Custom Etched Decanter Set: A Personalized Gift Made with Etchall

Looking for a unique and elegant gift idea? This custom glass etched decanter set is the perfect project to showcase both creativity and craftsmanship! Using Silhouette Studio to design the stencil and cutting it from Oracal 651 adhesive vinyl with the Silhouette Cameo 5, I created crisp, intricate, and detailed stencils that made the etching process a breeze. With a little help from Etchall etching creme, each piece transformed into a beautifully personalized set — perfect for gifting or adding a touch of class to your own home bar. Keep reading for a full supply list, a look at the step-by-step process, and plenty of inspiration photos of the finished project!

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The best part about this project is that it came together for less than $20! I found the perfect glassware and decanter set during a quick trip to Goodwill, and I couldn’t pass it up. It was a very successful shopping trip to Goodwill for glassware.

After a good cleaning, the glass pieces were like new and ready for a makeover. My husband had the idea to create our own custom etched decanter set, and it turned out even better than we imagined. It just goes to show — with a little creativity (and a great thrift store find!), you can create something beautiful, personal, and completely unique without spending a fortune.

Ready to make your own custom etched decanter set? Here’s a look at the supplies and tools I used to bring this project to life — from the thrifted glassware to the vinyl stencil and etching cream that made the magic happen!

Supplies Used for Custom Etched Decanter Set:

• Silhouette cutting machine
• Oracal 651 adhesive vinyl – scraps work great!
• AT65 transfer tape
• Painters Tape
• Etchall Etching Creme
• Craft stick
• Glassware – thrifted from Goodwill
  Purchase new at Maker Flo or Amazon
• Heat Gun (optional but handy)
• Disposable Gloves
• Paper Towels

Now that you’ve got your supplies ready, let’s take a look at how this custom etched decanter set came together! I snapped a few photos along the way to show each step — from creating the stencil in Silhouette Studio to applying the Etchall etching creme and revealing the final design.

I started by using a file I purchased on Etsy and then did some clean up on the file to make it more suitable for the glass etching project. I did not need all of the fine, intricate details of the original design at the size I was creating with. On the left is the original design I purchased, and on the right is the file I used for my stencil.

Creating a clean cutting stencil can take some test cut attempts just to make sure that the details you want will remain and you won’t have any cutting issues. I started with one stencil, adjusted my design a bit after seeing how it cut, and then cut the rest of the stencils I needed.

I used scraps of Oracal 651 adhesive vinyl for this project. Or if you have a color in your stash that isn’t your favorite, this is the perfect project for it!

I applied the stencils using AT65 Transfer Tape and then I highly recommend adding painters tape around the edges of your stencil design, especially on a curved object. Etching cream is awesome and can work super quick, especially if it gets onto a spot of the glassware that you do not want to be etched. It seems like those mistakes always seem to etch the fastest.

The next step I took is optional, but since I knew my stencils were detailed, I thought it was worth the extra step to apply a bit of heat to the adhesive vinyl and make sure it had a really good adhesion. I grabbed my Heat It Gun by Ranger and applied it for a few seconds all around. Be careful as hot glass looks like cold glass. I let it cool completely so the adhesive vinyl would be well stuck.

I really like this Heat Gun by Ranger as it has more of a direct heat towards your project and doesn’t blow the hot air out around as much. I know that sounds odd, but it’s one of those things that you don’t really “get” until you have used the tool. I used it in a class at Creativation 2025 and came home and bought myself one even though I have several embossing guns already in my tool box.

Here is a close up look at the etching cream as it sneaked off my stencil and why I highly recommend using the painters tape. With curved objects, it’s not always easy to simply make the stencil bigger. That can be more difficult to get a smooth application on the glass object, so the painters tape is a great way to help add an additional barrier.

I leave the etching cream on for 20 minutes and then this is IMPORTANT! Scrape off any excess etching cream and put it back in the bottle!!! It can be reused over and over again. I’ve had bottles of Etchall Etching Creme for many years, and it is still good to use, no matter what color it turns into.

Then I take a paper towel and wipe off any excess etching cream before rinsing it thoroughly in the sink.

They turned out FANTASTIC! And I was doing a happy dance. I do believe that taking the extra time to heat the adhesive vinyl and let it cool before applying the etching cream helped to seal the edges of the stencil to prevent any seepage of the etching cream and give it crisp, smooth lines.

The next step – put them to the test & enjoy our new custom decanter set.

For our project, we thought that Buffalo Trace fit it perfectly and filled the decanter well.
(*not sponsored or a promotion for Buffalo Trace – please enjoy responsibly)

Whether you’re creating a special gift or adding a custom touch to your own space, glass etching is a simple way to make something truly unforgettable. With your cutting machine, Oracal 651 vinyl, and a little Etchall etching creme, you can personalize glassware, mirrors, and so much more! I hope this project inspires you to give etching a try and see just how easy it is to get professional-looking results at home. Check out more information for even more creative ideas and tips to take your crafting to the next level HERE!

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Enjoy !

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