Personalize Your Summer Entertaining with Dremel Rotary Tools

It’s hard to pick a favorite from the Dremel rotary tool line up. But we’re loving the 8240 for its power, portability, and versatility.

With this tool, you can unlock every Dremel rotary accessory and attachment from drilling, engraving, grinding and more. This material master makes functional at-home projects a breeze.

Not sure where to start? We recommend using the Dremel Stylo+ or attaching the Dremel FlexShaft to your existing Dremel rotary tool for the best engraving or etching results.

Tools

• FlexShaft
• Stylo+
• Dremel 108 engraving bit

Materials

• Empty glass
• Your favorite stencils
• Wicker basket
• Paint of your choice
• Paint seal
• Terracota pots
• Paint of your choice

Utilities

• Safety glasses
• Dust mask

Enjoy your favorite summer sips from a personalized glass—with the right Dremel tool and a little bit of practice, transforming plain glassware into custom pieces is a (summer) breeze.

Select Your Piece and Pattern

Begin by choosing the glassware you want to customize! Don’t feel like these pieces need to match! We love seeing a mix of thrifted glasses to create something truly unique. Next, select the pattern you’d like to etch. Summer florals, beach motifs, and geometric patterns are all fitting for the season.

Prepare Your Workspace

Work in a well-ventilated area and lay down protective materials on your work surface. Ensure the glass is clean and dry before you start etching. Make sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask during the process.

Time to Etch

Attach one of the many engraving and etching accessories Dremel has to offer to your rotary tool (we recommend a thin tip for intricate designs) and mark the starting point of your pattern with a small dot. Use a steady hand to trace the design, applying light pressure for a fine finish. Once you're satisfied with the etching, clean off any glass dust, and give your glasses a good wash before use.

The classic wicker picnic basket is an icon of summer outings. Turn yours into a vibrant statement piece using Dremel engraving tools. A personalized picnic basket not only reflects your style but also makes it easy to spot.

Add Creativity with Color

Before engraving, consider giving your picnic basket lid a fresh coat of paint. Choose a color that complements the season — we’re loving emerald green this. This step will not only add character but also contrast for your engraving.

Engrave Your Basket

With the Dremel FlexShaft attachment, you can engrave more intricate designs with ease. Think about etching a tropical pattern, your family name, or a beach scene. Try using the Dremel 108 engraving bit to get the look above.

Seal the Design

Once the engraving is complete, consider sealing the design with a clear coat or varnish for durability. Not only will this protect your artwork, but it'll also make the color pop.

Personalize your planters using Dremel tools to create memorable centerpieces or take-home gifts for your guests.

Prep and Prime Your Planters

Start with clean, dry terracotta pots. From there, select a color or summer palette combination to either paint a coat of acrylic primer can help the paint adhere better, plus it creates the perfect base for vibrant colors.

Choose a Design

Is your event tropical or traditional? The theme will dictate the colors and designs you choose for your planters. Consider bright summer hues like coral, turquoise, and lime green for tropical events or more subdued, pastel tones for a classic gathering.

Personalize Your Pot

With your Dremel tool, etch geometric designs, monograms, or even the name of the plant that will make its home in the pot. Then, use acrylic paints to add the finishing touches. After the paint has dried, you can opt to seal the design with a waterproof sealant.

With these projects as your guide, you will host an event that is uniquely yours and undeniably memorable. Happy crafting, and here’s to a summer filled with celebrations that shine as bright as the season itself.