• Transform plain, simple glassware into something more special.grey glass pitcher and glass and water image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Whether you purchase plain glassware for a specific craft project or recycle household glass items, the options for decorating and embellishing glassware are virtually limitless. Etching paste, which creates a frosted finish, and glass paints are widely available in craft stores, and with some simple techniques almost anyone can use them to create one-of-a-kind items. Make an entire set of glassware for yourself, or design a few matching glasses as a creative, homemade gift.
  
  

Monogrammed Glasses

• A monogram is a classic, unfussy design that is usually simple enough to etch into a glass. A pair of matching or his-and-her monogrammed wine glasses, beer mugs or tumblers makes a thoughtful and unusual gift idea. After purchasing plain glasses of your choice and a tube of etching paste, find a suitable monogram in your word-processing program. Resize the monogram so that it is the finished size you desire and print it out. There are several ways to transfer the design to the glasses. Either cut the monogram out of the paper with a craft knife and tape it to the outside of the glass as a template, or tape the printed version to the inside of the glass and follow its outline freehand. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the etching paste. For an alternative design, paint the etching paste all over the glass, leaving the monogram shiny.
  
  

Measuring Jug

• Measuring jugs are generally boring and merely functional, but it is possible to create your own decorative measuring jug from any kind of glassware you like. Instead of a regular jug, consider a tall pitcher or simple vase instead. You can also use your own choice of units and increments of measurements. For accuracy, you need to start with a store-bought measuring jug. Fill the jug with water up to the first increment you want to use, such as 1/4 cup or 5 ounces. Transfer the water from the measuring jug into your glass one. Positioning yourself at eye level with the water, mark the exact water level by sticking painter’s tape around the circumference. Apply a second length of tape around the jug above this one so that there is a narrow gap between the two strips of tape. This is your guideline for painting or etching the water level around the glass. Either paint a ring all the way around or just a section of it to create a line. When this is dry, remove the tape and repeat with your next increment, measuring the water in the same manner. When you have drawn all your lines, paint the numbers and units on the glass. For a fun gift, find a recipe for a friend’s favorite cocktail and mark the necessary measurements of each ingredient on the side of a drinking glass.
  
  

Glass Jar Lanterns

• Save some empty glass jars from your recycling bin and use them to create pretty painted lanterns. Remove any labels from the jars and wash them thoroughly. You can paint any design you like on the outside of them, but use a glass paint with a transparent finish so that candlelight shines through. You could use painter’s tape to mark geometric shapes or stripes, or use black contour paste for outlines to create a stained-glass effect. Use jewelry wire to create simple handles for your glass lanterns; simply wind the wire around the neck of the jar a few times, form a loop over the top from one side to the other, then wrap the other end around the neck. Place a tea light or other small candle inside.