Etched Hostess Gift

What are your plans for New Years Eve? While I love a good party, I prefer New Years Eve gatherings to be somewhat intimate. I don't know if I'm just getting sentimental in my old age but the beginning of a New Year is a big deal to me. I love making resolutions/goals. I love celebrating the year past & looking forward to the year ahead. I guess that's why I prefer a smaller gathering.

That being said, Mike & myself are excited to be celebrating New Years Eve with some really special & close friends of ours. But...I needed a hostess gift. Something inexpensive, personal & easy to do.

I immediately thought of this little guy...Armour Etch

I had gotten this at Michaels awhile back but I wasn't able to use it. Now...just steer clear because I'm on an etching roll. ;p 

This is easy to do & it only took me about 20 minutes start to finish. First of all, I found a cool looking wine/water/juice/whatever liquid you want to put in it decanter at Crate & Barrel for $4.95. Yep...a steal. I went on Tuesday of this past week & there were a TON, so there should be plenty left. 

The last name of the people were ringing in the New Year with is May. I went on the computer & just printed out an "M". And here are the rest of the steps...

Put the painters tape over the area you want etched. 

I kinda eye-balled it so hopefully it was straight. ;p 

The key to this step is slow & steady. 

Carefully peel off what you cut out. Pull the "guide" off the tape & make sure the tape is perfectly smooth & sticking to the glass. 

I just used a Q-tip to apply the cream. It's easy & I just threw it away. And side note - You probably should wear gloves while using the cream, just to protect your hands. 

Wait at least 10 minutes & rinse off the cream with water. 

Peel the tape off & voila! A beautifully etched glass. 

I'm telling you, I could get addicted to etching. Good thing I didn't discover this before Christmas or else every one would've gotten something etched under the tree! :p 

I can't wait to bring our friends this hostess gift this weekend! 

If you're looking for another hostess gift idea, check out my no-sew kitchen towel apron I made here.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you're finding some great after Christmas deals! Just FYI...Crate & Barrel always has great after Christmas sales! I got several ornaments this past week for $0.50/each & HUGE pinecones, like gigantic pinecones for $1/each! Score. :-)