Things You'll Need:
- Clear glass Christmas balls
- Etching cream
- Clear contact paper
- Holiday stencils
- Paintbrush
- Latex gloves
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Step 1
Purchase clear glass Christmas balls. Select 3-inch ball for the best results. Remove the cap and wash the ball with hot water and white vinegar. Allow to dry thoroughly and avoid getting fingerprints on the glass. Polish with a clean dry paper towel to remove fingerprints, of necessary.
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Step 2
Select stencils for the design on the balls. These will be the areas on the ball that are not frosted. Choose the appropriate size stencil for the design you wish to create. Stars, snowflakes and scrolls work well, but any holiday design is fine. Consider printing holiday graphics from a graphics program or use an attractive font to design names or holiday related words, like "joy," "peace," and "love."
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Step 3
Cut out any stencils you designed and trace them onto the paper side of the contact paper. Be sure to flip the stencil so that you trace the reverse of the desired image onto the paper. Cut out the stencils using a pair of sharp craft scissor or craft knife, taking care to cut around small areas.
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Step 4
Press the contact paper stencils onto the glass ball in the desired location. Smooth to remove wrinkles or bubbles and smooth all edges. Check edges to be sure they are pressed firmly in place. Check for any fingerprints on the ball and rub clean with paper towel.
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Step 5
Select a well-ventilated work area. Prepare the work surface by layer of old newspapers. Apply a thick layer of etching cream onto the ball in the areas between the stencils. The goal is to etch the ball and leave the stenciled area plain glass. Allow the etching cream to set for the specified amount of time, usually between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the brand you use. Rinse the etching cream from the ball and remove the contact paper stencils. Dry and hang.
