Glass Etching Artisan

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By Dame Scribe

Learn Glass Etching

A simple floral or intricate design on your front door, glass vase or mirror can make such a simple and elegant statement in the home or business. To provide a glass etching service can be both personally and professionally satisfying for ones with adept hands, patience and the right equipment.

Etching services are used to provide a ‘frosted’ look on glass but using the same equipment and techniques, it can be done on stone, ceramic or wood, and even on metal. It is an art that can be seen in high end restaurants, hotels, executive offices and numerous items for occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, holidays, etc.

The simplest technique is the surface etching. You're only etching the surface of a item. It will leave a two dimensional design like a black and white photo. It is the easiest and fastest method to provide a finished product.

Etching use to be done with covering the surface with wax, scratching the design through the wax and dipping into an acid. Today’s methods include;

Sandblasting, which ‘pits’ the specific surface with use of a stencil

Etching cream, which is a chemical compound applied to the open areas of a stencil and ‘burns’ the surface.

Etching Pen, it is used in drawing like one would use a pencil and can be used for engraving.

It is recommended that you first practice at etching some inexpensive items until you learn to produce quality products and have gained a familiarity and confidence in your ability and tools for this service.

The promotion of your services can start with letters of introduction of your services and brochures with photos of your work, a business card, join/start a Artists Guild, offer classes, limited discount, rent out artistic pieces, and a free press release.

Read related ---> here and there. Gift Shopping ---> here.

I hope you found this article informative. Please feel free to leave your comments and share your own observations plus give your Vote. Send me a email if you have a request on a topic of interest. It’s FREE to join my Fan club, subscribe by Email, RSS Feed,  grab a Free Widget, Link to me or join me on Hubpages with a click of your mouse.

Article(C)2011 Dame Scribe, all rights reserved. Dame Scribe creates articles and posts online. She creates articles on business skills & development, health, science, technology and society and has a strong passion for writing.

Comments and Thoughts

Dame Scribe profile image

Dame Scribe Hub Author 3 weeks ago

Hi Deborah Brooks, glass etching really can add a sense of elegance and beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your comments. :)

Deborah Brooks profile image

Deborah Brooks 3 weeks ago

wow this is a great and interesting hub. I love Etching.. You are so creative I see this at craft shows all the time

Blessing

Debbie

Dame Scribe profile image

Dame Scribe Hub Author 22 months ago

Hi Fenris_Ulfsson, I can only imagine these wildlife pieces must be quite beautiful done with this beautiful skill. Thank you for visiting and sharing your comments. :)

fenris_ulfsson profile image

fenris_ulfsson 22 months ago

Great article,I am a glass etcher,I use an engraver,and mostly do wildlife pieces.

Dame Scribe profile image

Dame Scribe Hub Author 2 years ago

Hello, I think glass etching is a beautiful craft and skill we should all be proud owning and sharing. I'm glad you enjoyed the article. Thank you for sharing your comments and visiting. Send me a email. :)

glass etching profile image

glass etching 2 years ago

Hey, I liked your posting. I also am a glass etcher, primarily with sandblasting. Lately I have been helping people by making custom glass etching stencils for free to promote my website. If your interested, let me know.

P.S. good to see other glass etchers out on the web!

Dame Scribe profile image

Dame Scribe Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi RedElf, I'm glad you enjoyed reading the article and maybe gives you some ideas to pass. Thank you for sharing your comments and your visit. :)

RedElf profile image

RedElf Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago

Great info, and thanks so much.

Dame Scribe profile image

Dame Scribe Hub Author 3 years ago

Hi Fleury, thank you for the tips. It will help our struggling artists out there. :)

fsommers profile image

fsommers 3 years ago

Having been a gallery owner for years, I'd also suggest either putting together some sort of portfolio of your work or developing a website. Make it easy for a gallery owner to see your work.

If you're in the area, drop by the gallery. Alternatively, visit their websites.

Galleries used to require slides of work. Not so much anymore with the internet. The key is to make sure you understand what the gallery specializes in. The good news is that art glass is getting increasingly popular. But don't bother with galleries that don't show art glass. They won't be interested and you'll just waste your time.

Another possible distribution channel is specialty stores like Hallmark where cards and small objects are sold.

But never be afraid or too shy to show your work. Most people are courteous enough to give you a hearing.

Fleury Sommers

Dame Scribe profile image

Dame Scribe Hub Author 3 years ago

lol, Pest ... you wouldn't have to have steady hands if using the etching cream. :) give it a whirl and let us know!

Pest profile image

Pest 3 years ago

Intuitive...i have been looking for some sort of hobby that i could make a little money on at the same time. I have no talents what-so-ever though. This one looked fun, but then again I can't keep a steady hand! So the search must go on.

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