Handmade Wedding Favors

How to Make Stenciled Wedding Favors

After attending numerous weddings I noticed many wedding favors that are given are glass with the name of bride and groom printed onto the glass, whether it were shot glasses or glass votives. The lettering does not appear to be engraved into the glass but more so printed on somehow.

How are they doing this?

I would love to make my sister favors for her wedding, but am lost on how they print on glass. Please e-mail me back if you have any information. I am not looking to have them customized by someone else. I actually want to do it myself.

Thanks,

Jennifer

The printed glass wedding favors you have seen are probably printed by machine and heat-cured, but you can do-it-yourself and add a really personal touch.

You have several options as far as technique goes. You can paint the names freehand; paint them using stencils; or print them onto decal paper which you then transfer to the glass.

Paint Freehand

Delta Air-Dry PermEnamel Paint is the only air-dry paint that bonds to glass (or ceramic) for a lasting and durable (dishwasher/oven/microwave-safe) finish.

You can either paint the bride and groom's names by hand or use a stencil for a more uniform look.

Paint with Stencils

Read how to make your own stencil.

Use stencil adhesive to adhere the stencil to glass and prevent paint from seeping under it.

Use a stencil brush to apply the paint. Let paint dry before peeling off the stencil.

Repeat the process for each wedding favor.

If you decide to use SCM Engraving's adhesive stencil sheets described in the article on making your own stencils, I recommend you print multiple stencils and use a single layer.

Since the SCM sheets are peel and stick, you won't need the stencil adhesive. As well, you will be able to paint all your favors at one time without waiting for each one to dry so you can remove and reuse a single stencil.

You can probably fit eight or ten individual stencils onto an 8 ½ by 11 SCM stencil sheet.

Make Your Own Decals

With Lazertran Waterslide Decal Paper, you can make your own decals using your computer and inkjet printer.

Type the bride and groom's names in an attractive font. Again, you will be able to fit multiple copies on a sheet.

Print your decals laying down as little ink as possible (draft or fast mode on most printers). Set aside to dry for thirty minutes.

Soak the decal in water for about one minute. Apply a coat of craft glue or gum to the surface you wish to decorate. Slide the decal off the backing sheet and apply onto the wet gum or craft glue. Remove any air bubbles and allow to dry.

You will need to seal the decal with an oil-based brush-on clear varnish for two reasons.

The unprinted part of the decal will appear an eggshell color. The varnish will make these portions clear. In addition, the varnish will seal the decal in place for durability. At least two coats are recommended.