Hey everyone! It’s Sophie May again, I hope you are all well? As we all know Ellie and Mac create the most gorgeous, amazing patterns, but did you know they also design cut files?! I only discovered the world of Cricutting a few months ago and I am ADDICTED. There is so much to learn – like sewing, the possibilities are endless!
I am very much a beginner, and while I enjoy designing my own projects, I am obsessed with the Ellie and Mac cut files. They are so easy to download from the website and upload into Cricut Design Space, and many are multiple layers, so you don’t have to manipulate them at all if you don’t want to. It’s as easy as download, upload, make!
I have so many ideas, it’s hard to keep up sometimes. I have so many projects planned, and things I want to try that I could start now, and even with no interruptions I wouldn’t be finished for months! Today though, I’m going to show you how to etch glass using a vinyl stencil made with your Cricut machine.
You will need:
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a Cricut machine (or another plotter machine)
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a standard grip Cricut mat
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a fine point blade
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a weeding tool
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stencil vinyl
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transfer tape
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etching cream
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a glass blank (any uncoated glass will work; I am using a glass frame)
First, you need to pick your favourite (yes, I know it’s impossible!) Ellie and Mac cut file, then purchase and download it. This part took me way longer than it should, simply because I couldn’t choose between all the wonderful designs.
Upload the SVG file into Cricut Design Space and insert the image into a blank canvas.
Next, choose what size you want to etch your image – this will depend on what you will be etching. You want to make sure the design fits nicely on your item. If you are using a multi-layer image, you will need to weld it.
Add a square approximately 5 centimetres (or 2 inches) larger than the design to the canvas. Send it to the back, and highlighting both your design and the square, select align centre followed by slice.
Using stencil vinyl, a fine point blade and a standard grip mat, cut your image!
Now it’s time to weed! Rather than weeding the excess as you would normally, you need to weed your image, so you are left with a stencil.
Using transfer tape, apply your vinyl stencil to your glass. Take extra care to ensure the stencil is fully adhered to your glass, with no air bubbles.
Using your small paint brush, paint your etching cream on the stencilled area of your glass. Try to get an even layer – I like to start off with a nice thin layer and then go back and apply more until you have a thick coat.
Leave the etching cream on your glass for the time stated on your etching cream bottle – mine suggests 20 minutes, but different brands may vary.
Rinse the etching cream off your glass (a stainless steel sink or plastic washing up bowl is preferable). Remove your vinyl stencil and dry your glass. Don’t worry if the etching isn’t obvious when the glass is wet – it shows up best when your glass is dry!
There are no special aftercare instructions necessary – you can now treat your glass as you would normally!
Happy etching!
Sophie May x
