For this last Iron Craft challenge we could do whatever we wanted. I used it as a chance to do a project I’ve been wanting to do for awhile, monogramming some glasses with etching cream. Why did I wait so long do this? Well, it’s because the glasses I wanted to monogram are actually the jars our local grocery store’s mustard comes in and I had to wait for Matt to finish up the mustard!

This was such a simple project, but I love the finished look. They really don’t look like a DIY at all (or mustard jars for that matter). I have three done and am just waiting for the fourth one to be emptied.

The trickiest part of this project was finding the stencils in a font I liked. The stencils I used are the Plaid/FolkArt Peel & Stick Painting Stencils. They are a bit like the Colorforms I played with as kids, though a little stickier. They say they are reusable up to 20 cleanings. I was really happy with how well they stuck, even on the third one, and the sharp edges I was able to get.Both JoAnn and Michael’s carry them, but both had different fonts and designs.

Monogrammed Glasses

Supplies:

• clean, dry glasses
• ruler
• non-permanent marker
• peel & stick stencils
• small paintbrush
• etching cream (I used Martha Stewart’s.)

1. Use the ruler and marker to mark where you want the stencil on your glass. This is especially important if you are doing more than one glass and want them to look the same.

2. Place the stencil on the glass. These stencils are a little stretch, so make sure to stick it on straight and not distorted. Press down all over with your finger, paying special attention to the edges of the letter.

3. Use the small paintbrush to fill the stencil with etching cream. You really want to make sure it is on thick. Be careful not to getting etching cream anywhere else on the glass, you can wipe it off right away if you do.

4. Let sit the amount of time your cream calls for, mine was 15 minutes.

5. Without removing the stencil, wash the bulk of the cream off the glass under warm water. Remove the stencil and wash the glass to remove any remaining cream.

Clean and dry the stencil to use again and move on to the next glass.

My etching cream says the glasses will now be top rack safe in the dishwasher, though I bet the etching will last longer if they are washed by hand.

I think these would be a fabulous gift. I’ll need to remember it for the future.