Average But Inspired

Inspiring creativity at home.

by

DIY Etched Glass Votive Holders {Happiness is Handmade DIY Gift Ideas Blog Hop}

The season of giving is upon us, and at times, that can be overwhelming!  So many people to shop for and so much money to spend!  Luckily, I have an AWESOME DIY gift idea for you that is so inexpensive to make but so fun, too!  DIY etched glass votive holders are a really simple project, and they can actually be used in a few different ways (which I’ll fill you in about below).  DIY etched glass candle holders are such a GREAT gift! They're easy to make and inexpensive. They can also be gifted as makeup brush holders or vases. Get the full tutorial here.

But guys, that’s not the only idea you’ll find here because this post is part of the Happiness is Handmade DIY Gift Ideas Hop!  For this blog hop, I’ve teamed up with seventeen other fabulous bloggers to bring you EIGHTEEN awesome DIY gift ideas that will be perfect for your gift giving needs this holiday season!  You’ll find links to all of the ideas right at the bottom of this post!   Happiness is Handmade Graphic

So before you check out the other fabulous gift ideas and enter the giveaway, let me show you how easy it is to whip up a bunch of etched glass votive holders (or makeup brush holders or vases).

Supplies Needed

Some of these links are affiliate links.  To read my full disclosure policy, please click here.

  • Small square vases (I purchased mine at Dollar Tree, but here’s a link to a reasonably-priced six-pack if you can’t make it to the store)
  • Glass etching cream
  • Plastic knife or palette knife
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Cotton balls
  • **Silhouette machine and contact paper (if you don’t own a Silhouette or other paper cutting machine, you can definitely use glass etching stencils like these)
  • Paper towels
  • Vase filler stones
  • Votive candles

How to Make Etched Glass Votive Holders

First up, you need to clean the glass to make sure it’s free of any oils or residues.  Gently wipe it with a cotton ball that’s been soaked in rubbing alcohol and let it dry.  DIY etched glass candle holders are such a GREAT gift! They're easy to make and inexpensive. They can also be gifted as makeup brush holders or vases. Get the full tutorial here.

Next, if you’re creating your own stencils on a paper cutting machine, like a Silhouette, make your designs and measure them to fit the front of the glass vase.  (Simple shapes are best.  I used seasonal silhouettes, state shapes, and monograms.)  Mine were just about 2″ wide and high.  Cut them on contact paper (Speed 8, Thickness 3, Blade 1), and press them onto the glass.  Make sure they’re firmly pressed down along all edges!  DIY etched glass candle holders are such a GREAT gift! They're easy to make and inexpensive. They can also be gifted as makeup brush holders or vases. Get the full tutorial here.

If you’re going to do your etching with a glass etching stencil, make sure to follow the directions on the stencil package.

Apply the etching cream to the glass, using the plastic knife or palette knife, and make sure to cover the entire area to be etched.  Let it sit according to the directions on the package (mine took about 15 minutes).  DIY etched glass candle holders are such a GREAT gift! They're easy to make and inexpensive. They can also be gifted as makeup brush holders or vases. Get the full tutorial here.

After the proper amount of time has passed, use the plastic knife or palette knife to remove the cream from the glass.  The directions of my etching cream said I could reuse that cream, so I put it back into the container.  Rinse off the excess cream and gently pat dry with a paper towel.  Pop in your votive candles and enjoy!  DIY etched glass candle holders are such a GREAT gift! They're easy to make and inexpensive. They can also be gifted as makeup brush holders or vases. Get the full tutorial here.

This was my first time using glass etching cream, but I am OBSESSED.  It is like magic in a jar!  I honestly did not think it would work, but it did, and I love it!  One good thing to note is that the etching is dishwasher safe, too!  DIY etched glass candle holders are such a GREAT gift! They're easy to make and inexpensive. They can also be gifted as makeup brush holders or vases. Get the full tutorial here.

Now I will be giving my etched glass as votive holders this holiday season, but I think you could easily give them as makeup brush holders or vases.  Pretty cute, huh?  DIY etched glass candle holders are such a GREAT gift! They're easy to make and inexpensive. They can also be gifted as makeup brush holders or vases. Get the full tutorial here.

DIY etched glass candle holders are such a GREAT gift! They're easy to make and inexpensive. They can also be gifted as makeup brush holders or vases. Get the full tutorial here.

17 Other Handmade Gift Ideas

Now that you’ve seen how easy and affordable it can be to make your own holiday gifts, check out these other ideas that my friends have come up with.  I know you’re going to love them!

 

-Bre

 

 

I Bet You'll Like These Posts, Too!

Share this post:

Google+PinterestLinkedin

Comments

    • Thank you, Meg! Something about etching cream is SO fun! I think you would love making something like this!

    • Aw, thank you, Amanda! Yes – that etching stuff is AMAZING! Honestly – I had my doubts when I first tried it, but now I’m in love and want to etch everything! 🙂

    • Yes! Put it on your Christmas list NOW! You will use it for a gazillion things! I was nervous about spending the money, but it was definitely worth it!!

  12. These turned out great – and I love all the different uses you thought of besides candle holders! I’ve never used etching cream before (it still seems so weirdly magical to me), but you made it look easy and like something I should probably just try!

    Reply

    • YES! Do it. You will love it!! I cannot even imagine the magical things you would come up with, Jenny!

    • Hi, Amanda! Yes, if you’re using a stencil that you purchased from a store (like on that bendy stencil material). If you’re using a homemade contact paper stencil like I used, then no, you probably cannot reuse it because the stick will not be as strong. Thanks!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stenciled Chair Seats – A Thrifty and Fun Kitchen Chair Makeover

Thank you to Cutting Edge Stencils for providing the stencil used in this project and the prize to be awarded in the giveaway.  The project and opinions are all my own. One thing I love is giving a plain object new life and personality with a simple change.  Stenciling the seats of my beat up kitchen […]

A Rifle Paper Co. Inspired Furniture Makeover

Two things I love love love are Rifle Paper Co. and furniture makeovers.  If you’re not familiar with Rifle Paper Co, check out their website.  Their floral and whimsical patterns are right up my alley.  I’ve used their patterned papers on several projects, including this Console Table Makeover, my grandma’s Side Table Makeover, and most […]

A Dated Powder Room Gets a Bold Makeover!

I absolutely love doing room makeovers.  And you know what I’ve discovered?  It’s even better when I’m spending someone else’s money to do them!  HA!  I had the opportunity to do just that over Mother’s Day weekend when I helped my mom give her dated powder room a bold makeover with a vanity paint job […]

5 Furniture Makeover Mistakes to Avoid {Lessons From a Failed Furniture Flip}

One hot summer night I sat in front of the TV, watching reruns of an intellectually stimulating show (most likely Real Housewives of Dallas or some other random city), while mindlessly scrolling through Facebook.  Suddenly, a post showed up in my newsfeed of someone selling a gorgeous and antique roll top desk in my local resale group . . . […]