Average But Inspired

Inspiring creativity with crafts, DIY, and home decor projects.

by

DIY Etched Glass Votive Holders

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

 

 

Comments

    • Bre says

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

    • Bre says

      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! 🙂

    • Bre says

      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. Jenny @ Refresh Living says

    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

    • Bre says

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

    • Bre says

      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 *

Kitchen Update with Smart Tiles Peel and Stick Backsplash

Last year I helped my sister give her original 1950’s kitchen a budget-friendly but impactful makeover – complete with new and painted cabinets, new countertops, and new flooring. She later decided she wanted to add a backsplash, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to spend the time or money to install a real tile backsplash. […]

Colorful DIY Glass Jar Lantern Craft

This summer I’m determined to make the most of my yard and patio, and I know many of you are feeling the same!  A great way to make outdoor spaces more inviting is with accessories, like outdoor pillows, pretty planters (try these DIY Modern Planters!), and ambient lighting.  Speaking of which, this DIY glass jar […]

Refinished and Reupholstered Leather Seat Chair

It’s the second Wednesday of the month, so you know what that means – it’s time for another edition of The Monthly DIY Challenge!  Every month some of my best blogger buddies and I team up to create projects based on a common item or theme.  In the past we’ve all used things like stencils […]

Modern Vintage Bathroom Makeover Reveal

Several months ago I shared my plans for a modern vintage bathroom makeover in my kids’ / hall bathroom. I totally dragged my heels on sharing the finished space. Why? Because my kids are messy little creatures who cannot keep this bathroom tidy. I had to clean it and photograph it in the same chunk […]