etched in kind…
March 22, 2011
I’ve been itching to etch lately. Years ago, one Christmas I was super pregnant with Jack, living in our first real house and at the peak of homemaker bliss. We were so tight on funds so it was a handmade holiday. I discovered etching glass and promptly personalized beer mugs for all the men in my life. They were a hit but I haven’t etched since.
The idea popped back in my mind when we started the Swearing is Caring project. I thought the swear jar needed something special so we made a “Kindness Changes Everything” jar today. All you need is a jar, some letter stickers (lots can be found in the scrapbook section), and some etching cream. I made a few more because it’s hard to stop once you get started.
A few tips:
1. Make sure the stickers are smooth and press down firmly so the cream doesn’t wander.
2. Leave the cream on longer than the bottle says, I usually wait twice as long.
3. Try to brush on the cream as evenly as possible, and use a good amount.
4. Simply wipe off the cream with a paper towel, then rinse with water and peel stickers off.
Besides the kindness changes everything jar, I made a LOVE jar with little strips of love inside. I placed the jar at a local park with a little tag that says, “Take all you need.” It was a spin off from a flyer I saw online (so wish I could remember where so I could credit this lovely idea). Some times even a little strip of paper (or 50 strips) can remind you that you are indeed loved.
The JOY jar was for me and filled with chocolate as I’m sure most of the little joys in my everyday life have included the divine confectionary. It’s nice to include yourself in the crafty goodness every now and then.
Can’t wait to see if the love is gone tomorrow…and find out where we can spread some more.
Kindnessgirl 
March 22, 2011 at 10:49 pm
This is as funny as it is informative. Looks like we’re gonna git some etch cream out ‘n give etchin’ a try. Thanks!
March 27, 2011 at 9:13 am
do it!! 😉
March 23, 2011 at 5:35 pm
So simple and lovely! I think this is a craft even I could do… 🙂 You and your family continue to inspire me! xox
March 27, 2011 at 9:14 am
yes, it’s super easy…and feels very crafty hip, not crafty junky. kwim?
March 24, 2011 at 12:28 am
I love all these little pieces of inspiration. You make me believe in the goodness of the world. 🙂
March 24, 2011 at 8:50 am
LOVE it!!! I have girlie poos with nothing to do on a Friday night…looks like we’ve got a project!!!
SO adorable…thanks for the idea!
March 27, 2011 at 9:14 am
gotta call you girl! got my lesson done…
March 29, 2011 at 10:38 pm
No worries…I’m still thinking… 🙂 I just need to process it with you!
Anyway…wanted to tell you that we etched…but yours are FAR cuter than ours turned out to be. You are so right…leave the junk on there for a lONG time…next time…right? 🙂 Talk to you soon…I may still need a day or two!
March 25, 2011 at 5:13 pm
This is so sweet! Wouldn’t it be awesome to leave the love jars in random places for people to pick from. Especially in places people go who may really need some love when they are there. Or kindness changes everything jars left in random places with random act ideas inside for people to pull out and try to implement.
Wow, you are so inspiring!
March 27, 2011 at 9:15 am
i’m totally hooked on this idea, we must talk!!! i think carytown kindness is calling us…
March 27, 2011 at 6:54 pm
I was thinking about it again today! I can’t get it out of my brain :)…
soo much fun!
March 29, 2011 at 10:39 pm
LOVE this idea!!! 🙂