The V Spot

Rants, observations, and home decorating... from a woman with no time for a blog.


  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Home
    • Privacy Policy
  • All Blog Posts
  • Crafts
    • All projects
    • By Project
      • Accessories
      • Artwork
      • Before & After
      • Cheap & Easy
      • decor
      • Floral Design & Centerpieces
      • Furniture
      • garden & outdoors
      • Glass
      • no-sew
      • Upcycle – Recycle
      • Wreaths
    • By Season
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • By Materials
      • corks
      • epsom salt
      • fabric
      • Mod Podge
      • Paper
      • Spray Paint
      • Sticks
    • Round-Ups
  • Holidays
    • Halloween
      • Pumpkins
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • Mother’s Day
    • 4th of July
  • Food & Drink
    • All recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Side Dish
    • Main Dish
    • Desserts
    • Drinks & Wines
    • Tables & Decor
  • Real Life
    • Family
      • Grant
      • parenting
    • Tales To Tell
    • friends
    • Keepin’ It real
    • Tips & Tricks
      • cleaning
      • Health & Beauty
      • Let me help you
      • organization
    • Just Funny
      • No Mom wants to hear…
      • Exchange of the Day
      • Snarky
      • wacky strangers
      • Big Time Fail

Personalized Dishes – How to bring a casserole to a potluck… and not lose your pyrex.

March 21, 2011 88 Comments

I love to cook.
I’m happy to bring something (or a couple of somethings) to a potluck.
I am not happy when I don’t get my Pyrex back again…

There is no such thing as Dish Karma. If you lose one, another doesn’t show up as a random act of dish replacement. The Land of Lost Pyrex is right down the street from The Land of Single Socks.

I’m sure this is a no brainer for many people out there, but the best and easiest way to get your dish back is to mark your name on it.
Permanently.
Etched into the glass.

personalized pyrex dish

Glass etching cream can be purchased in any craft store.
First, you’ll need to make or use a stencil. (** Note, if you don’t have a Cricut or a stencil, I’ll show you how to do this without one at the end of this post.**)

Take your Cricut and set it to FLIP. You are going to want your letters to print backwards.

Take a sheet of contact paper and spell your name backwards. You are basically making a mirror image of your name.

Peel the letters off so that you are left with your stencil.

Take the stencil and center it on the bottom of your pyrex dish. When you flip it over, you should be able to read your name just fine.

Flip it back over and apply a thick layer of the glass etching cream.

Let it sit about 10 minutes or so.

Peel off the stencil and wash off the etching cream.

When it’s done, it should look like this.

Since it is on the bottom of the pan, you never have to worry about food getting stuck in there or anything like that.
Never lose another casserole/baking dish.

**Now, no Cricut or stencil? No worries.**

Hand write your name with a dark marker. Tape the paper into the dish you want to etch.

When you flip the dish upside down, you’ll see the outline of the name, backwards.

Using the backward letters as your guide, just free hand the etching cream onto the bottom of the dish. Let it sit, then wash it off.

You may find that the letters are etched a bit unevenly. No worries.

Dry the dish and brush on a little bit more of the cream in the areas you think you need it.

Viola! Not perfect, but it will help you to keep your dishes.

If you’re realllllly ambitious (which I’m not) you could make a stencil of a favorite recipe and etch it into the bottom of a dish. If you were ambitious. (But then again, that’s why there are recipe cards.)

Filed Under: Crafts, etched glass, Glass, Let me help you, organization, project du jour, tutorial

Comments

  1. Cherie@DragonfliezCreationz says

    March 21, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    very nice job.
    Now.. how do you keep your casserole dishes so clean πŸ˜‰

    Cherie

    Reply
  2. Deneen says

    March 21, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Great idea! Hey I am doing a giveaway….check it out!

    Reply
  3. kara@elements-interiors.net says

    March 21, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    OMGosh girlfriend!!! I have a Post sitting in “Draft” where I used this Etching cream!!! Im having a LOVE AFFAIR with this stuff…And that is NOT good because that stuff is EXPENSIVE!!! I LOVE your idea here, the use of it…mine is different…I LOVE THIS!!! SO DOING!

    I NEED one of those Printer thingys too! I see everyone using them and I LOVE it! Are they SUPER EXPENSIVE???

    love it pretty girl!

    xoxokara

    Reply
  4. Lisa says

    March 21, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    I just LOVE etching cream. I want to etch everything..lol I have a few pyrex dishes I am definitely going to mark my dishes with my ‘brand’ Nice job!

    Reply
  5. She Made It Crafts says

    March 21, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    Love this! thanks for such a practical tip!

    Reply
  6. Connie says

    March 21, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    This is a great idea!!

    How much do you change to print out my name and mail it to me?

    Reply
  7. Shawn says

    March 21, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Very cool, I didn’t know such stuff existed.

    You are too smart to be my friend and you leave me wondering what it is that I bring to the friendship table that makes you want to stick around…it has got to be my stunning beauty!

    Reply
  8. Xazmin says

    March 21, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    I love it! I have seen this a lot (here in Mormonville, we are experts at labeling potluck dishes!), but I have never done it. I love your tip on how to do it without a stencil too! I never would have thought of that! I might do it that way, just because I’m too lazy to use a cricut!

    Reply
  9. Lori E says

    March 21, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    This is a great idea. Would be good for dishes that go to work for lunches too.

    Reply
  10. craftycreative says

    March 21, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    This is a beyond awesome idea!! All the money saved on buying new Pyrex pans can be channeled into something more useful πŸ˜€

    Reply
  11. Lori E says

    March 21, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    I finally noticed you FB page too. I “liked” it from my own Facebook and my Blog’s Facebook pages. I don’t know if they will show up separately though.

    Reply
  12. Jayna Rae says

    March 21, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    You are one smart cookie.

    Reply
  13. High Street Cottage says

    March 21, 2011 at 11:28 PM

    Hi Viv, I have the honor of being your “linky neighbor” over at Coastal Charm, thank you for the awesome tip. I have used address labels in the past, sticking them to the bottom of a bowl etc. This is a marvy idea, have a wonderful week, xoxo tami

    Reply
  14. Keetha Broyles says

    March 21, 2011 at 11:34 PM

    That is beautiful! I’d like that just for decoration.

    Here’s how I make sure to keep all MY pyrex bakeware – – – I take MY casseroles to the potluck in a DISPOSABLE TINFOIL PAN!!!

    πŸ™‚

    Not very pretty – – – but very effective.

    Reply
  15. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    March 21, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    Great idea! Would be fun for gifts too:@)

    Reply
  16. MiMi says

    March 21, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    You. Are. A. Genius.
    I’m pretty sure you could fix the worlds’ problems if you were president. I’m voting for you in 12!!!

    Reply
  17. mama-face says

    March 21, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    I’m so excited I’m gonna pee my pants. I’VE DONE THIS!!! woo to the hoo.

    But, now I just take food in those disposable foil pans from the grocery store. Then I don’t have to remember, and neither do they.

    loves ya.

    Reply
  18. Faye says

    March 22, 2011 at 12:14 AM

    I had to take a look, the name looked familiar…that’s my maiden name! Great idea!
    Faye
    WildRoseVintage

    Reply
  19. mybelleepoque says

    March 22, 2011 at 1:16 AM

    This is so great! I will for sure have to try this!

    Reply
  20. Mamarazzi says

    March 22, 2011 at 1:31 AM

    Brilliant!! i cannot tell you how many dishes i have floating out there.

    Reply
  21. Jessica Lauren says

    March 22, 2011 at 2:34 AM

    what a smart idea! nice job!

    Reply
  22. Sarah, Three Boys says

    March 22, 2011 at 3:04 AM

    Your a genius! I love this idea:)

    Reply
  23. shortmama says

    March 22, 2011 at 3:23 AM

    Brilliant!

    Reply
  24. Happy Cottage Quilter says

    March 22, 2011 at 3:44 AM

    Wow this is a fabulous idea!! I never have heard of this product before, but you can be sure I will be on the look out for it! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  25. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    March 22, 2011 at 3:44 AM

    Thanks so much for sharing this neat idea…I so need to try this.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  26. Impulsive Addict says

    March 22, 2011 at 4:33 AM

    So because I’m white trash, I usually just take a sharpie and write my name on the dish. But I assure you that my handwriting is very neat.

    Will you still be my friend?

    Reply
  27. ...love Maegan says

    March 22, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    ummmmmm, that’s AMAZING!!! so smart! {and cute!}

    Reply
  28. Ashley (January's June) says

    March 22, 2011 at 7:08 AM

    What a great idea!!

    Reply
  29. Flour Me With Love says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    This is such a great idea, I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  30. Kristina says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Such a great idea! I’m always trying to hunt down my dishes…must try!
    Kristina J.

    Reply
  31. Cannary Family says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    This is so smart! I like method #2 and am going to go get me some of that etching cream! This would be great for my mom who takes food to weekly dominoes games…

    Reply
  32. Cranberry Morning says

    March 22, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    This is an excellent idea! Etching cream is now on my purchase list. Found you on Anything Related. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  33. Jenny from Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line says

    March 22, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    seriously brilliant!

    Reply
  34. Kelly @ JAX does design says

    March 22, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    What a great idea! It’s not only a great way to make sure you know which dish is yours, but it looks pretty cool too πŸ™‚

    Reply
  35. Mary says

    March 22, 2011 at 2:42 PM

    Wow. I really love this! I would like to invite you to post this at my link party Masterpiece Monday, at my blog, Boogieboard Cottage. Have a great week! Mary :O)

    Reply
  36. Holly says

    March 22, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    Brilliant! That’s a very cool idea. I haven’t tried the etching cream yet…looks like fun!

    Reply
  37. Jena @ Involving Color says

    March 22, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    Vivienne, this is such a great idea! I might have to try this. I’ve been having so much fun browsing around your blog. I’m a new follower.

    Reply
  38. drollgirl says

    March 22, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    well this is genius and it looks FAB!!!

    my sister and i are forever swapping tupperware containers when we get together. but we trust each other to get them back, or we know we can yell at each other if we don’t!

    Reply
  39. Becca says

    March 22, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    Brilliant!! This may be something I can do – maybe!

    And momma- you are moving into the land of famousdom!! Featured on many blogs ad look at all the comments!

    Woo-Whee!

    ~Becca

    Reply
  40. Liz @ Sugarplum Creations says

    March 22, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    Thank you for this! I am soooo bad about getting my Pyrex back, and that just makes me sad πŸ™

    Reply
  41. jennykate77 says

    March 22, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    FABULOUS idea!! I remember using that glass etching stuff in art class…never would have thought of that…that’s why I have you!

    Everytime I see your last name it makes me think of my town…Wagoner…just add an “O”.

    Reply
  42. Tammy @ Type A says

    March 23, 2011 at 12:07 AM

    that is pure genius! thanks so much for sharing this at my party!!

    Reply
  43. Kelly says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:30 AM

    I love this! I’d love if you linked this up to my very fist link party! http://runwithglitter.blogspot.com/2011/03/glitters-first-linky-party_22.html

    Reply
  44. Tabitha says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:47 AM

    Very cool! Thanks for showing it with and without a Cricut for those of us who don’t have one. πŸ˜€

    Reply
  45. Jenna @ Copy Cat Corner says

    March 23, 2011 at 4:05 AM

    I love this idea and it would be perfect for wedding gifts with a casserole recipe!!!

    Reply
  46. Ashley says

    March 23, 2011 at 4:15 AM

    it’s official! You are a genius! Every woman should do this, so amazing! Thanks for linking it up!

    Reply
  47. Jennifer says

    March 23, 2011 at 4:47 AM

    Love it! We have the opposite problem at our church….no one takes their dishes home!!!
    (Saw this on the Eisy Morgan linky!)

    Reply
  48. Myya says

    March 23, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    BRILLIANT! Miss V, You.Are.BRILLIANT!!

    Reply
  49. Jensamom23 says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    This is simple genius!

    Reply
  50. Heather says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    What a great idea! I also did this on the glass plates found at the dollar store and labeled a plate for each family member for Thanksgiving. After dinner we loaded up the plates with leftovers and everyone took them home!

    Reply
  51. Rachael @ The Little Birdie says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    BOTH so cute… and a great idea. My Grama always wrote her name in sharpie on the end of her pans, but this is a much prettier and (and permanent!) solution! Thanks for linking up at The Little Birdie! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  52. Krystyn says

    March 23, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    Holt cow…look at those comments.

    What a great idea!

    And, now I see you are setting up an etsy store? You are going to be a busy girl!

    Reply
  53. MeMeSue says

    March 23, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    I love this idea! I have used the etching cream years ago (for my wedding actually) on some champagne flutes and also Christmas ornaments. Going to give this one a go since my SIL loves to “steal” my containers!

    Reply
  54. Judy says

    March 23, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    What a smart idea. Thanks so much for sharing at my Swing into Spring party.

    Reply
  55. kpmattingly says

    March 23, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    I did this at Christmas time. Love how you ‘free hand’ version turned out too!

    Reply
  56. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:24 AM

    What a very creative idea. So so smart! Great tutorial, too. Thanks so much for sharing this at WUW.

    Reply
  57. Nicole says

    March 24, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    This is such a great idea! Thanks for including that idea for us non-cricut people! πŸ™‚ Thanks for linking up to Thrifty Thursday….you have such wonderful projects!

    Reply
  58. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    March 24, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    LOVE this idea, and I think it is so great that you included an option for readers who don’t own a Cricut or a Silhouette! I have an etched glass pie plate, but I’m not crazy about the design. I think I need to save up for some etching cream—cause it’s expensive. πŸ˜‰

    Thanks so much for joining my Crafty Cutter party. πŸ™‚ Have fun finding some crafty inspiration, and I hope you’ll visit me at Serenity Now again soon. πŸ™‚ I have a new Silhouette project up today! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  59. Suzanne says

    March 24, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    What a wonderful idea! And so easy!! I can’t wait to try this.

    Reply
  60. At The Picket Fence says

    March 25, 2011 at 3:57 AM

    What a great idea! I have a pie plate that recently disappeared into never never land and this would definitely have helped! Thanks so much for linking this up to Inspiration Friday this week!
    Vanessa

    Reply
  61. alison says

    March 25, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    you.are.brilliant….why did i never think of this myself? thanks so much for sharing this idea on fridays unfolded…off to buy some etching medium…

    blessings,

    alison
    stuff and nonsense

    Reply
  62. BigBearswife says

    March 25, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    looks great! i love the way etched glass looks!

    Reply
  63. Lindsey @ Inspiring Creations says

    March 25, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    I was actually given one of these for a wedding gift and I use it all the time! Thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
  64. The Grown-Ups Table says

    March 25, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    Smart smart smart! Now if only I could etch onto socks lol! I have everything to do this project! Thanks so much, your newest follower!

    Reply
  65. Sommer says

    March 25, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    Dang girl how do you manage to come up with such great stuff and make it into the first slot at the party each week? LOL. This is awesome! I’m pretty sure I’ll be etching all my glassware now lol. Thanks for linking up Viv, you’re the best!

    Reply
  66. Danielle says

    March 25, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    Great idea!

    Blog hopping! I’m your new follower and would love a follow back! http://www.adeliciousobsession.com Thanks!

    Reply
  67. Faith, Trust, and a Little Pixie Dust says

    March 25, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    I was given one of these dishes (already etched with my name) & I LOVE it! It was great to read your clear tutorial on how to do it myself. Thanks for sharing.

    Warmly, Michelle

    Reply
  68. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    March 25, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    What a super fantastic idea V !! LOVE this!! I love things that are monogrammed… etching your name into your casserole dish is ingenious! Thanks for the tutorial and for sharing at Feathered Nest Friday! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  69. Sue@creativetryals.blogspot.com says

    March 26, 2011 at 1:00 AM

    Brilliant – much fancier than an address label.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Found you on tater tots…

    Reply
  70. Robin says

    March 26, 2011 at 2:25 AM

    WOW! This is a fantastic idea! This could be a great gift idea, too! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  71. tale of many cities says

    March 26, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    such a great idea!

    Reply
  72. vldecker says

    March 26, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    Love this idea! I don’t do many potlucks, but it still is pretty cool.

    Reply
  73. kara@elements-interiors.net says

    March 26, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    Girl…You KNOW I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE this! Im DOING IT!

    Thank you for linking this up to WHASSUP WEDNESDAY!

    Hope to see you next Wednesday:)

    xoxokara

    Reply
  74. Allison {A Glimpse Inside} says

    March 27, 2011 at 1:52 AM

    They look great! Awesome idea! Thanks for linking up to my Catch a Glimpse party!

    Reply
  75. Katrina says

    March 27, 2011 at 2:33 AM

    I really like this! I’m going to be “saving” this and hopefully doing this in the near future! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  76. Twins Squared says

    March 27, 2011 at 4:04 AM

    What an awesome idea! I just ordered a Sillhouette. This will surely be one of my first projects when it arrives.

    Reply
  77. Beverly @ FlamingoToes.com says

    March 27, 2011 at 5:44 AM

    These are so fun!! I really need to try and etch something!! πŸ™‚
    Thanks so much for linking this up to Think Pink Sundays!!

    Reply
  78. Kim @ It's a Crafty Life says

    March 27, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    Fabulous idea!

    Reply
  79. Bec@littlelucylu says

    March 27, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Great idea!
    I’m your newest follower! πŸ™‚
    Bec

    Reply
  80. Jenni says

    March 28, 2011 at 3:23 AM

    that is an awesome idea!!!! won’t ever leave a party without my dish again!!!!

    Reply
  81. Shandra Lenae says

    March 28, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    Oh, this is great! As if I didn’t need another great reason to buy myself a Cricut! I can’t wait to use this idea, Thanks!

    TheFamilyThatPlaysTogether.com

    Reply
  82. MessyMissy says

    March 28, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Fantastic idea. I’m afraid I’m in the no-cricut crowd….thanks for the alternative!!

    Reply
  83. gail@myrepurposedlife.net says

    March 29, 2011 at 2:23 AM

    I did this for my daughter jamie a couple of years ago for Christmas, I sort of hinted to her before hand and she asked me to put “jamie” not our last name… I guess she knew she’d be getting married soon and didn’t want her maiden name on it. lol
    great job!
    gail

    Reply
  84. Stephanie Coppedge says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:52 AM

    What Cricut Cartridge did you use for the first one?

    Reply
  85. Jodie says

    March 30, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    What a fantastic idea! Thanks for the tutorial

    Warm Wishes,
    Jodie

    Reply
  86. Laurie@The Baking Bookworm says

    April 4, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    What a great idea! I’m forever worrying that I’ll forget to get my pyrex back from other people. You could even use this idea just to pretty-up your dishes too! Thanks for the idea!

    Reply
  87. Bernadette @agirlandherhome says

    April 9, 2011 at 2:29 AM

    Such a great idea..much beter than a Sharpie!

    thanks,

    Bernadette @ agirlandherhome.blogspot.com

    Reply
  88. Carmina says

    April 22, 2011 at 1:37 AM

    Quick question, do you have any problems with the etching after it’s been in the oven?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

you might also like:

Upcycle an old bottle to make a dish soap dispenser.
Personalize wine glasses with glass etching cream

Upcycle – Recycle project: Turn a wine bottle into an etched water carafe.
How to use an indoor chandelier outside.

Easy tips on how to dry hydrangeas.
Drying Hydrangeas. It’s so easy.
bottle, craft, projects, upcycle, recycle,
DIY wine bottle crafts.

A quick and easy DIY mat and frame project. (No tools. You just need tape!)
How to make your own DIY jar candles (using recycled jars and candle wax)

Make an easy scrap paper Christmas tree.
Tree Bark Candle Holders: An easy DIY project

Recent Posts

  • Spooky porch decor and a Halloween Chair.
  • DIY Plaid Wine Glasses
  • Easy Sand-N-Sea Flower Pots
  • How to use an indoor chandelier outside.
  • Quesadillas made with slow cooker Carnitas. (Pork in a crock pot… nothing is easier.)
  • No Sew Project: How to recover your outdoor cushions using fabric and a glue gun.
  • Upcycle project: plain flower pot into decorative ceramic planter.
  • An easy Valentine’s Day globe.
  • Simple, winter themed decor. (Using what you already have, of course.)
  • Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer Recipe

Amazon Associates Disclosure

Vivienne Wagner is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Popular Posts

  • Cleaning Stove Burners & Grates using Ammonia (The best...
    Comments (631) | Jul 07, 2011
  • Easy Dessert Recipe: Oreo Cheesecake Bites
    Comments (64) | Mar 04, 2014
  • How to store fresh produce – From A to Zucchini.
    Comments (111) | Jan 25, 2012
  • No Sew Project: How to recover your outdoor cushions using f...
    Comments (109) | Mar 03, 2018
  • DIY wine bottle crafts.
    Comments (10) | Aug 22, 2013
Privacy

Copyright © 2023 The V Spot Β· Website by Houndstooth Media Group