.s.a.p.

Happy Monday, y’all!

Full Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post; however, I received free product in exchange for an honest review.  This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase using my code, I receive a small commission.  Please rest assured that as always, I only recommend products that I use and love.  And my enthusiasm for my Silhouette Cameo is the real deal!  (Just ask my husband.)

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104 Comments

  1. Tooling around looking for some help with my silhouette and stumbled on this post about etching glass…with my maiden name on the baking dish !!! I suspect I’m related to whoever you made the “Lanker” baking dish for. If it’s you would love to connect.

  2. Which Silhouette machine did you use? I’ve never owned one but your blog has made a believer out of me. I will get one, just don’t know which one yet.

    1. Hi Dolly! I may be too late in my reply…but I started with the regular Silhouette Cameo and now I have a Cameo 3! It’s awesome. You can use my affiliate link to check it out…and the code 10OFF for 10% off at checkout. The promo code box appears once you sign in or create an account. Best of luck!

  3. I downloaded the “Free Studio File” and was trying to change the last name. I tried to select the name and write over it but it is not working. Can you help me?

    Thanks!

    1. You’ll need to download the font (each of the three are listed within my post) so it’s on your computer. Then, you can create the text for the last name yourself (and size it to match mine or your dish). Best of luck!

  4. This has been my favorite Silhouette Cameo tutorial. I pinned your etched dishes and have used this post as a springboard for all kinds of fun projects. I just returned to the downloaded file to retrieve the little leaves for another project and, to my surprise, the leaves will not display properly in Silhouette v 3.0.531ss. They display as a capital “S.” Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you for sharing this fabulous step by step project. I have been inspired to make meaningful gifts for family members because you were willing to share your great ideas and know-how.

    1. Thanks, Tara! YES! It won’t come off in the dishwasher because the etching cream actually cuts into the glass – – so what you see it the ABSENCE of glass, not something painted on top of it (at least, that’s my non-scientific understanding of it). I’ve washed ours multiple times, and they look the exact same was when I first etched them. Have fun!

  5. My Pyrex dish DID NOT etch. Bummer! I left the cream for 25 minutes and it rinsed off like it wasn’t there. It must be the version encased in plastic which is what i read on Armour Etching cream’s website. Boo. Glad it worked for you!

  6. I love the glass bakeware. They came out beautiful. If I don’t want to buy the kit, but just the vinyl rolls which one should I look for? I see Silouhette heavy duty and stencil vinyl on Amazon, but none actually say they should be used with etching cream.
    Thanks,
    -em

  7. Great tutorial! I’ve tried etching on 2 cups and I have small issues of it bleeding slightly outside the lines in a few spots. I smoothed out the edges so they should have been completely pressed down, but something isn’t working exactly right. Have you had these issues or do you have any tips for that? Thanks!

  8. Hi Lauren!! Thanks for posting such great tutorials!! I just got a Cameo for Christmas and I am loving it!! I want my next project to be glass etching. I love this tutorial, but I do have one thing to clarify. If you etch on the inside of the dish, does it make it hard to clean?? How is your pie pan doing?? Thanks for any advice!

    1. You’re so welcome, Tanya! I’m glad to know you’re enjoying your new Cameo! So, I don’t think etching on the inside would make it hard to clean…though I do wonder if over time, the “white” part of the etched design might be less crisp from food oils. That’s why I reversed the image and created a “mirrored” stencil for the pie pan, so I could etch it on the bottom, but it would read the right-direction when looking from the top. Does that make sense? Unless you have a good reason to etch it on the inside, I’d do the bottom! Best of luck.

  9. Here’s the story on Pyrex and ALL glassware: If it is very old, like most of mine, it will not etch. Newer glass will. I test everything Pyrex by putting a single drop on etching cream into the P on the Pyrex logo. If it etches, I’m good to go. If not, find something else. Experience and testing are the best teachers.

  10. This is truly awesome Lauren! As I said before, living in a house with several roommates, we mix up our dishes all the time. They can get taken to parties by my housemates, and I never get them back! Will have to pin this to do in the future. And I have to admit…I didn’t catch the cultural reference to the “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for” bit. Can you fill me in?

  11. I cannot get hold of a glass etching starter set in the UK and your blog has inspired me SO much……I really love this and I am DESPERATE to have a go
    Thank you xx

    1. Bummer, Brenda! Do you have a buddy in the US whose shipping address you could use? The upcoming Black Friday sale is going to be pretty epic, so it might help offset shipping costs! I’ll be announcing it here on Thursday. Glad you’ve been inspired, and I hope you can get your hands on one soon!

  12. Hi Lauren

    Can you tell me where you get your glass containers to work with. I talked with etchworld and they said you can’t etch pyrex. I have purchased anchor hocking and of cours they have an anchor usually placed right in the middle of where you would want to etch.

    Thanks
    Dorie Bravender

    1. I can only imagine how many casserole dishes are in Katie’s Cucina, just waiting to be etched! Ha ha. And thanks again for the feature, friend!

    1. Ha ha. That’s right, you know from experience that capturing glass etching isn’t easy, is it? I probably took 100 photos at 100 different angles just to get a small handful that did the pieces justice. #bloggerproblems (Lol.) And yes, at Thanksgiving, I’m planning on collecting bakeware items from my family members and hope they forget about it by Christmas!

  13. Hi! I’m visiting you from the Show Me What Ya Got linky party today! What an absolutely awesome tutorial! I love how the dishes turned out, they look professional, don’t they? (btw: I never knew Silhouette made an etching kit!)
    Thanks for sharing… 🙂

  14. If I had that Kit there wouldn’t be one Pyprex in my mom’s house without something etched on them LOL. I loove it Lauren! I really need to live in USA, Would you adopt me???? LOL

    XOXO and hugs
    Cami

  15. This is great!! I love it. Love. Love. Love. I’m not usually crafty but I’m tempted to try it on cheap dollar store glassware and see if I can do it. If I can’t, I do happily accept awesome Christmas gifts. 🙂

  16. Great tutorial. I am actually going to try this on some olive oil bottles next week. Going to try putting “Dish Soap” and maybe a flower on them and use them as Christmas gifts. BUT…rebel that I am, I am going to try it with our bead blaster. Hubby swears it will work. My SIL has the Cricut. Going to look for that vinyl. Thanks for sharing!!

  17. Oh, I would have WAY too much fun etching words and designs onto my glass dishes. I love the designs you chose and the words. Especially the made with love in the round glass dish, it’s perfection. You did a fabulous job. Thanks so much for sharing such a creative idea and a way to add some fun to regular ol’ glass dishes.

    I’d love it if you linked this up over at Living Well Spending Less for Thrifty Thursday this week! http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/category/thrifty-thursday/

  18. This turned out fabulous! I’m amazed at all the different things you can do with a silhouette! The etched glassware would make a perfect gift! I’m stopping by from Cheerios and Lattes (#14 Easy Fall Decor for 6 Dollars and 18 Time Well Spent)

  19. I love this! It’s a great way to guarantee your dishes don’t get misplaced and lost is someone else’s kitchen after a party. Thanks for linking up at the Lovely Ladies Linky this week. I’m featuring this on my facebook page tonight 🙂

    1. Thanks, Pam! I was so excited, I got to use the pie plate tonight for some peach pie…and I swear that pie tasted more yummy because of the etching. Lol. 😉

    1. Ha ha. Yes, you must! The world would be an even more creative place if you had a Silhouette at your fingertips, Heather!

    1. Thanks, Paige! Yeah, I’ve been obsessed with the look of etched glass for nearly a year now…it was wonderful to finally get the opportunity to dive in and try it out! Hopefully, you can, too.

    1. I had read about the trouble with Pyrex on two different tutorials in the past, but I was of course delighted to find that my Pyrex would take an etch…otherwise, I’d be off by more dishes I don’t actually need. And I love that you’re a glass etching fanatic, too, Lisa! How can you not be? Now, that I’ve tried it, I’m eager to churn out some more etching projects. Bring it on!

  20. LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a super cute idea! And then your dish would never get lost at the next party! Totally pinning!

    Happy day rock star!
    karianne

    1. That’s right, Karianne! No more lost casserole dishes! (Unless someone likes my etching so much, they try to steal it. Lol. I guess my casserole dishes are never quite safe. Ha ha.) Thanks for the pin, and I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, friend.

  21. Love the pennant banner across the opposite side of your pan- cute cute designs you did! Your Silhouette projects are always amazing! 🙂

    1. Aw, thanks, Sky! I’m a sucker for pennant banners! On my wall and on my casserole dishes! Lol.

  22. Is the stencil vinyl in the glass etching kit the same as the stencil vinyl in the fabric ink kit? I have some that I haven’t used yet, and I’m wondering if it would work well. Also, how does the etching cream compare to Armour Etch, if you’ve ever used that? Sounds like it works more quickly!

    1. That’s a really good question, Liz! I did a bunch of google searching and studying of the products in the Silhouette shop, and I’m still not 100% sure. It looks like the stencil vinyl that comes with the fabric ink kit is a light gray, while the one with the glass etching kit is totally clear. Now, they could be the same material, just different colors. If I were you, I’d give it a try on some cheap glass! See how it does. I’ve also asked about it on the Silhouette blog, so I’ll get back to you if I hear from them. I’ve heard that the Silhouette glass etching cream works faster than most, so although I’ve never worked with Armour Etch before, I have to say, the Silhouette brand etching cream was super easy to work with. And as I said, it etched my Pyrex without a problem…which I’ve heard can be tricky with other brands of etching cream! Hope that helps!

  23. You Rebel, you!;)
    Even though I said I wasn’t buying anymore Silhouette products until I used some of my other purchases, I’m awfully tempted. We are always bringing food to potlucks and parties and this would be a sure fire way to take home the same dish we brought food in. Great tutorial, Lauren!

    1. {Tee hee.}

      And I hear ya on the temptation part! Believe it or not, I’m tempted to buy a second kit myself because I used up nearly all of the stencil vinyl and transfer paper with my 4 projects (it seems like one box will get you five or six dishes worth of designs). And now that most of my dishes are etched, I want to get a head start on Christmas gifts!

      Glad you enjoyed the tutorial, Cindy. Let me know if you take the plunge!

    1. Glenna, you are too kind! Speaking of amazing designs, y’all’s tumblers on your new blog today are out of this world amazing! You and your daughter are off to a strong start with My Paper Craze!

  24. these came out perfectly- I love the one where it says made by love on the bottom–after they finish eating they get a cute message!- any idea if it is ok to use to bake in? Does the glass etching stay put?

    1. Yes! It gives you even MORE incentive to finish off that pie! Tee hee.

      And yes, these survive the high temperatures of baking in the oven without a problem. In fact, I tested mine out tonight when baking brownies. It looks just the same as it did in the first place. Etching eats away at the glass itself, so imagine it like “carving” into the glass rather than adding something to it. Now, I would not etch on the interior of the dish where it might get dirty with food bits…but on the outside, it should stay squeaky clean!

    1. Thanks, Krista! Etching casserole dishes has been on my crafty to do list for nearly a year now. I was ecstatic to finally give it a whirl!

    1. For sure, Tori! Hope it’s helpful if and when you give glass etching a try. (Watch out, it’s addictive. Lol.)

    1. Thanks, Tara! Yes, next time I have a wedding to attend, my gift is a no-brainer. (Can anyone say, “Personalized Etched Glass Pyrex Collection!?”)

  25. this is so nice and yes, it would make great Christmas gifts for family members! too bad I still don’t have one of these beautiful Silhouette 🙂 I love how yours turned out and the “made with love by the Lankers”: great idea! love it, love it!

    1. Thanks, Ingrid! Yes, the pie dish is my favorite of the designs, too! And we’ve got to remedy your Silhouette situation…I can only imagine the wonders you’d create, my talented friend!

    1. You were definitely part of my inspiration for finally giving it a go! And I’m so glad I did. Thanks, Kadie.

  26. I’m sooo sad I didn’t win! I’ll be stalking your site regularly for more giveaways 😉 Love this! Sharing on my FB page today!
    Hugs,
    Jamie

    1. That’s okay, Adrianne. I always feel like I’m late to the party myself. I only recently got some washi tape…and that has been on my wish list for quite a while now! #fashionablylate?

    1. Wow! You have your grandmother’s Pyrex?! That is so cool! I have a set that was gifted to us when we got married; glad to know that this stuff is in it for the long haul. (Makes the etching all the more meaningful, too.)

    1. Thanks, Dusty! I had fun coming up with the designs and probably spent way longer on it than I should have, but oh well. Crafting is my therapy!

    1. I know! I’m so excited for Kirsten! And now that you have a Silhouette, Marilyn, I’m sure your crafting to do list is a mile long. Definitely add glass etching to that list, though…whenever you can fit it in. It’s well worth it!

    1. I am thrilled FOR you, Kirsten! I know you are going to create so many beautiful things with your new machine. Now, let’s hope that package grows wings and can fly it’s way to your doorstep soon so you can dive into some projects!

  27. So glad it worked well for you. I made these as Christmas gifts for my family last year and it has been my go-to wedding gift with a couple of our favorite casserole recipes all this year!

    1. Look at you, being ahead of the game, Christine! I’m sure I could have taken some pointers from you! (And great idea to gift some recipes along with the etched casserole dish. I’ll have to do that!)

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