Glass Etching - Casserole Dishes

As part of my newest gift idea, I have etched the new names of the brides to be on the side of a glass casserole dish. This is the practice one I made for myself.

It's super easy but looks very customized.

First you print the name or word you want etched on your computer, best to use sans serif fonts, less to cut around.

Tape the printout to the inside of the dish.

Apply clear contact paper on the outside of the dish.

Use craft knife to trace around word or image through the contact paper. Peel positive image off leaving the negative.

Apply Armour glass etching cream, available at craft stores, with a foam brush on top of cut out letters, careful not to get any on you, it's toxic.

Let sit for 5-10 minutes as directed.

Wash off in sink. Remove contact paper and taped paper.

Wash and rinse well and you're done!

Casserole Carriers

My newest thing, or the thing I was into making last, was casserole carriers. If you're like me, someone asks you to bring some food item at least twice a month, and sometimes it can be difficult to hold or carry in the car. I looked around on the internet quite a bit for something very functional and cute, that I could make. I finally found a pattern and bought it.

It makes an oblong carrier like the ones I've made plus a round one for smaller dishes. The oblong carrier works best for smaller rectangular dishes like a 2 quart dish, a 3 quart dish is a squeeze, and you really can't be squeezing a hot dish into the carrier, not convenient. So I think I will modify the pattern to accommodate the larger dish with a lid, comfortably. If I figure out how to create a pdf of the pattern I'll post it, because I have modified a few other aspects, like handle length. I have also used upcycled bedsheets instead of fabric from the store, it makes the materials very reasonable and then the gift is in the labor of quilting and assembling.

Here is another one I did, tied with a buffet spoon, if was a big hit for bridal showers.

Plastic Bag Dryer DIY

On Apartment Therapy I saw a plastic bag dryer, but it was $20, and I thought that was a great idea but I could spend my money on better things. Then they recomended this DIY version. Put rice or beans in a jar, insert bamboo skewers and voila! This one sits by my sink now and my bags dry faster. Thanks AT.

Koonji and Making Cookie Cutters

I don't know how Koonji is different than WikkiHow, both I just learned about today, but this is kind of a cool way to make your own cookie cutters from these Koonji people. I can't imagine what cookie cutter shapes I need that I don't already have or can't buy, except maybe Dane Cook's Superfinger.