Etching is easy

I don't think I've seen any blogs on etching & thought I'd share....it is a fast, inexpensive & easy metamorphosis for glass beads in their original, shiny state to a gorgeous matte finish that resists finger prints.  Start with beads that are shiny like this, then....

Put them in a small jar or tupperware container & pour etchall over the beads.  Stir once or twice during a 15-20 minute soak in the etchall.  Please be careful, this is acid and can burn your skin if not washed off immediately.  And pay attention to the manufacturer's guidelines to not ingest, this is toxic.  Now, in spite of these scary warnings, I have safely used this product for years with great results.  Be safe in your handlings as you pour the etchall out of the original container over the beads, stirring the beads for all-over coverage/etching and then pour the acid back into the original container because it can be re-used over & over & over.  And over.  Then thoroughly rinse your beads and dry.

Then the matte finish magically encompasses your beads, transforming them into new & different beads.  A great solution if you've grown tired of their appearance, don't love them as much as you thought you would or just want a fingerprint-free finish.  Voila.  Your shiny beads are now given new life with a more organic appearance, transforming the above beads into these new beauties.
Or transparent glass beads into beads that look like glass that has been tumbled for decades in the ocean....

You can buy the etchall online, but I have no problem finding it in my local craft stores (think Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's or Michael's) for the same price & no shipping charges.  Just another excuse to go buy more craft supplies :)

You don't have to thank me now.  Shoo.  Go.  Shop victoriously.  Buy yourself some etchall & etch some of those orphan beads that have been sitting in your bead box giving you dirty looks for not using them yet.